Most manufactures will advise against placing cutlery in the dishwasher for cleaning. This is because it can lead to a dull finish, water spots or mineral deposits. The problem is that most of us don’t really care because it’s so much easier, and less time consuming. Washing by hand will take longer and it will require more effort, but it should be done periodically at least in order to keep your silverware looking its best, and ensure it lasts a long time.
When manually cleaning, you can be sure the job is thorough, and you can also prevent damage, avoid over-washing or guarantee dryness. A regular routine will keep things sparkling, but extra scrubbing or polishing may be necessary from time to time as well. Follow the steps below to maintain stainless steel cutlery and utensils properly, and then keep reading to learn about a product that can save you time, while also providing a hand-cleaned result.
What Are Stainless Steel Cutlery and Utensils
Stainless steel cutlery and utensils are kitchen tools and flatware made from stainless steel, a type of metal alloy known for its durability, resistance to corrosion, and attractive appearance. In order to make stainless steel cutlery, companies take an iron alloy that has at least ten percent chromium. This results in a strong and durable metal that resists bending and warping.
Stainless steel is known for it’s stain resistance, but it does have the ability to dull over time or show fingerprints and smudges with use. Most of us have forks, spoons, knives and other “silverware” in the drawer that’s made from stainless steel, but many other larger knives and utensils are also made from the same material. There is a range in quality and mixtures available, but caring for any similar knife or utensil will be pretty much the same.
Stainless steel is a popular choice for cutlery and utensils due to its numerous beneficial properties. Here’s a brief overview:
Composition: Stainless steel is primarily composed of iron, with varying amounts of chromium, nickel, and other elements. The addition of chromium is crucial, as it forms a protective layer of chromium oxide on the surface of the steel, preventing it from rusting or staining.
Key Characteristics of Stainless Steel Cutlery and Utensils:
- Corrosion Resistance: Stainless steel resists rust and corrosion, making it ideal for use in kitchens where utensils are often exposed to moisture.
- Durability: Stainless steel is known for its strength and resistance to wear and tear, ensuring that cutlery and utensils maintain their shape and functionality over time.
- Hygienic: Stainless steel is non-porous and easy to clean, making it a hygienic choice for kitchen tools.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Stainless steel has a sleek and modern appearance that works well in a variety of kitchen settings. It’s often used for both everyday and formal dining.
- Heat Resistance: Stainless steel utensils can withstand high temperatures, which is useful for cooking and serving hot dishes.
- Low Maintenance: Stainless steel cutlery and utensils are relatively low maintenance and don’t require special treatment or polishing to maintain their appearance.
Types of Stainless Steel Cutlery and Utensils:
- Flatware: Stainless steel is commonly used for flatware, including knives, forks, spoons, and specialty utensils such as butter knives and seafood forks.
- Cooking Utensils: Stainless steel is also popular for cooking utensils like spatulas, tongs, ladles, and whisks due to its heat resistance and durability.
- Cutlery Sets: Many households use stainless steel cutlery sets that include a range of knives for various purposes, from paring knives to chef’s knives.
- Specialty Utensils: Some specialized kitchen tools, such as pizza cutters, cheese slicers, and can openers, are often made from stainless steel.
Stainless steel cutlery and utensils are valued for their combination of functionality, aesthetics, and longevity. When cared for properly, they can last for many years, making them a popular choice for both home kitchens and professional food service establishments.
Care And Maintenance
General Hand Washing Instructions
Cleaning stainless steel cutlery is relatively easy, and it’s important to maintain it properly to keep it looking shiny and clean. Here’s how to clean stainless steel cutlery effectively:
Materials You’ll Need:
- Warm soapy water
- Soft sponge or cloth
- Baking soda (optional)
- Toothbrush or soft-bristle brush (optional)
- Vinegar (optional)
- Stainless steel cleaner or polish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preparation:
- Begin by rinsing the cutlery under warm running water to remove any loose food particles or debris.
- Soapy Water:
- Fill a sink or a basin with warm, soapy water. You can use mild dish soap for this purpose.
- Soak:
- Place the stainless steel cutlery into the soapy water and let it soak for a few minutes. This helps to loosen any stuck-on food or stains.
- Hand Wash:
- Using a soft sponge or cloth, gently scrub the cutlery, paying special attention to any stained or tarnished areas. For stubborn stains, you can make a paste with baking soda and a little water and use it as a gentle abrasive.
- Crevice Cleaning (Optional):
- If your cutlery has intricate patterns or crevices, you can use a toothbrush or a soft-bristle brush to reach those areas and clean them thoroughly.
- Rinse:
- Rinse the cutlery under warm running water to remove all the soap residue.
- Dry Immediately:
- Stainless steel is prone to water spots and streaks, so it’s crucial to dry the cutlery immediately after rinsing. Use a clean, dry towel or cloth to wipe the cutlery dry.
- Vinegar (Optional for Stains):
- If you have stubborn stains or discoloration on your stainless steel cutlery, you can try using a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar. Soak the affected area for a few minutes, then scrub gently and rinse with water.
- Baking Soda Paste (For Stubborn Stains):
- For particularly stubborn stains or discoloration, you can make a paste using baking soda and water. Apply this paste to the affected areas, gently scrub, and then rinse thoroughly.
- Stainless Steel Cleaner (Optional):
- If you want to restore the shine and luster to your stainless steel cutlery, you can use a stainless steel cleaner or polish. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific product you are using. Typically, you’ll apply the cleaner, buff the cutlery with a clean, dry cloth, and then rinse.
