Cupronickel tableware is a great alternative to silverware. The polished well-kept cutlery from cupronickel looks expensive and aristocratic. They can be found in the table setting of the most expensive restaurants.
Properties of cupronickel
The main components of cupronickel alloy are copper and nickel. In small amounts, iron and manganese are added to the alloy. Alloy elements are natural to our body. Copper is involved in protein metabolism and strengthens the skeletal system. Nickel stabilizes blood sugar and normalizes blood pressure. Iron is involved in the work of blood-forming organs and immunobiological processes.
Psychologists note that constant table setting with cupronickel devices improves psychological comfort, reduces nervousness and aggression, and helps to eliminate depressive states.
Almost all modern manufacturers' recipes include silvering cutlery from cupronickel. This completely dispelled the myth about the health effects of nickel silver utensils, which was based on the toxicity of copper, which makes up the bulk of the alloy. If you do not clean the products with super-aggressive methods, there will be no contact with copper, the devices will serve not one generation of the owner's family without the slightest harm, but only with benefit.
The appearance of cupronickel resembles silver, but in terms of shades cupronickel is “warmer”.
Products made of nickel silver are corrosion resistant, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. The plasticity of the alloy allows you to translate into reality the most daring projects of manufacturers to give products a variety of forms with elegant ornaments and openwork stucco molding. Ideally subjected to stamping, forging, cutting, polishing. High-tech heat treatment of the alloy allows you to apply ligature, openwork casting, deep embossing, blackening, anodizing, spraying on products.
Types of products from cupronickel
Nowadays, the demand for cupronickel products is growing. Consumers appreciated the high aesthetics of the appearance, excellent functionality, durability, financial affordability. Devices from cupronickel are used both in everyday life and in a festive atmosphere. Today, cutlery made from pure cupronickel is almost never found on sale, but many have it in family collections that have passed by inheritance. Modern manufacturers use alloy as a base. Products are often coated with precious metals (silver, gilding elements).
The blade (cutting part) of table knives in modern sets is made of stainless steel.
The assortment of nickel silver products is diverse: cup holders, crockery, cutlery, coins, candle holders and more. The number of appliances in modern dining sets is very different. It can be a set of only 4 items for 1 person, or it can be a set of many products for various purposes for several people. From time immemorial, the most skillful products from this alloy were produced in Russia. Many classic models are still created in the traditional styles of Russian applied art.
Why cupronickel is getting dark
The high proportion of copper in cupronickel and its ability to oxidize explains the appearance of dark plaque on products. Especially intensely dark spots appear when the cutlery is not properly stored in conditions of open contact with air and high humidity. The aesthetics of the appearance are lost, the products become unattractive and it is unlikely that anyone would want to lay out such devices on the table for their family, not to mention the reception of guests. If such a situation does occur, the devices will need thorough cleaning.
How to clean
The modern chemical industry offers many special means for cleaning cupronickel: liquids, gels, wipes with impregnation. These are effective means to save time and effort. If you have problems with the dishes, you can always contact the jewelry workshop, where experts will provide quality service to return products with a decent appearance.
It is easy to cope with the problem at home, especially when you consider that the services of jewelers are not cheap.
Using available tools, you can quickly and efficiently clean darkened cutlery. The cleaning method depends on the type of product and the degree of darkening. Here is a list of available products that will not harm the metal and return products to their original sheen.
- Alcohol. If the appliances fade slightly, you can wet the flannel cloth with vodka or alcohol and wipe them.
- Vinegar. Dilute 1 teaspoon of vinegar in a glass of warm water, soak a soft cloth in the solution and wipe the appliances.
- Baking soda. Apply soda to a soft, damp sponge and carefully polish the product. In the prepared solution (50 g of soda per 1 liter of water) immerse the rinse product, rinse with cold water and wipe it dry. Recommended after each use.
- Eggshell. It will take a shell of 2 raw eggs and 1 liter of water. Bring to a boil, immerse the appliances in the broth for 2-3 minutes, then rinse and wipe dry.
- Garlic husk. This is an effective method for heavily soiled appliances. Put more husk in the container, add water, put on fire, bring to a boil, lower the appliances into the broth and boil until the dishes shine.The boiling time depends on the degree of contamination of the devices. Do not worry - the high temperature of the boiling broth will not do any harm to the metal.
- Milk serum. Immerse cupronickel appliances in warm whey for 15–20 minutes, then remove and rub with a soft sponge or cloth, wash and dry (wipe).
- Carbonated drinks. Lay out the products at the bottom of the container and pour soda without dyes until completely immersed for 2 hours, rinse and wipe.
Absolutely after any cleaning method, the devices are washed with running water and wiped dry with a soft cloth, then removed for proper storage.
In addition to the above, there are many other ways to clean cupronickel, but in everyday life there will be enough given.
Features of care and storage
Compliance with simple rules will significantly reduce the frequency of cleaning cutlery from cupronickel. Here are a few nuances of care:
- do not wash cupronickel ware of the Soviet era (early antiques) in a dishwasher;
- wipe dry immediately after washing with a soft towel, preventing drying in the dryer;
- use soft, natural, lint-free fabrics (cotton, flannel);
- when cleaning, it is preferable to use special jewelry (for example, “Font”, “Aladdin”, “Smack”);
- Do not use abrasive products to avoid micro-scratches on the products;
- Do not subject to strong mechanical stress, so as not to accidentally deform the product;
- storage in the vicinity of chlorine-containing substances is prohibited, they activate the oxidative processes of metals that make up the alloy;
- store without access to air in a dry place in a special case or in a closed container, as an option - wrapped in paper, cling film, foil; you need to wrap each item separately, cupronickel does not like contact;
- with rare use of devices, regularly inspect and prophylactically clean the devices, even if the appearance of the products seemed flawless.
Following simple rules, it will be possible to maintain a noble, brilliant, beautiful appearance of cutlery for a long time.
Do not forget about rubber gloves, since dark oxides are difficult to wash off from the skin of the hands.
When planning to purchase a cupronickel table set, you must definitely pay attention to the product labeling. You need to choose the products of well-known trusted manufacturers who label their products with their own brand (breakdown), which indicates the composition of the alloy. If the product is not properly labeled, then it may not be nickel silver at all, but a fake. Kolchuginsky cupronickel and products of the Mstera brand are especially popular in Russia and abroad. Brand products are not cheap, but the high quality of alloys, the uniqueness of the samples and the variety of assortment justify the financial costs of buyers. With proper use, care and storage, such utensils will last for more than one decade, it can be inherited as a worthy value.
How to clean cupronickel dishes, see below.
