How to Maintain Fine Cutlery
- 1). Hand wash fine cutlery immediately after use. Use a mild soap with warm water and carefully wipe with a soft drying towel.
- 2). Wipe away any fingerprints before storing. The oil from your skin could cause permanent staining. Invest in a pair of white cloth gloves to handle the fine pieces. You can find them in archival merchandise catalogs.
- 3). If you intend to put fine cutlery away for a few months of storage, lightly coat the cutlery with USP food grade mineral oil.
- 4). Store in a warm area in protective sleeves or original sectioned box it was packaged in. High heat such as can be found on top of a refrigerator or cold temperatures in basements and garages can damage your fine cutlery.
- 5). Coat the leather handles of fine cutlery with a very thin coat of mineral oil to prevent cracking and other damage during storage. If knives are stored in leather sheaths keep the interior and exterior clean and oiled. These protective covers work particularly well if knives are stored in a cutlery drawer.
- 6). Sharpen fine cutlery knives by hand or hire a professional to complete the task. Use diamond, steel or ceramic sharpeners.
- 7). Store each piece of fine cutlery separately to prevent scratching and other damage if the pieces rub against one another.
