Flatware care: cleaning, removing rust and polishing

How do you clean cutlery correctly?

At ZWILLING, we pride ourselves on using only the finest 18/10 stainless steel for our cutlery. This premium material guarantees the durability and dishwasher-safe quality of our products. To maintain the beauty and shine of your cutlery, please consider the following tips for proper care:

• The presence of lactic, fruit, and acetic acids in food, along with salt residues, can corrode metal surfaces. As a precaution, it is important to promptly clean your stainless steel cutlery after each use. In cases where immediate washing is not possible, it is advisable to rinse off any remaining food particles under a stream of running water.
• For optimal results, it is important to properly arrange the cutlery items in the dishwasher. Place them unsorted in the cutlery basket with the handles facing downwards. Additionally, ensure that the basket is not overloaded. This will allow the water jet to effectively reach and clean each item.

How do you avoid stains and scratches?

Porcelain and ceramic are both incredibly durable materials, making them harder than any other cutlery option. To protect your cutlery, it is important to separate it from dishes in the dishwasher. Additionally, non-rust-free items have the potential to harm your high-quality cutlery, so it is recommended to only wash rust-free pieces in the dishwasher.

Any stains or marks that have formed on ZWILLING flatware can be removed with ease: Simply remove them with a commercial care product. Never use steel wool or abrasive to clean flatware, as this can damage the surface. Use lint- free and soft cloths instead.

Are all cutlery pieces dishwasher safe?

ZWILLING cutlery is dishwasher safe, but it is not recommended to leave it in the closed dishwasher for extended periods of time. This can lead to the formation of stains, such as rust, on the cutlery.

Cultery care after the dishwasher has finished

Once the cutlery has been removed from the dishwasher, it is important to give it a quick dry. Avoid placing the cutlery in the drawer if it is still slightly damp, as this can lead to the formation of rust film due to the moisture.

Have you ever wondered why rust can form on your cultery?

In general, all types of steel are susceptible to rust in specific conditions. However, stainless steel contains chromium and nickel which significantly inhibit the development of rust on cutlery. On the other hand, knife blades made of blade steel are more prone to corrosion due to their lower levels of chromium and nickel. However, they are also harder and have better edge retention

What type of rust can be found on cutlery?

The presence of high humidity causes iron dust in the dishwasher to oxidize, resulting in unsightly brown stains on your cutlery. This type of iron dust is known as flash rust. Additionally, the use of necessary cleaning additives can also contribute to staining. To avoid this issue, it is important to ensure that your dishwasher is equipped with an ample supply of dishwashing salt, rinse aid, and detergent.

Why does cutlery have rust spots even though it is dishwasher safe?

Even high-quality stainless steel cutlery can develop rust, despite its rust-resistant properties. This is often due to rust that forms during the rinse cycle, particularly on screws in lids or other non-rust-proof objects. In some cases, the coating on the washing basket may peel off, exposing rust particles that can adhere to the cutlery.

How can rust film be safely removed from cutlery?

Has your cutlery become tarnished in the dishwasher, despite being labelled as dishwasher safe? The small stains on your cutlery are most likely flash rust, but don't worry - they can easily be removed with a gentle scrub using a soft brush and non-abrasive cleaning product.

Can home remedies effectively clean cutlery?

You can conveniently clean your cutlery at home using natural remedies. First, prepare a warm solution of water and either baking soda or vinegar. Soak your cutlery in it for an hour and then dry it with a soft cotton cloth. For tough stains, apply baking soda or vinegar directly onto the affected area and buff with a cloth. Leave it on for an hour before rinsing it with warm water. For an extra gleam, give your cutlery a final polish.

How is cutlery polished?

Regular use can cause stainless steel cutlery to lose its shine. To restore its lustre, begin by cleaning the cutlery with warm water and a small amount of vinegar. Next, dry the cutlery with a gentle cotton cloth. While the cutlery is still warm, use a fine microfiber cloth to polish it until all dull spots are removed. It is important to note that matted surfaces should not be polished, as this can cause them to become worn in certain areas. To refresh these surfaces, simply use a matting fleece.