How to Clean Stainless Cutlery

Stainless steel cutlery is valued for its strength and durability and for the properties that prevent it from discoloring. However, there are times when a little extra elbow grease is needed to remove food stains from stainless cutlery. Soaking in the right solution will clean, sanitize, and make washing easier.

Things You'll Need

• ¼ cup household bleach
• ¼ cup water softening powder
• Rubber gloves
• 1 tbsp. non-gel toothpaste
• ¼ tsp. ammonia
• Soft cloth

Instructions

How to Clean Stainless Cutlery

1. Combine the household bleach and water softening powder with one gallon of very hot water in the kitchen sink or any other large, non-aluminum container. Stir well to combine the ingredients.

2. Place the stainless cutlery into the solution, and allow to soak for 30 to 45 minutes. Allow more soaking time for very dirty utensils as necessary.

3. Remove from the sink, and place into the other side of the sink or in a clean container. Rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of bleach.

4. Put on a pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands. Combine the toothpaste with the ammonia in a small non-aluminum container. Use the solution to remove stubborn spots from the cutlery with a soft cloth.

5. Place the stainless cutlery directly into the dishwasher or into a sink full of hot soapy water and wash as usual. Dry thoroughly before putting away.

Tips & Warnings

• Water softening powder can be found in hardware stores, home improvement stores, and in some well-stocked supermarkets in the laundry aisle.

• Do not allow ammonia to come in contact with the skin or any objects that have been in contact with bleach. Noxious fumes could result. Make sure to rinse the cutlery thoroughly before removing spots with ammonia. Do not use these methods on silver cutlery. They are only safe to use on stainless steel, and may cause damage to silver.

References

• Book: Talking Dirty with the Queen of Clean; Linda C. Cobb; 2000
• Book: Food and Nutrition; Anita Tull; 1996