Even the highest quality set of spoons and forks loses its original appearance over time. Dark plaque accumulates between the teeth, hard water stains appear on the surface, and the metal becomes dull due to regular use. To restore the shine to your appliances, you don’t have to buy expensive chemicals. Conventional products that are found in every kitchen cope with the task much more effectively and safely.
Effective method for stainless steel
The most popular material for cutlery is stainless steel. It is durable, but prone to a cloudy film. The best way to clean a large number of forks and spoons at once is to heat them with baking soda.
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Take a large saucepan and line the bottom aluminum foil (shiny side up).
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Place the cutlery so that it touches the foil.
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Add 2 tablespoons salt and 2 tablespoons soda ash or baking soda.
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Fill the items with water until it completely covers them and place over medium heat.
It is enough to boil the devices for 15–20 minutes. The process involves a chemical reaction that literally dissolves even old grease and blackness in hard-to-reach places, such as between the tines of forks or in the patterns on handles. After the procedure, rinse the products with clean water and wipe dry with a towel.
How to remove limescale and stains
If whitish water marks are visible on the spoons, boiling may not be necessary. In this case, an acidic environment works great. Ordinary table vinegar (9%) quickly dissolves mineral deposits.
Dip a soft cloth in vinegar or lemon juice and wipe the problem areas. For more severe contamination, you can prepare a solution: mix a liter of warm water and 100 ml of vinegar, soak the devices for half an hour. Acid not only removes plaque, but also gives the metal mirror shine.
Features of cleaning cupronickel and silver
Products made from precious metals require a delicate approach. Silver and cupronickel often turn black from contact with air and moisture. You cannot use abrasives or hard brushes for them, as they will leave micro-scratches.
To restore the shine to such devices, it is suitable potato broth. The water in which potatoes were boiled contains starch, which is gentle on the oxidized metal. Place forks and spoons in the hot broth for 30 minutes and then polish with a soft flannel cloth.
An alternative option for spot cleaning is toothpaste (not gel and without whitening granules). Apply a small amount of paste to a cotton pad and gently rub the darkened areas.
What to avoid when leaving
In order for cutlery to serve for a long time, it is important to eliminate aggressive mechanical influence. Usage steel wool is strictly prohibited for any type of coating – they will forever deprive the metal of its smoothness. You should also be careful when using products containing chlorine, as it can cause corrosion even on stainless steel.
Following simple rules of care and timely cleaning of grease and deposits allows you to maintain the aesthetics of serving for many years. Clean and shiny utensils always make eating more enjoyable and tidy.
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