Can silverware go in the fridge? (5 ways to care)
In this brief guide, we will answer the question, can silverware go in the fridge? We will discuss the correct way to store and clean your silverware. We will also shed light on some tips to keep your silverware shining for very long.
Can silverware go in the fridge?
Silverware can go in the fridge. Silverware made of stainless steel can be put in the refrigerator without a potential threat to your health.
If your forks or spoons are made of aluminum or silver compound, then in some cases, the metal can leach out. Metals are reactive elements that will react with acidic food.
Moreover, when the silverware is exposed to moisture, it causes it to tarnish quickly. In the refrigerator, where the environment is rich in moisture and your silverware sits in a utensil with food, you risk tarnishing your silverware.
Similarly, after preparing food in aluminum or copper pans, they must not come in contact with acid or foods with a low pH. Tin and iron are also not safe to come in contact with acidic food.
Acidic food, which is sour or is loaded with vinegar or tomatoes, will come in contact with the silverware and cause leaching and in turn cause discoloration of the pots or the pans.
Some fruits are also quite acidic and must not be left in contact for a prolonged time.
Should you leave the silverware in your food inside the refrigerator?
You should not leave your spoon or fork sitting in a dish or plastic ware. A sound reason is that the silverware would stick out and prevent your food from being covered properly.
When you put food inside the refrigerator, it must be covered properly. An airtight container or tight packaging wards off bacteria. When you expose food to the environment, the microorganisms pass into it and make it spoil.
Hence, it is crucial to remove the cutlery and seal the food container shut to prevent the entry of bacteria. When bacteria come in contact with food, they multiply and produce toxins, which in turn makes food spoil quickly.
Moreover, the spoon which stays put or does its job is susceptible to bacterial growth as it is more exposed than the food. The air not only will bring bacteria to the spoon but also cause a crusty layer to develop.
The bacteria that have started to thrive on the spoon will gradually make their way to the food and speed up the spoilage.
Can you store food in stainless steel?
You can store food in stainless steel without any fear of chemicals coming in contact with your food. Stainless steel offers the safest cooking utensils. You can store prepared meals, cut up fruits or soups and gravies, and put them inside a refrigerator.
In contrast to plastic and wooden utensils, stainless steel is safe. Plastic plates, spoons, forks, or mugs are prone to bacterial contamination which will consequently harm your health.
The bacteria become lodged and can never be cleaned properly.
How to care for your silverware?
Wash your silverware; your spoons, forks, and knives immediately after use with dishwashing soap and warm water.
Silverware must not be left to air dry as it will cause spotting. Use a clean cotton cloth or flannel to wipe your washed silverware. Use a soft cloth to clean and dry. You can use a soft brush to clean the crevices.
Avoid letting dirty silverware sit for long. Either wash immediately or wipe acidic food to prevent corrosion.
Never put silverware inside a dishwasher, unless the manufacturer states that you can. The dishwasher will cause a white buildup and a dull finish to your silver spoons and plates.
Some modern high-end manufacturers are offering dishwasher safe silverware.
Do not use a plastic wrap or rubber band, rather stick to a sealed zip-top plastic bag or tarnish-resistant flannel.
Use a good quality silver polish or cream to make your silverware shine. Begin by wetting your silverware with water and then use a foam sponge or a soft horse-hair brush.
A foam sponge or a soft horse-hair brush are not abrasive and gently clean your silverware. Massage the silverware gently in a circular motion.
Refrain from using steel wool or abrasive cloth to clean silverware as it can cause scratches.
Do not use more grease or polish than necessary. Also, you must not over polish your silverware.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question, can silverware go in the fridge? We discussed the correct way to store and clean your silverware. We also shed light on some tips to keep your silverware shining for very long.
