Flatware is a large up-front expense for any restaurant or commercial kitchen, but at least once you purchase flatware, especially if it’s heavier duty, it will last a long time. However, improper care can cause flatware to tarnish or rust and reduce its usable lifespan.

A few simple care techniques can help maximize your flatware investment:
PRE-SOAK
Pre-Soak your flatware for about 10 minutes before washing. Pre-soaking for longer times isn’t recommended as this encourages rust to start forming. If possible, remove food bits manually with a soapy sponge. Don’t use an abrasive pad as this scratches the finish and encourages rust to start developing. Washing flatware as soon as possible after it has been used is ideal to help prevent tarnishing.

HOLDERS
Use flatware holders to store and transport flatware. Do not use aluminum or metal pans for pre-soaking or transporting your flatware because the metals interact with chlorine in the water and speed the oxidization (or rusting) of stainless steel.

HIGH TEMP
Use a high temperature dishwasher to wash flatware. Most restaurants and commercial kitchens already have a high temp dishwasher to meet NSF regulations. However, if you don’t, avoid using chlorine or bleach products to sanitize stainless flatware as these chemicals will damage it. It’s also recommended to use a scale inhibitor filter on the water line to your dishwasher. A scale inhibitor removes minerals from the water, preventing harmful buildups on your flatware

DRYING
Dry flatware quickly. As soon as possible after washing your flatware, dry it and store it where it will stay dry. Wetness is the friend of rust and therefore the enemy of your flatware. Most commercial dishwashers have a drying cycle, but this doesn’t always get flatware completely dry. It’s a good idea to wipe down your flatware after it comes out of the dishwasher.

CHEMICALS
Don’t use abrasive detergents or materials. Whenever you clean flatware, avoid anything abrasive that will score or scratch the stainless steel surface. Those scratches penetrate the thin film coating of chromium and nickel on your flatware that protects the steel from rusting and tarnishing.