Well, I decided to undertake a general cleaning of some of my more
forgotten Yixing. Since moving, about two years ago, a number of my
teapots found a new home on a shelf in the kitchen near the stove. I
have been working on either building or buying a storage/display case
for all of my teapots but it finds its way to the lower priority list
every time... So anyhow, I can see a slight coating of most likely
grease and dust from cooking and sitting in the open. It is just on
the tops/lids and not terrible or pronounced.

I have used baking soda and a toothbrush before to do some minor spot
cleaning, but I'm not sure what my best plan of attack is on these. I
want to fully clean them both inside and out. I know of people using
vinegar, but I have never done it. I figure some gentle cleaning with
something that cuts grease/oil on the outside and a basic baking soda
cleaning all over, and then boil them as if seasoning a new pot.

My question is what to use for the grease/oil cutting, and if anyone
has any tricks or suggestions that I am unaware of. They have just
been soaking in hot water for a couple hours so far, and I tried a
gentle wiping with a towel but it isn't doing it.

Thanks all,
- Dominic