Tips:
- Always wash stainless steel cutlery by hand rather than in a dishwasher, as the harsh detergents and high temperatures in dishwashers can dull the finish over time.
- Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or steel wool, as they can scratch the surface of the stainless steel.
- Don’t leave stainless steel cutlery in contact with acidic or salty foods for prolonged periods, as this can cause discoloration or pitting.
- Once clean, rinse under hot water to remove all of the soap. If left on, the residue can cause dulling over time.
- Once the soap has been rinsed, use a soft, absorbent towel to dry. If left to air dry, water spots can dry in place, so it won’t look a shiny, or be as clean.
- Store your clean cutlery in a dry, well-ventilated area. Avoid stacking them too tightly, as this can lead to moisture buildup.
Regular maintenance and gentle cleaning will help keep your stainless steel cutlery looking its best for years to come.
Home Remedies To Polish or Remove Stains
Over time, stainless steel cutlery can become stained or streaky due to constant contact with food, or prolonged exposure to heat. Even with regular cleaning, it will dull over time without polishing. Follow the steps below to attempt removal of stains, or shining of the finish with stuff you already have around your kitchen.
Clean With Vinegar
The acids and cleaning properties of white distilled vinegar can clean and polish stainless steel cutlery.
- To brighten up dull areas, apply some to a cleaning cloth and rub away dirt and tarnish.
- Reapply more vinegar, and repeat to really make it shine.
- Rinse under hot water and dry with towel to finish.
Revive With Olive Oil
A little bit of natural oil can improve the appearance of clean cutlery. If you rub in a small amount, olive oil can remove streaks and other marks from stainless steel utensils.
- Use a cloth with olive oil added to rub out visible streaking.
- Ensure the fork is clean, then add a small amount of oil to your cleaning cloth.
- Rub and wipe to remove streaks or make them less visible.
- Wash, rinse and dry to finish.
Remove Stains With Lemon Juice
A simple application of lemon juice can take out heat stains and streaking.
- Get a cleaning cloth, and dampen with the juice.
- Wipe and rub until stain has been removed.
- Repeat as needed.
- Once finished, rinse clean and dry thoroughly.
Clean Stubborn Dirt With Club Soda
Cleaning with club soda can take out stubborn stains.
- Rinse or let soak, and then wipe with a cleaning cloth.
- Repeat as needed to completely remove stain.
- Rinse and dry to finish.
Additional Tips
- Stubborn but possible. – Some stains will take a lot of work to remove. A single cleaning may only cause the color to fade, but with repeated effort, you should be able to completely remove most of them.
- Sooner is better than later. – When left to dry in the sink, food can become stuck like glue to spoons and forks. Washing right away will make the job easier, but also prevent staining that only occurs over time. Also high salt content, or acidic foods like pasta sauce can pit and damage silverware if left on too long.
- Dishwasher? – When using a dishwasher, it will certainly save time and effort, but be sure to dry by hand to avoid spotting. Stubborn stains and caked on food may not remove all the way when using a machine, so follow up cleaning may be necessary.
The Easy Way To Clean Stainless Steel Cutlery and Utensils
Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a product that would allow you to achieve hand wash style results, but with the same speed and lack of effort that a dishwasher provides? Of course it would, and you’re in luck because there is such an item. Our Cutlery Cleaner does all of the tough work for you, but it remains gentle and effective for any cutlery or utensil you have.
It’s an unobtrusive plastic box that attaches to the side of your sink with a suction cup. Inside of it, there is a mass of nylon bristles on all sides that overlap to cover the interior. It’s open at the top and bottom to allow for a plunging action of one or more pieces of silverware, large knives or cooking utensils.
Simply add some soap and in a matter of seconds, you’ll be able to completely clean anything you use it on. Stubborn food will wash away with ease, crusty stuff will scrub right off, and food that stain will be completely removed to prevent colors from sticking.
Step By Step Instructions
- Use the cutlery cleaner attached to your sink, or by holding it to reduce time and effort while improving results.
- To adhere to sink, ensure that the area and suction cup are clean and dry. Press firmly to create a lasting bond.
- To clean, prep the tool by adding dish soap across the top of the bristles.
- Grab one or more pieces of cutlery, rinse to add moisture, and then press down through the bristles.
- A quick up and down action will thoroughly scrub large knives, serving spoons, or silverware used to eat with.
- The dual scrub brush cleans on both sides as you move your forks and knives up-and-down.
- Once clean rinse under warm water to remove residual soap.
- Towel dry for a guaranteed spot-free finish, or place in a rack to air dry and make things easy.
Everybody has to eat, and the things we use to consume or create our food will inevitably get dirty. It’s important to some of us to do a good job when cleaning them, but a large group of those same people don’t have the time required to do it. This little gadget can save you time and effort, while still allowing you wash cutlery by hand. You get the same protection, accuracy and results, but without all of the wasted time, prolonged effort, and additional tools. With this handy tool in your sink, you only need a couple of seconds to make most stainless steel utensils sparkle.
Avoid the dishwasher, but don’t make the job difficult or time consuming. If you’re doing it right, you’re washing stainless steel cutlery and utensils by hand, but why not get a little help to make the job easy? You could use regular cloths, sponges and brushes to carefully clean, and do a thorough job, but you could also clean just as safely and thoroughly, but in less than half the time. Our dual sided scrub brush makes it easy to clean any knife, fork or serving spoon you have.
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I use vinegar, baking soda to clean the kitchen tools. It is very effective. Use it. Thank you for the informative post.