Forks and spoons are the most important Kitchen utensils To keep it clean. What other utensils come into direct contact with our mouths (repeatedly, multiple times a day)? So the question arises: how clean are you keeping your everyday silverware? dishwasher Or get regular employment Hand washAre you able to remove all the bits and pieces that get stuck between your fork tines? What about grains of rice, chunks of egg yolk, and hardened skin? sauce?
So what about mineral buildup and rust on your silverware? These elements are probably harmless in trace amounts, but according to the USDA, rust is not considered food safe and can flake off and be ingested, so why take the risk?
At the very least, it's worth paying a little extra attention to your silverware the next time you load the dishwasher or fill your sink with suds. You might also want to consider giving it a deep clean every now and again. I spoke to cleaning expert Toby Schulz, CEO and founder of Maid2Match, for his best advice on getting your everyday silverware as clean as possible.
Hand washing is best
Let's start with a thorough cleaning.
Good news for those who don't have access to a dishwasher: According to Schultz, hand washing is the best way to clean silverware. “If possible, hand wash your silverware,” he says. “Using the dishwasher can tarnish your silver or remove patina, and it also gives you more control over the cleaning process.”
When you wash silverware by hand, you're more likely to pay attention to what's on it, especially if you're not in the habit of pre-rinsing dishes when you load them in the dishwasher.
Here's everything you need to make your stained silverware sparkle again.
For best results when hand washing, “remove visible food debris, like dried sauces and caked-on rice, to prevent buildup and the risk of mold,” says Schultz. “Also, use soft-bristled utensils and non-abrasive sponges, as abrasive cleaners (like abrasive cleaners) can scratch or discolor surfaces.” Forks, in particular, have numerous crevices that can trap debris, so be thorough but gentle when cleaning between the tines.
Soaking doesn't do any good either, and it's no substitute for proper hand-washing: “Don't leave your silverware soaking for too long, or it can rust,” says Schultz, who says you might not be inspecting it regularly, especially the tiniest surfaces on your forks.
Dishwasher success
A trendy third rack provides another spot for silverware, kitchen utensils, and other small items.
Perhaps you have any kind of kitchenwareYou put your dishes, tableware, and flatware in the dishwasher together with the same all-purpose detergent and setting. If so, you may not be doing yourself much good in terms of keeping your silverware clean and safe. (I don't have a dishwasher, but I definitely do this when it comes to laundry.)
“Everyday silverware can be washed in the dishwasher, but there are some precautions you should take,” says Schultz, who recommends these best practices for optimizing your dishwasher's wash cycles to prevent tarnish, wear, and mineral and rust buildup:
- Use an acidic cleaner, do not use citric acid or citrus additives.
- Do not wash silverware with stainless steel.
- Don't wash silverware in the same cycle as dishes and pans that may contain acidic food residues, such as tomato sauce.
- Always use the delicate cycle or the lightest setting on your dishwasher. Hot and dry cycles can damage silverware.
- Always dry your silverware by hand after use.
Drying and storing silverware
Make sure to dry your silverware thoroughly before putting it away.
This last point is probably one that no one, whether they use a dishwasher or wash their silverware by hand, does regularly, but it's especially important for keeping your silverware in tip-top clean condition.
“Silverware should always be dried immediately after washing to prevent limescale and mineral deposits caused by hard water,” says Schultz, no matter how you wash it. “Store it in a cool, dry place,” he says. “Improper storage can lead to tarnishing and dust buildup.” A drawer dedicated to silverware is best. Unfortunately for those who enjoy the country charm of storing silverware in open tins or urns on the countertop, you risk depositing not only dust but also cooking oils and moisture on your silverware.
Occasional thorough cleaning
Is there anything that baking soda can't clean?
While you might want to consider giving any kitchen utensils that you put in your mouth regularly a thorough cleaning every now and then, if you follow the advice above, this shouldn't be necessary. “If you wash your silverware regularly, thorough cleaning isn't necessary unless stains have built up or the silverware has oxidized or tarnished,” says Schultz. But to be extra safe, it's easy to give your silverware a thorough cleaning using basic kitchen tools and ingredients you probably already have on hand.
For a quick fix, “if your silverware has oxidized, sprinkle baking soda on a cut lemon and scrub,” says Schultz. “Don't leave the solution on for more than two minutes, then rinse thoroughly with soap and water and let dry,” he adds. Limescale can also be removed with just lemon juice or white vinegar, but rinsing and drying are still important.
For a more thorough deep cleaning, Schulz recommends the following steps:
1Prepare a glass container or aluminum baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
2Sprinkle 1 tablespoon each of baking soda and sea salt or kosher salt into the bottom.
3Slowly add half a cup of white vinegar, followed by a cup of freshly boiled water.
FourStack the silverware in the container or pan, being careful not to overlap.
FiveAllow the pieces to touch the aluminum. Allow them to soak for about 30 seconds, then remove them with tongs.
6Then buff with a clean microfiber cloth.
For more kitchen cleaning tips, Removes stubborn stains from cookware And how to clean Burnt cast iron skillet.
