Caring For Your Item

This page is designed to give you all of the information you need in order to look after your Culinary Concepts item - whatever it may be. However, if you require any further advice or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact one of our friendly customer care team members on 01252 852305

Stainless Steel Items

What is Stainless Steel?

"Stainless" was a term given to stainless steel when it was invented in the 1920's to differentiate between ordinary steel. Stain resistant steel might be a better name, as it is the additives in the steel, which gives it its protection, and therefore, makes it an ideal material for the purpose of manufacturing cutlery. It was adopted as a generic name and now covers a wide range of steel types and grades, used to make products that need to be resistant to corrosion or oxidation. Our stainless steel cutlery and other tableware pieces are made from 18/8 Stainless Steel

Why is Stainless Steel 'Stainless'?

Stainless steels are iron alloys with a percentage of chromium content. The steels are termed 'stainless' as chromium-rich, oxide film forms naturally on the surface of the steel. It is this protective film, which makes the stainless steel resistant to corrosion. Stainless steels cannot be considered indestructible, however, as under certain conditions the protective film can be broken down. This is why it is important to carefully select the appropriate grade of steel for a particular purpose.

18/8 is an "authentic" stainless steel type, and is one of the most commonly used. It contains 18% chromium, and the addition of 8% nickel makes it considerably more durable.

Caring for your Stainless Steel item

Follow the instructions below to keep your cutlery in prime condition. Rinse cutlery as soon as possible after use to remove food particles. If washing by hand use warm, soapy water, rinse immediately in hot water and wipe dry with a soft, clean cloth. When using a dishwasher, follow the manufacturer's instructions concerning the type and quantity of detergent used, and load cutlery in the compartment provided to reduce scratching. Wash cutlery as soon as possible after use and remove when the dishwasher has completed its cycle. Wipe dry with a soft, clean cloth. In some areas hard water may leave calcium spots, or certain foods and constant use of dishwasher may cause tarnishing. These stains may be removed using lemon juice, vinegar or a stainless steel cleaner.

Hand washing

Ensure the detergent is completely dissolved in the water before washing the cutlery. Rinse in clear water and dry with a soft cloth or tea towel. Store immediately. Do not soak your cutlery or leave unwashed overnight.

Right : Do not use a powder cleaner instead choose a cream or liquid detergent e.g. fairy liquid.
Right : Only choose a stainless steel cleaner for stubborn stains.
Right : Rinse cutlery after contact with acids or salt to prevent corrosion.
Right : Pay particular care to knife blades as these can be prone to increased corrosion due to a higher carbon content, used to achieve a sharper cutting edge.
Right : Hand made cutlery styles with more intricate handles need to be cared for by thorough drying. Soap deposits left from drip-drying around the handle area can cause rust deposits to form.
Wrong : Do not use wire wool or abrasive cleaners, this can cause scratching and will eventually remove the cutlery's shine.
Wrong : Do not continuously soak or leave in damp surroundings as this may cause staining and corrosion.

Common salt, vinegar, and acids present in some foods, bleaches & some harsh detergents can all seriously damage the cutlery if left without rinsing after use. Even mineral salts in tap water can cause pitting and staining.

Dishwashing

When washing cutlery in the dishwasher please take care to follow your dishwasher manufacturer's instructions and remove your cutlery immediately after the end of the drying cycle and polish with a soft cloth or tea towel. Misuse or a fault within your dishwasher can cause corrosion or staining to the highest grade of stainless steel. Rust marks are no indication of poor craftsmanship. Scratching can occur on knife blades if regularly dish washed. This is a direct result of the mechanical action of the dishwasher and salt concentrate remaining on the flat surface area of the blade. To prevent this, handwash the knife blades in soapy water. Surface discolouration in the form of a rainbow can also occur. This is due to detergent drying on the cutlery and is a fault within the dishwasher's rinsing cycle.

