Mixing metallics

It’s time to trade in your old stainless steel knives and forks for a trendy rose gold or matte black option.

Do you have a matte metal obsession? How about rose or champagne gold? Aside from beautiful vases, candle-holders and pretty (but pricy) pots, there are other ways to take the metal trend into the kitchen.

Rose gold or matte black cutlery is now an at-home option, with brands such as Nicolson Russell, TUSK and Eetrite offering beautiful cutlery collections and serving spoon sets, most made from 18/10 stainless steel (dishwasher-friendly too!). What’s more, the cutlery is plated at high temperatures – electroplating – which means the colour should last.

How to care for your new cutlery

Stainless steel is a durable and affordable choice, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t steps you can take to make sure your knives, forks and spoons look new for longer. Did you know, for example, that natural cleaning solutions such as vinegar, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil and soda water work well when it comes to removing stains from stainless steel? Here are some more tips and tricks:

DOS
• Always use a liquid detergent – powders can leave spots.
• Rinse cutlery after eating and before stacking the dishwasher – acidic food can damage the blades and cause unnecessary staining.
• Opt for milder detergents if hand-washing.
• Use a clean tea towel for polishing – never use abrasive cleaning materials.
• Use a soft, 100% cotton dishcloth or sponge when cleaning by hand.
• Invest in a good stainless steel polish and use it to remove any marks.

DON’TS
• Don’t let your cutlery drip-dry – rather dry it before putting it away.
• Never use hard detergents such as bleach or soap.
• Don’t use abrasive cloths, steel wool or hard scourers. These will cause scratches.
• Avoid overcrowding the dishwasher and your cutlery drawer.
• Don’t store your cutlery in plastic sleeves. In humid conditions moisture can build up, causing rust and corrosion.
• If using a dishwasher, don’t leave your cutlery to dry. Rather remove and polish straight away. Excess lime and water hardness may cause stainless steel to deteriorate.