All about cupronickel dishes

Dishes from cupronickel is a budget analogue of silver. In the past, products from these materials were produced in the same models, but with different markings. If it is good to clean the cutlery, then they look quite attractive and elegant. Cupronickel favorably affects the state of health, which also attracts buyers.

French scientists discovered this alloy back in the time of Napoleon. Cupronickel is 80% copper and 18% nickel. Depending on the alloy grade, the melting temperature ranges from + 1190– + 1230 ° С. Cutlery made of pure cupronickel has not been produced since the last century. Today, an improved and safer nickel silver is used, with the following composition: 50–60% red copper, 20–30% zinc, 15–20% nickel, and a little silver as a deposition.

Some people mistakenly believe that dishes from cupronickel can harm the body. In fact, each alloy component benefits. Using cupronickel tableware leads to the following results:

• nickel accumulates in the parathyroid and pancreas; it is able to enhance the action of insulin, due to which the level of glucose in the blood remains low;
• nickel ions are involved in the oxidation of ascorbic acid, improve the functioning of enzymes;
• copper in microdoses is present in the blood, the metal has antibacterial properties and is an essential component of many enzymes; daily dose for an adult - 0.9 mg;
• cupronickel is able to maintain youthfulness and attractiveness of the skin; you can wash yourself with water with ions of this alloy every day to prevent the development of skin diseases and early aging, and to obtain such a liquid it is enough to leave the cupronickel product for several hours in a container.

Cupronickel can only harm the body if used too often. Excess metals in the body can worsen the condition of the teeth, bones and the whole body. However, cupronickel dishes are coated with silver so that copper does not come in contact with food.

Cupronickel ware will shine and please the eye if you regularly use cleaning products. You can use folk recipes or industrial preparations. Dark plaque results from improper use or storage of dishes in high humidity. You can prevent the appearance of a dark coating as follows:

• wash devices immediately after use, the remnants of dishes contribute to rapid oxidation;
• wipe appliances with a soft cloth after washing;
• it is worth storing dishes from cupronickel in a dry place; you can even place a product next to it that absorbs moisture, such as salt;
• wrap each item in cling film or foil and put it in a box, since the restriction of oxygen availability prevents the rapid oxidation of the metal;
• you can not keep the dishes from the alloy next to household chemicals, especially chlorine-containing; substance accelerates oxidation.

Weak solution (2 tablespoons per 1 liter of water) helps to cope with minor pollution. It is enough to soak the device in liquid for 5 minutes and rinse under running water. It is also possible to moisten soda to a state of porridge and polish the stain.

If serious contamination is to be washed, then proceed as follows:

1. cover the bottom of the aluminum pan with a piece of food foil;
2. pour soda to the bottom with the calculation of 1 tbsp. l for 1 liter water;
3. put the cutlery in a container and fill it with water;
4. if necessary, add 1-2 tbsp. to the solution l salt, then the cleaning process will accelerate;
5. boil water, reduce gas to minimum and wait another 20 minutes;
6. remove the container from the stove and wait until it cools completely.

Other interesting folk remedies for removing alloy oxide.

• Ammonia should be diluted in water. Place the cupronickel product in the solution for several minutes, rinse with running water and wipe thoroughly. The whitening properties of the ammonia solution even cope with very dark and large spots.
• Wine vinegar (wine alcohol) is suitable for cleaning items with gilding. The contaminated place should be moistened with a product and washed in a large amount of running water, then grate.
• Food vinegar can be diluted in water in a ratio of 1: 10. Apply the solution with a sponge, wipe thoroughly. Rinse with running water and wipe dry.
• Citric acid dissolved in water at the rate of 100 g per 1 liter of water. It is necessary to boil the dishes in a liquid over low heat for 20 minutes.

You will learn how to clean cupronickel correctly from the video below.