Right : Check that the design of cutlery you have purchased is suitable for dishwashing, note unpolished designs requires extra care.
Right : Follow the instructions that come with your dishwasher and remove and hand dry the cutlery as soon as the dishwasher has finished.
Right : Knife blades should be placed facing downwards to prevent injury.
Wrong : Do not mix stainless steel and silver plated items in the same wash as contamination of metals may occur.
Wrong : Do not use a rinse and hold cycle as cutlery left damp can stain or be damaged.
Wrong : Do not stack the cutlery in the dishwasher for any period prior to washing. The damp environment within the dishwasher can damage the cutlery

It is important to remember that although stainless steel is a highly durable and stain resistant material, cutlery may suffer from rusting, pitting and staining if it is not cared for properly.

Caring For Your Unpolished Cutlery

Handwash the cutlery before use in warm soapy water to remove excess black oxide, which may remain. The oxide can be present for up to a possible 10 washes, however the black "iron looking" finish will soon become permanent. Continuous scrubbing will eventually remove the oxidised finish, therefore the cutlery need only be washed a few times to remove the black residue. If hand washing or using a dishwasher, season the cutlery occasionally by rubbing vegetable oil into the black handles to remove oxidisation which may occur especially from deposits of dishwater salt. Always towel dry thoroughly before storing, as this will remove excess water which may remain from the dishwasher and which may cause oxidisation to occur.

Caring For Your Rubber Wood Cheese Board

Wash wooden cheese boards in warm, soapy water and thoroughly rinse with clean water. Do not soak. To dry, prop up off of the counter to allow all surfaces to air dry evenly. Wood products should never be washed in the dishwasher. After drying and when needed you can rejuvenate and protect the wood by rubbing it down with any butcher block oil. Apply the oil liberally and allow it to soak in thoroughly before use. Regular application of the oil will help prevent cracking and preserve the rich natural colours of the wood. The butcher block oil can be purchased in various online and high street shops.

Caring For Your Beech Wood Chopping / Carving Board

Wash with warm soapy water. Ensure the board is rinsed and dried thoroughly. Do not wash in a dishwasher. Do not dry in hot sunshine, close to your oven/AGA or any other heat source. Never submerge the chopping board in water. Wood is porous and will soak up any moisture causing the board to crack when it dries. Do not leave any edible products on the board for an extended period of time as the moisture will seep into the wood and stains will develop. Every few months or so we recommend oiling your board with a mineral or vegetable oil. Doing this will provide protection, revitalise the wood’s natural colour and character, and prolong the life of your chopping board. Simply apply a generous amount of oil with a clean cloth or some kitchen paper and leave the oil to penetrate the wood for an hour or so, then wipe away any excess.To eliminate garlic, onion or any other odours from your board - rub with coarse salt, baking soda, lemon or vinegar and leave for a few minutes before rinsing and drying thoroughly.

Caring For Your Marble Boards and Coasters

Marble Boards and Coasters from Culinary Concepts are not only functional but also elegant additions to your home. Proper care ensures they maintain their beauty and functionality over time. Follow these guidelines to keep your marble pieces in prime condition:

Cleaning: Clean your marble pieces with mild dish soap and warm water. Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe away any food residue. To sanitize, use a solution of half water and half vinegar. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as too much acid is not suitable for marble.

Avoiding Soaking: Marble is porous, and prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to stains and damage. Avoid soaking marble in water or leaving it in a damp environment.

Immediate Drying: After washing, dry the marble immediately with a soft, clean cloth. This helps prevent water from seeping into the pores and causing damage.

Special Marble Tips:

Do: Hand-wash marble with a mild dish detergent and a soft sponge or rag. Sanitize with a solution of half water and half vinegar. Too much acid is not good for marble.

Don’t: Clean in the dishwasher or expose marble to drastic temperature changes, which can cause cracks.

Do: Show it off! Chill marble in the fridge then use it to make a stunning cheese plate at your next gathering. Marble won’t damage the blunt-edges on cheese or butter knives.

Silver Plated Items

What is Silver Plate?

This is a method whereby a base metal such as copper is coated in silver usually by the process of electrolysis.

