This time, I would like to talk about precautions when cleaning antique cutlery (forks, knives, etc.).

Basic care: wash gently by hand

After using antique cutlery for a meal, wash it with mild detergent and a soft sponge, then dry it thoroughly with a towel or cloth.

At that time, never use a dishwasher, dryer, or boiling water.

Why you should not use boiling water

This is because antique cutlery often has handles and blades made of separate parts, and the adhesive used to join them is often made from animal-derived collagen, known as "nikawa" (Japanese animal glue).

Nikawa is strong when dry, but it is sensitive to moisture and melts at temperatures above 50°C.

If you use a dishwasher or dryer when washing, it will get too hot, causing the nikawa to melt and ooze out. This not only makes the cutlery look dirty but can also leave it in a condition where it can no longer be used as cutlery.

Be careful with tarnish removal using boiling water

Also, there is a method for removing stains (tarnish) from silver products using boiling water, aluminum foil, and baking soda (sometimes salt), but never use it on cutlery where the handle and blade are separate parts.

An example of actually putting it in boiling water

This is a photo of when I accidentally put antique cutlery in boiling water back when I didn't know much about it.

When this happens, you will have to ask a professional to repair it, and it will cost a considerable amount.

Scratches and peeling plating caused by dishwashers

Also, using a dishwasher or similar appliance can cause dishes to rub against each other, scratching soft sterling silver or causing silver plating to peel off.

For cutlery where the handle and bowl are one piece, such as spoons, boiling water is not a problem, but washing by hand will still help prevent scratches.

Things to keep in mind when cleaning

When washing by hand, you do not need to be as careful with antique items as you would with modern tableware, but please be careful not to use a dishwasher or water above 50°C.

In addition to cutlery, please do not use boiling water when cleaning silver products that use non-metal parts, such as wooden handles on teapots or cloth and leather linings inside.