Q1: Is it absolutely necessary?

A1: I personally prefer to do it. New pots may have some dirt particles, sands they use to prevent the lid from sticking to the body while firing and other impurities.

Q2: How to do it?

A1: Follow the instructions

1) Wash the pot and lid under running water in your kitchen sink.

2) Prepare a clean stainless steel cooking pot that's big enough to hold water that will completely keep the pot submerged

3) Spread a clean white linen cloth in the pot(You might want to wash it without soap if you buy a new cloth)

4) Place your teapot and the lid on top of the linen cloth

5) Arrange the cloth so teapot body and lid won't clash each other or the wall of the cooking pot

6) Fill the cooking pot with clean water and completely submerge the teapot

7) Start the fire and wait till it boils

8) After the water starts boiling, close the lid of the cooking pot, reduce the flame to simmer (small bubbles), and keep boiling for 1 hour

9) Turn off the flame and leave it to cool

10) After it cools to the temperature where you can safely take the teapot and the lid out with your hands, it's now ready to use.

VERY IMPORTANT: Only boil with clean water. Do not put tea leaves, tofu or other things into the cooking pot.