Proper care is essential to extend the lifespan of cutlery and maintain its cleanliness and appearance. Following a few simple steps can help keep your cutlery in excellent condition and extend their life.
Preventing Stains on Cutlery
Cutlery should not be left with food residue for extended periods after use. It’s important to either wash or rinse it promptly, as prolonged exposure to certain foods — such as salt, eggs, acidic fruits, and vinegars — can lead to discolouration or stains. Grease, fats, or meat juices, especially when hot, may cause tough rainbow-like stains on stainless steel. These marks are not indicative of a defect and can usually be removed, leaving the cutlery looking as good as new.
Cleaning Cutlery
When washing cutlery in a dishwasher, place knives with their blades pointing downward in a separate compartment from forks and spoons. Sort cutlery by type: for example, separate dessert forks from tablespoons to avoid fork prongs scratching surfaces.
To protect cutlery, avoid using the rinse-and-hold cycle and dry the cutlery with a soft cloth immediately after the cleaning cycle ends. Malta’s hard water may result in calcium deposits, while frequent dishwasher use or certain foods can cause tarnishing. Lemon juice, vinegar, or stainless steel cleaners can effectively remove such stains. Any rust or corrosion marks are typically due to dishwasher issues or misuse, not poor quality.
Preventing Scratches on Cutlery
Dishwashers can cause scratching on knife blades due to mechanical movement and residual salt on the surface. To avoid this, handwashing knife blades with soapy water is recommended. Discolouration, such as rainbow-like patterns, can occur when detergents dry on cutlery, often as a result of dishwasher rinsing problems. To prevent condensation-related issues, open the dishwasher door immediately after the cycle finishes.
Handwashing and Polishing Cutlery
When handwashing cutlery, use a mild liquid detergent and warm water, ensuring it is thoroughly dried with a soft cloth afterward. Avoid soaking cutlery overnight, as substances like salt, vinegar, certain food acids, bleach, and harsh detergents can damage the cutlery if not rinsed promptly. Even mineral deposits in tap water can cause staining. Be cautious with citrus-scented detergents, as they may accelerate corrosion.
Polishing Tips
To maintain the shine of stainless steel cutlery, regular polishing is key. Also, avoid placing stainless steel and silver-plated cutlery together in a dishwasher basket, as this can cause corrosion of the steel.
By following these tips, your stainless steel cutlery will remain shiny, durable, and elegant for your guests.
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