Looking after your cutlery ensures longevity and saves costs over time as replacements will be rare and infrequent. While it may seem easier to put everything in the dishwasher and hope for the best, this can result in scratches and dulling your pieces over time. Knives, forks and spoons are seemingly easy, but specialist cutlery might take a bit more elbow grease to keep clean.

If you’ve ever wondered “How do I clean my cutlery?”, look no further. We’ve put together a handy blog and care guide that makes it easy to keep your silverware sparkling. We’ll cover the basics, from hand washing, to what to avoid like scouring pads and the proper care for long periods of time.

Parish Pattern Cutlery

Parish Pattern Cutlery is known for its intricate design. We sell all major designs, including Kings, Harley, Bead, Dubarry and Jesmond. For the best result, we recommend hand washing to avoid stains or discolouring. Avoid harsh detergents or abrasive sponges that can scratch the delicate finish. After washing, dry each piece immediately with a soft, lint-free cloth to prevent water spots.

For a deeper clean, these pieces can be polished. To remove the tarnish and restore the shine, use a polishing cloth. Gently rub the cloth over the cutlery, paying attention to any tarnished areas. When storing your Parish Pattern cutlery, consider using a tarnish-resistant bag or container. This will help protect it from exposure to air and moisture, which can cause tarnish.

For more stubborn tarnish, baking soda and foil can help.

1. Line a container with aluminium foil, shiny side up.
2. Fill the container with hot water and add a tablespoon of baking soda.
3. Place the tarnished cutlery in the solution.
4. Leave for a few minutes until the tarnish transfers to the aluminium foil.
5. Rinse the cutlery and dry thoroughly.

18/0 Cutlery

Standard 18/0 cutlery is great for busy locations that need durable and easy-to-clean pieces. 18/0 means that the cutlery is made with 18% chromium and 0% nickel. Chromium gives cutlery its rust-resistant qualities and hardness, whereas nickel gives cutlery its shine. 18/0 cutlery is dishwasher safe and can be generally washed thoroughly with a simple dishwasher cycle. After washing, dry each piece thoroughly with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. Handwashing can be done if there is time to spare, however, this cutlery doesn’t have the same cleaning demands as 18/10 or specialist cutlery.

18/10 Cutlery

Premium 18/10 cutlery is made from 18% chromium and 10% nickel. Chromium gives cutlery its rust-resistant qualities and hardness, while nickel adds enhanced corrosion resistance and silver-like shine. These pieces are heavier in the hand and add an overall superior quality to the dining process.

Handwashing is generally preferred for 18/10 cutlery as it allows for a gentler clean. Use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. After washing, dry each piece thoroughly with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. Dishwashing is not recommended for this range of silverware as this can result in subtle damages such as chips, scratches and even a gradual dulling of the pieces over time.

Avoid harsh chemicals and scouring pads when cleaning as well. Harsh chemicals can damage the finish of your cutlery and scouring pads can scratch the surface. Use mild dish soap and avoid abrasive cleaners. When handling your cutlery, use care to avoid bending or scratching the delicate finish. These tips combined can result in cutlery that will last years, saving your business the costly task of buying replacements.

Specialist Cutlery

While the basics of cutlery cleaning might seem easy, when it comes to specialist cutlery things can get a little confusing. Tapas cutlery, masala spoons, latte and ice cream spoons should all be hand-washed. These pieces have been manufactured to add an extra level of attention when it comes to serving the customer, therefore these pieces should be cared for carefully. These pieces won’t be used for everyday dining, so their cleaning won’t be as time-consuming or frequent as the aforementioned cutlery ranges.

Chopsticks are a little different when it comes to caring. Immediately rinse the chopsticks under warm, running water to remove any food particles. Use a mild dish soap and a soft brush or sponge to scrub away any remaining residue. Dry the chopsticks thoroughly with a clean cloth or towel. Do not soak your chopsticks, whether they are made of bamboo or finished with lacquer, soaking the chopsticks can ruin the material and shape.

We have a range of tools that have been designed specifically for use with seafood. Having seafood cutlery is handy, seafood is often saltier and more acidic than other food groups. Avoid dishwashers, the harsh detergents and high temperatures in dishwashers can damage the delicate finishes and intricate designs of seafood cutlery.

Use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth to gently wash the cutlery and dry immediately. For stubborn stains, create a paste of baking soda and water and gently rub it onto the affected area. Rinse thoroughly and dry. The majority of our seafood cutlery is made from steel so can withstand raw fish and fish bones.

Steak Knives and Forks

Steak knives and forks are used for hearty meals and, therefore require more care to maintain their sharpness. As with most of the previously mentioned cutlery, these pieces need to be hand-washed. Avoid dishwashers, dishwashers can dull the blades and tarnish the finish of the steak knives and forks. Dry the cutlery immediately to avoid rusting.

For stubborn food particles, soak the cutlery in a solution of warm water and mild dish soap for a few minutes. Use a soft-bristled brush or a toothbrush to gently scrub away any remaining residue. Rinse the cutlery thoroughly under running water and dry it completely. To maintain optimal cutting performance, sharpen your knives every 6-12 months with a knife sharpener.

Steak knives and forks add a level of elegance to steak houses and restaurants but do require a little more time and care. This is something to consider when purchasing from this range, but serving steak with the proper cutlery makes a meal memorable for guests.

Cutlery With Cooksmill

Whether you’re looking for cutlery for at home use, or cutlery for professional establishments, here at Cooksmill we supply every range imaginable. Upgrade your silverware collection and keep them looking sparkling for years. Look no further, whether you’re a hotel, cafe, small restaurant or large chain restaurant, we have everything you need. Enjoy fast, free courier delivery on orders over £60 (excluding VAT).