Cutlery care 2.0 - for gleaming results
Whether in a fine dining restaurant or the bistro around the corner, shiny cutlery immediately conveys a high-quality impression. Guests pick it up before they try their first dish and draw conclusions about hygiene, cleanliness and professionalism. This makes it all the more annoying when, despite modern dishwashing technology, stains, matt coating or flash rust remain visible.
Why shiny cutlery is so important in the catering industry
Glasses, plates and cutlery are among the first points of contact that guests have with your establishment. Even before the first dish is served, set cutlery conveys a message: quality and hygiene are important here.
3 reasons why cutlery care is not a minor matter:
Hygiene & trust
Even small stains or traces of rust quickly give guests the impression of a lack of cleanliness.Image & atmosphere
A radiant shine supports the overall impression, from the café to the catering.Longevity
Well-maintained cutlery stays in use longer and saves costs and resources.
Flash rust on cutlery
What is it & how does it actually occur?
The good news first: high-quality cutlery made of chrome-nickel steel (CNS 18/10) does not usually rust "by itself". The surface is sealed by a protective passive layer. If rust stains appear, they are often caused by rust film, i.e. tiny rust particles that come from other sources and are deposited on stainless steel during washing.
Typical causes in practice:
Extraneous rust transfer
Non-stainless objects (cheap pots, old peelers, screws/handles, damaged baskets) go into the machine.Rust in machine or pipes
In older systems, particles can become detached and enter the flushing circuit.Acidic or salty food residues
Mustard, ketchup, mayo or fruit acids weaken the passive layer if left on for too long.
Prevention is the best care
The most effective cutlery care begins long before polishing. If you systematically reduce the causes, you will save time in the scullery and get consistently good results again.
Practical tips for everyday life in your scullery:
Do not leave cutlery wet
After rinsing, dry quickly or process further.
Check baskets & sieves regularly
Rusty spots transfer rust film.
The right cleaning agents
Protect the protective layer of the stainless steel for greater durability.
Check rinse aid & detergent dosage
Too much or too little can cause stains.
Water quality - the underestimated factor:
If the water is very hard or contains many substances, it becomes more difficult to achieve consistently streak-free results. A brief site assessment (water values, rinsing process, chemicals) is worthwhile here, as this is often the quickest way to achieve noticeably better results.
Removing flash rust: how to do it safely
Stainless steel cleaner + soft cloth
Apply the stainless steel / chrome steel cleaner to a soft microfiber cloth and rub the rust spots with juice.Citric acid and vinegar bath
For the light spots - take lukewarm water and citric acid (a sip of vinegar also works). Soak the cutlery for 5-10 minutes and then wipe with a soft sponge.As long as the rust is superficial, it can usually be removed. In the case of severe, "ingrained" rust, the effort involved is often disproportionate, which is why replacement is often the better option.
Optional:
When polishing takes time
Manual polishing is a real bottleneck in many companies. It takes time, is labor-intensive and is carried out when there is a lot going on anyway.
If a lot of cutlery is in circulation, a cutlery polishing solution can therefore be worthwhile, not as a luxury, but as a process aid for a consistently high-quality result.
At Gehrig, for example, the Premax mit Besteck Premium is used for this purpose. It helps to prepare cutlery evenly and maintain a reliable shine, especially at high throughput rates.
Important: The basis always remains a clean rinsing process and suitable water quality.
Conclusion
Flash rust and dull shine don't have to be a permanent problem. With modern warewashing technology, optimized water quality and clear routines, cutlery can be kept hygienically clean and visually appealing in the long term. This has a positive effect on your guests' impression and extends the life of your cutlery.
Your next steps
Would you like to find out more about these developments or specifically search for suitable solutions? We will be happy to advise you personally and help you find the right devices for your requirements.