Product Care

Cutlery Care Advice

Stainless Steel, though its name suggests otherwise, it is not completely ‘mark proof’.It is much more resistant to staining or marking than other metals however contact with certain substances will start the process that leads to staining and pitting. Simple measure to reduce this and help maintain the quality of your cutlery:

Storing

Never store cutlery where it can become damp, as this can cause corrosion. Store out of direct heat, as this can cause the metal to mark. Never leave cutlery with food on as many corrosive substances are found in food, such as acids, like vinegar and lemon juice, mineral salts found in tap water, fats and meat juices. Other corrosive substances are bleach and harsh detergents, so ensure your cutlery is not left to soak.

Washing

To ensure the quality level of the product it is important to take note of the following: When pre-rinsing cutlery ensure all food debris is removed before being washed. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, particularly in relation to adding dishwasher salt as excess salt can cause corrosion. Always wash cutlery immediately, never leaving it with food debris present. It is advisably to place cutlery vertically into dishwashers with the head up; and not too tightly packed together, this assists the water flow at the end of the cycle. Remove cutlery immediately after washing/dry cycle is finished and wipe over with a dry towel. If the cutlery is left to cool in the dishwasher, trace mineral salts and the dishwasher salt residue will settle on the cutlery in the moist atmosphere and start the pitting and staining process. Never mix stainless steel and silver plated cutlery in the same basket of the dishwasher the chemical reaction between detergent and steel can cause the silver plate to mark. Do not use the rinse and hold cycle on dishwashers with cutlery this will leave the cutlery to soak in water, which can be damaging. Wood handled cutlery is not suitable for cleaning in a dishwasher.

Cleaning Stainless Steel Cutlery

Always rinse your cutlery before placing it in the dishwasher; prolonged contact with certain consumables, e.g. salt, vinegar, eggs, tomato and certain acids, can cause pitting and staining.
A higher chromium content gives stainless steel knife blades the necessary sharper edge; however, this also makes them more susceptible to corrosion. Please take extra care with these implements.
Never leave stainless steel cutlery to soak or in damp conditions as this can cause staining which will require polishing to remove.
To restore the cutlery’s shine and to remove any staining use stainless steel polish and a soft dry cloth.

Cleaning Gold Plated Cutlery

Gold-plated flatware requires special care when cleaning to maintain its beauty and integrity. These pieces are usually comprised of a base metal that has gold electroplated over it. For intricate pieces, the base metal is usually nickel silver alloy, while more simple designs can use stainless steel. Some pieces may be entirely gold plated while others may only have small areas plated as accents.

Clean your flatware before using for the first time. Using hot soapy water, clean each piece by hand and rinse in hot water. It is best to use a mild dish detergent such as Ivory or Dawn to protect the surface of the flatware.
Dry each piece with a soft towel until it is completely dry. Water spots are easily viewed on metal pieces that have been air-dried.
Store all flatware in a dry, clean place, preferably a flatware chest or any other tarnish-resistant place.
Use polish that is specifically designed for gold-plated flatware once or twice a year to keep your pieces in their best condition. With use, the pieces will acquire some small scratches, but this is normal and will enhance the beauty of the flatware with time.
Rotate your flatware so that every piece can be used at one time or another. This will ensure that all the pieces are used equally and prevent excessive wear and tear on only some of the flatware.
Never put your gold plated flatware in the dishwasher, regardless of manufacturer directions, as it will damage the plating.
Do not leave flatware unwashed overnight as the food particles can cause damage.
Do not use rubber bands while storing.