How to avoid scratching your cutlery?

Like any metal, stainless steel is susceptible to scratches or knocks when it comes into contact with other products made of stainless steel or of a harder material.

Our advice for avoiding unnecessary shocks:

  • Avoid picking up the cutlery in handfuls, causing it to rub together.
  • Do not throw the cutlery into a storage container.
  • Place the cutlery vertically into the dishwasher (in the cutlery basket).
  • It will be knocked about by the force of the water jets much less than if stacked horizontally.
  • Arrange the cutlery vertically, by type, in the cutlery basket: this will avoid, for example, the tines of the forks from scratching the table knives.

 

How to treat cutlery during and after washing

It is advisable to wash cutlery as rapidly as possible after use in order to avoid food acids attacking cutlery that is not made of 18/10 steel, such as the Young collection and the steak knives. Furthermore, dishwasher manufacturers recommend against using it for knives.

During the washing cycle, it is imperative that the cutlery is rinsed and dried optimally.

In the first instance, the rinse must thoroughly eliminate all food residues, as well as all wash and rinse agents. In order that the water can run off more easily at the end of the rinse cycle, we advise you to place the cutlery vertically in the dishwasher, head-up, and not too close together.

Secondly, drying the cutlery too fast will cause marks to appear, which are difficult to eliminate without re-wetting the cutlery. But more importantly, these marks may contain residues of wash or rinse agents that can cause 18 Cr steel cutlery and knives to corrode.

If not thoroughly dried, stagnant water can also attack the steel and leave traces after the effective end of the drying cycle. A warm and moist atmosphere will make it more likely for potential problems to occur. This is why domestic dishwasher manufacturers recommend opening the door when the cycle ends. Some appliances even have an automatic door-opening feature.

In a professional context, there are now machines that will dry cutlery automatically. The wet cutlery is placed in the machine when taken out of the dishwasher. The vibration of the machine combined with use of a polishing agent derived from corn, mean that the cutlery automatically comes out dry and residue-free. In addition, the friction of the steel created with use of the corn-based agent, creates a gentle polishing effect. This action will somewhat counter any scratches on the cutlery, but will particularly conserve its shine.

Experience demonstrates that following all of this advice will prevent you from encountering any issues with your cutlery.