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Matka Benefits

: How To Season And Maintain Your Clay Pot For Traditional Cooling

Matka Benefits: Why Clay Pot Water Works In Summer

There is a simple, scientific reason why clay pot water works in summer — evaporation. 

The matka or clay pot has microscopic pores on its body. These pores allow water to seep to the outer surface, where it evaporates. This process requires heat, which it takes from the water inside the pot. As heat escapes with the vapour, the remaining water cools down. In hot, dry weather, evaporation occurs faster, resulting in cooler water. It also ensures the water remains at an even, cool temperature. Water in a clay pot typically takes about 2 to 3 hours to begin cooling and reaches an ideal, refreshing temperature within 4 to 5 hours.

Here are some other matka benefits to keep in mind: 

• Natural Process: This method requires no electricity, making it an eco-friendly and natural way to store water in hot weather. It comes in especially handy in regions and areas where electricity is inconsistent or absent. 

• Health Benefits: Provides a slightly alkaline, mineral-rich (beneficial minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, iron, and magnesium), and gentle-on-the-throat alternative to refrigerated water. The alkaline nature of clay neutralises the acidity of water, which helps boost metabolism and improve digestion.

• Improved Taste: Imparts a natural, earthy flavour to natural water.

• Chemical-Free & Sustainable: Unlike storing water in plastic bottles within a fridge, clay pots are non-toxic, eco-friendly, and avoid leaching harmful chemicals like BPA.

Traditional Cooling: How To Season A Matka?

You read about the matka benefits and got yourself a brand new matka? Well, before you can enjoy clay pot water for the summer, you need to season your matka. 

What’s seasoning a matka? There’s no spice or “tadka” involved here. Seasoning is simply the process of preparing a new clay pot for water storage by soaking, washing, and cleaning it to remove raw mud taste, enhance durability, and fix microscopic leaks.

How to season a matka?

• Step 1: Soak the matka in water for 24 hours. This strengthens the clay and prevents cracking.

• Step 2: Scrub the pot thoroughly inside and out using only water and a sturdy scrubber (like a coconut husk or plastic scrubber). Do not use soap or detergent, as the porous clay will absorb it and impact the water. 

• Step 3: If you think the earthen pot has a raw, muddy odour, fill it with rice-washed water (or water with a little starch). Let it stand for 1-2 days to remove the earthy odour, then dry thoroughly in sunlight. 

• Step 4: You can rub the inside with a tiny amount of oil (optional) or simply ensure it is well-dried. Once thoroughly dry, it is ready for water. 

Important: Never use detergent to wash your matka; use soapnuts or gentle scrubbing.

Traditional Cooling: How To Maintain Your Matka?

Cleaning and maintaining your matka is less about expensive tools and more about following a basic hygiene routine. To make sure you can enjoy matka benefits for a continuous period, follow these steps: 

• Daily Cleaning: Empty the pot daily to prevent algae or bacterial buildup, especially during summer. Rinse it with fresh water and refill.

• Deep Cleaning (Weekly/Monthly): Scrub the inside and outside with a soft brush or coconut husk. Use salt, vinegar, or baking soda to remove odour and bacteria. Never use chemical soap.

• Optimal Cooling: Place the matka on a sand-filled tray or a stand. Wrap a wet cloth around it to boost the cooling effect.

• Storage: Keep the matka covered with a lid to prevent dust or insects from entering. Also, place the pot on a wooden or steel stand for better stability and airflow.

• Shelf life: A matka can be used for water for 1 to 3 years with proper care. But the water inside should be emptied and replaced every 24 to 48 hours to ensure freshness.

• Replacement: Replace the matka if you observe cracks, chips, or a significant decrease in the water cooling effects. 

Important: A functioning matka should feel damp on the outside; if it is completely dry while filled with water, the pores are blocked by mineral buildup, algae, or grime. Alternatively, while  "good" matka sweats to cool water, if it drips excessively or leaks from the base, it has lost its integrity. 

Clay Pot Water vs Refrigerated Water

Clay pot (matka) water is generally considered healthier and better for the body than fridge water, as it provides natural, gentle cooling (around 14–16°C), improves metabolism, and adds essential minerals like calcium and magnesium. Unlike fridge water, it is not harsh on the throat and avoids chemical leaching from plastic bottles. 

Here’s a quick look at how the two types compare: 

Traditional Hydration Tips For Summer 

Matka has endured changing trends because it is a practical, useful tool – especially for the harsh Indian summer. It’s one of those traditional hydration tips that are based in both science and culture. So go, gorge on clay pot water and enjoy the benefits of traditional cooling!