How to properly care for your stainless steel flatware and cutlery

Maintaining your stainless steel cutlery in pristine condition requires proper care and handling. Here’s how you can ensure that your Sambonet stainless steel items remain dazzling and durable through years of use.

Cleaning instructions for stainless steel flatware

• Initial and routine washing: Before the first use and after each subsequent use, clean your stainless steel cutlery in hot water with a mild, neutral detergent. Avoid using synthetic detergents that contain chlorine or strong alkaline cleaning agents, as these substances can damage the stainless steel surface.
• Thorough drying: After washing, it is crucial to dry your cutlery completely before storing it. This step ensures that no moisture, which can lead to corrosion, is left on the utensils.

Preventing corrosion and damage

• Food residue removal: Be vigilant in removing any food residues, especially those containing salt (NaCl), lemon, vinegar, or tomatoes, as these can corrode stainless steel. Prompt and thorough cleaning after use is necessary to prevent this type of damage.
• Dishwasher use: If you are washing your cutlery in a dishwasher, ensure that the items are completely dry at the end of the cycle. If they are not, dry them by hand immediately to prevent any spots or corrosion.
• Special care for knife blades: The blades of your knives are crafted from martensitic stainless steel 420 and are tempered to ensure long-lasting sharpness. However, this type of steel is less resistant to corrosion. Therefore, it is particularly important to wash, dry, and store your knives carefully to maintain their condition.

Best practices for storage

• Dry environment: Always store your stainless steel cutlery in a dry place to avoid the risk of rusting. Humidity is the enemy of stainless steel, so a dry storage environment will help extend the lifespan of your cutlery.

By following these simple yet effective care instructions, you can keep your Sambonet stainless steel cutlery looking as good as new. Regular care not only enhances the appearance of your cutlery but also ensures that it remains a valuable part of your dining experience for many years to come.

Cleaning your silverware

Handle silverware as indicated for stainless steel items. Never use any type of scraper or steel wool, which would permanently damage the silver deposit. Silver can sulphurate due to exposition to air, becoming dark in a more or less uniform way. This can happen also as a consequence of the contact with some foods. It is a natural process which does not damage the silver deposit but alters its look. The silver coat must be polished in order to restore the original state with good silver polishing products. Please make sure these products have to be diluted in warm water only.

DYI: The baking soda and foil method

Reviving your dirty silverware can be easily managed with a simple DIY method that harnesses the power of common household items. If you're looking to remove grime and stains from your flatware, try this effective cleaning solution: the baking soda and foil method.Here's how it works:

1. Line a Tray: Line a tray or a deep dish with aluminum foil, shiny side up.
2. Prepare the Solution: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the foil. For every quart of water, use one tablespoon of baking soda.
3. Add Hot Water: Boil water and pour it into the tray, ensuring the baking soda dissolves properly.
4. Soak the Silverware: Place your silverware on the foil, making sure each piece is touching the aluminum. This is crucial for the chemical reaction that removes tarnish.
5. Wait and Rinse: Let the silverware sit in the solution for a few moments. You'll see the tarnish start to dissolve. After a few minutes, remove your flatware, rinse under warm water, and dry with a soft cloth to polish.
6. Repeat if Necessary: For heavily tarnished items, you might need to repeat the process or let them soak a bit longer.

This method is not only easy but also safe for your metal utensils, avoiding harsh chemicals and abrasive powders that can scratch and damage the metal. Give your silverware a new life and bring back its original shine with just a few simple steps!