for first use-take rice water and pour at your new pot. let it boil with lid. let it cool . rinse with water (no soap). then start cook rice. if your pot starts to smell after several use, you can add water and Pandan leaves and boil. hope it helps. i have different clay pot for different use. .Eg 1 pot solely for plain rice. and another pot for curry and the other for medicinal herbs. Because the smell will influence one another.