How to clean cupronickel at home

Crockery and cutlery made of cupronickel tend to darken under the influence of time. In addition to this unpleasant phenomenon, the material is susceptible to patina bloom.

Cleaning such brown stains using soap or detergents will not work. How to clean cupronickel and how to do it correctly, we will consider later in the article.

What is cupronickel

By its nature, it is an alloy. It may contain copper, nickel, iron and other excipients. The material has gained popularity due to its durability and attractive silver color with a natural sheen. It is used to make dishes, cutlery, jewelry and coins.

Known for use in the medical field to create special instruments. The main advantages are:

• increased durability;
• ability to withstand high temperatures;
• plastic;
• anti-corrosion properties;
• ease of care and others.

The material is used for the manufacture of not only standard, but also decorative elements of sets, cutlery and other products. To increase the strength and anti-corrosion properties, the manufacturer uses the addition of nickel.

Why is it getting dark

The smooth surface of the alloy resists moisture well enough and is easy to clean from it. But patina is the result of metal oxidation from interaction with air. And since the problem is not mechanical, it is not worth trying to remove this brownish coating by means of increased friction.

How to clean cupronickel in this case? There are many ways, including folk. But, what you shouldn't do for sure:

• try to clean the surface with brushes or metal scrapers;
• clean with abrasive products;
• use harsh chemicals.

All of the above actions inevitably lead to only one result - microcracks and scratches appear on the surface. They may be invisible, but as a result, the product loses its shine.

Note! Deep scratches will cause bacteria and dirt to build up.

How to clean cupronickel dishes

The correct choice of cleaning agents and detergents directly affects the final result. It depends on whether the dishes will lose their shine forever. It is no secret that there are enough offers on the market for household and professional cleaning products.

By resorting to chemical compositions, you can quickly and effortlessly achieve the desired results. But there are also folk methods, about them later in the article.

Using folk remedies

Some folk remedies raise deep doubts about the appropriateness, and most importantly, the safety of their use. In order not to damage the surface, clean cupronickel dishes, you need to choose the right product.

Therefore, for an objective assessment, you need to consider each of the popular folk methods and its features in practical application. About each of them in order.

Soda

Baking soda is a great way to get rid of cupronickel dish contamination. Its action has an additional property: polishing products.

So, using soda involves doing the following:

1. For use, soda must be moistened with water in equal proportions. The result is a homogeneous gruel. It must be applied to the surface of the product. A soft-bristled toothbrush can be used as an additional tool. After wiping, rinse off the remaining baking soda and wipe the dishes dry.
2. The devices are put in a saucepan and treated with dry soda. For the desired reaction, add vinegar. The more baking soda and vinegar you use, the more effective the results will be. For acidification and reaction, 30 minutes of time will be enough. Then cutlery and dishes are cleaned with a soft brush and rinsed in water.

Both methods are effective. But the latter works better due to better softening of the darkened layer.

Note! It is impossible to rub the surfaces of smooth metal in dry form with soda, as they can be damaged.

Alcohol

Cupronickel tableware is equated in external parameters and aesthetics with jewelry and jewelry. Its service life is unlimited, it can serve for generations. To maintain the attractiveness of the appearance of such dishes, you will need to carry out regular care: wipe, store correctly.

When it comes to cleaning from darkening, alcohol can be considered one of the methods for removing it. The following actions are performed:

• a container is being prepared in which the dishes will be washed;
• 1 liter of water and 50 g of alcohol are poured;
• devices and dishes are soaked in this solution;
• washed with a sponge and rubbed after 30-40 minutes.

If you are limited in time and the dishes need to be washed quickly, then use pure alcohol. In it, the darkening will be soaked in 3-5 minutes.

Note! It is best to wipe down dishes and cutlery with a soft, absorbent cloth.

Garlic husk

One of the most effective folk remedies in the struggle for the shine of cupronickel products is considered to be garlic husk. To apply the method in practice, you need to prepare the following composition:

• garlic husks are collected in a container (pan) (the more, the better) and filled with water;
• the liquid is brought to a boil on a slow gas;
• objects in need of cleaning are dipped into a boiling solution;
• the sign for removing the container from the fire will be the clarification of the devices.

Do not drain the water, let it cool. Then remove the cutlery or crockery and polish it thoroughly with a dry cloth.

Eggshell

Egg shells can be an excellent cleaner for cupronickel dishes and cutlery. It is effective in combating darkening and can restore shine to products when used correctly:

• the shell of 2 eggs is dipped into a container, 1 liter of water is poured;
• the liquid should cover the dishes with a margin;
• it takes 30-45 minutes to cook cupronickel products;
• drain the water and rinse the dishes.

Note! The more difficult the contamination, the more concentrated the solution should be.

Ammonia and vinegar

Vinegar and ammonia should be diluted in water in proportions 1: 1: 5, respectively. Dip products requiring cleaning from darkening and plaque into the resulting solution. Boil over low heat for 10-15 minutes. Then rinse and wipe dry. This is an easy way to bring back the shine.

Potato broth

Potatoes contain starch. It allows you to clear any kind of cupronickel dishes from darkening. The highest concentration of starch is present in purifications. They will need to be boiled.

Products are dipped into the resulting broth for several hours. Then they are polished to achieve the desired effect.

Lemon acid

Citric acid has a similar effect with vinegar. It is best to use a concentration of 40 g per 1 liter of water to boil the desired products. You need to boil it for 10-15 minutes, then let it cool and rinse with running water. Polishing is an integral part of the cleaning process.

Special means

Recommendations from the manufacturer indicate the advisability of purchasing special means for the care of tableware made of cupronickel. In addition to special detergents, there are napkins impregnated with a cleaning compound. They are designed to care for silver, but have a similar effect on cupronickel products.

The main active ingredient in them is sodium thiosulfate. You can purchase it at jewelry stores. Instructions for use are attached to the napkins. It is imperative to follow it. In addition to wipes, there are other chemical compounds.

How to save the result

Having achieved the desired result, there is a natural desire to consolidate it.

There are at least 6 helpful tips on how to do this:

• utensils should be stored in a special case to restrict access;
• devices that are not often used are better to wrap separately in paper and store so;
• if the products are used often, they need to be washed with cold water (then darkening will come much later);
• regular treatment with a whitening compound;
• before removing darkening, you need to get rid of food debris;
• do not use chlorine in cleaning.

Dishwasher safe. To avoid darkening, it is necessary to avoid joint machine washing with other metal products.

Is it possible to bring back the shine

The main reason for the loss of gloss is the formation of plaque and darkening, as well as micro-scratches on the surface of the product.

If the shine has already been lost, they will help to restore it:

• special pastes and bleaching compounds;
• regular care and polishing;
• the use of folk remedies (eggshells, citric acid, ammonia, and so on).

Therefore, even darkened products are still subject to restoration and there is no need to rush to get rid of them. Products for professional silver care show themselves to be especially effective in practice.

General care instructions

As you can see, cupronickel products require special care. The main thing is not to use abrasive materials and substances, alkaline solutions. Regular washing, wiping and polishing will help preserve the natural shine of your garments for longer.

Video: how to clean cupronickel in 2 minutes