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Having guests for dinner or just looking to bring new life to old cookware? Lucky for you, there are ways to shine up your old pots and pans without leaving home. Chances are the things you need to make your cookware gleam are in your kitchen and bathroom right now! Read on to learn more.
Shining Silverware
I remember as a little girl watching my mother sit at the table lovingly polishing her silver flatware. In bygone days, it was a pleasant social activity to sit and chat while shining the family dinnerware.
Shining Stainless Steel Flatware
A lot has changed, and most families now opt for the less labor-intensive stainless-steel flatware. Stainless steel endures a lot of abuse with amazing durability. The problem is, with time and repeated washings, even stainless becomes tarnished, discolored, and pitted.
Bring New Life to Stainless Flatware
You can make your stainless-steel flatware look new again by using the same trick my mother used on her precious silver. Squeeze a little toothpaste on a soft cloth and work it onto the flatware’s surface. Rinse well with water and buff to a high shine with a dry soft cloth. The fine grit and other qualities of the toothpaste remove any discoloration and minimize the appearance of pitting.
The Problem with Copper
Copper is stunning when new. There is nothing that compares with the warm orange glow of a tea kettle sitting on the stovetop. The problem with copper is that over time it too becomes tarnished, dull, and green-tinged due to oxidation.
Make Copper Cookware Look New Again
To make your copper cookware look brand new, look no further than your kitchen pantry. You can slice a lemon in half and dip the open end into a plate of salt. Rub the salted lemon half directly on the surface of your dull copper. Watch in amazement as the copper instantly becomes brighter and discoloration disappears!
Bring a High Shine to Stainless and Copper Cookware
Once your cookware is free of discoloration, bring the shine up a notch further. Pour a small amount of olive oil onto a clean dry paper towel. Gently work the paper towel over the surface of your stainless steel or copper cookware. Lastly, use a clean, soft, dry cloth to buff your pots, pans, and kettles to a super-high shine.
Other Great Ideas
Be sure to bookmark this blog and return often for more great tips on caring for and improving your home. Also, be my guest at the Sawdust and Cornbread Channel. I post two new videos each week!
Until next time,
Lora Lea