Caring For Your Silver Plated Item

Silver-plated items should be washed independently from stainless steel. If they touch when they are wet the silver may become damaged by a chemical reaction. Whilst silver-plated articles are resistant to corrosion they do inevitably become tarnished from sulphides in the atmosphere and from certain foods such as eggs. Use silver dip or a silver polish, carefully following the manufacturers instructions to clean tarnished silver. These can be purchased in various online and high street shops and in many supermarkets. Never place silver-plated items in the dishwasher, as this will cause serious damage to the items.

Nickel Plated Items

What is Nickel Plate?

This is a method whereby a base metal such as brass is coated in nickel usually by the process of electrolysis.

Caring For Your Nickel Plated Items

Nickel plated items should be cleaned using warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Then rinsed thoroughly with clean water. The item should then be dried immediately with another dry, soft cloth. If the items requires further cleaning a soft cloth and metal cleaner such as Maas Metal Polishing Creme or a Cape Cod Metal Polishing Cloth can be used. These can be purchased in various online and high street shops.

Cast Aluminium Items

What is Aluminium?

Aluminium on its own is soft and lacks strength but the addition of alloys and other elements gives it the very useful properties necessary for making it suitable for tableware.

Caring For Your Aluminium Items

The composition makes this item suitable as a serving platter or charger but unlike stainless steel it is not food safe and will stain if left in direct contact with food for long periods of time especially acids and alkaline. To clean wipe with a slightly damp cloth and dry immediately.

Lantern Care and Use

To care for your lantern and keep it looking fabulous, ensure the lantern is cold and wipe with a damp, soft cloth. Ensure nothing abrasive is used on the metal or glass surface of the lantern. Dry thoroughly after cleaning.

Our lanterns are designed to be free standing and not to be hung unless otherwise specified in their product description. Please ensure that you only use the recommended candle specified for the lantern in its product description and only one candle at a time. Our lanterns are designed for indoor and outdoor use. When using outdoors we recommend that lanterns are stored inside after use and not left outside for long periods of time.

Disclaimer Warning - Single Candle Lanterns

Right :Remove all packaging and follow instructions given with the lantern.
Right :Always examine product before use, and do not use if item is damaged in any way.
Right :Place the candle inside the lantern in an upright position only.
Right :Never leave a burning candle in a lantern unattended and extinguish all candles when leaving a room.
Right :Beware as the glass, top and handle may become hot when burning a candle.
Right :Keep lanterns containing a burning candle out of the reach of children and pets.
Right :Do not burn candles near flammable materials.
Right :Protect the surface the lantern stands on as the base may become hot and do not stand on an uneven surface.
Right :Do not carry a lantern by the handle or carry a lantern with a candle inside - lit or unlit.
Right:Do not put anything else inside the lantern, other than a candle, when lit.

Right :Never leave candles burning unattended, and never leave children alone with lighted candles.
Right :Do not let candles burn in a draught or close to a heat source.
Right :Trim the wick down to a maximum of 1cm (1/3 – 1/2") before lighting.
Right :If the candle gives off sooty smoke, extinguish it and trim the wick before lighting it again.
Right :Each time the candle is extinguished, remove charred pieces of wick, remains of matches, and other impurities like traces of lacquer, from the melted wax round the wick.
Right :Use a candle extinguisher instead of blowing candles out.
Right :When you light a pillar candle, make sure it is allowed to burn out to the edge before extinguishing it for the first time. If it only burns for a short while, it will be spoilt by burning downwards and not outwards.
Right :Always place candles on a level surface and always leave at least 5cm (2") between burning candles.

Candle Care and Use

Our beautiful high quality church candles are perfect for use in our range of lanterns or simply to accessorise your home.

Some More Tips For Candles

The raw material used for candles is intended to give best results at normal room temperature. If the wick is too long, or if a candle is placed inside a hurricane, it may run down the sides.

If melted wax spills onto textiles, allow the wax to harden (in the freezer if possible), before removing it. The remaining stain can be reduced by ironing: place the spot between two layers of kitchen paper, place a cloth over the paper, and iron the spot with a hot iron to melt the wax, which will be absorbed by the kitchen paper. Then wash the textile normally.

If you have any questions regarding the care of your Culinary Concepts product or would like to know more information please contact Customer Services at Culinary Concepts on 01252 852305