How to Clean Stainless Flatware

Good stainless steel flatware is made out of the same material as is a good knife blade. Unlike silver plated flatware, stainless flatware doesn't require gentle treatment for a long life.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Wash stainless flatware with your other dishes or scrub them with dampened baking soda. Good stainless flatware should last a life time. (Though storing them with rusted metals is inviting a possible shorter life).

2. Low grade stainless steel may rust over a period of time, while higher grades of stainless, such as surgical stainless steel, almost never rust. In the event some rust does appear on your flatware, soak the flatware in a solution of vinegar for 24 hours. Then you may be able to scrape off any rust with dull knife. (If you made progress but still have some rust remaining, you can soak the rusted flatware another day in a vinegar solution).

3. If you still have rust, get some 400 grit sand paper and sand the rust out. After you have removed the rust, get some finer grit sand paper such as 600 grit to give the flatware a shiny finish. To pass an inspection under a spot light, you can then use 1000 grit sand paper to buff out any visible fine scratches. A final buff can be done with 2000 grit sand paper. (A 600 or 800 grit finish will be satisfiable for most people).

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to wash the flatware without bothering to fill a tub or sink with water and detergent, click the source listed below or copy and paste http://www.ehow.com/how_4719067_wash-dishes-almost-water-detergent.html.

Resources

• Wash Dishes With Almost No Water & No Detergent
• Cook Excellent Hamburgers

[boatst]

on 3/24/2009 Good info on claening stainless steel. Thanks for article.