Avoid an abrasive cloth, opt for hand wash to maintain premium cutlery

Bhavna Goenka, CEO at Memoire and Filippo Ricci, Creative Director of Stefano Ricci, have suggested ways:

* Keep an eye on your washing habits, as abrasive practices can reduce the lifespan of your stainless steel cutlery. Unnecessarily drawn-out storage in a damp dishwasher is the main agent for rust, so remove and hand-dry.

* Abrasive cloth can leave marks and dents on the delicate frame hence only the softest cloth should be used. Ensure that you dry your cutlery with a tea towel rather than leave it to air-dry.

* To maintain and maximise on the lustre, use a sponge with white vinegar. If you don't have white vinegar at hand, try cleaning your cutlery using bicarbonate of soda. Fill a tray with warm water and add a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda. Place the cutlery in and leave to soak for 10-15 minutes.

* Hand-washing is the best way to keep your cutlery clean/ It should be stored in a cutlery box or roll to reduce oxidisation, which causes silver to tarnish. If tarnish appears, you can remove it with quality silver cleaner.

* If washed in dishwasher, please follow these instructions: It is recommended, when possible, to wash the products in dishwashers for domestic use rather than industrial use. Use gentle and air dry cycles. Wash the products at maximum 40°C to 50°C. Always use natural detergents. Always pay special attention to the instructions of the dishwasher and detergent manufactures.

* Stainless-steel cutlery stored in its original canister, can prevent pieces rubbing together. Storage in a well aired kitchen drawer is will increase the lifespan.

* Grease streaks are the kryptonite for cutlery. They trap oxygen bubbles in then, which are reactive to the cutlery composition. Streaks can be removed effectively using olive oil.

Dampen a soft cloth with oil; carefully and gently rub the cutlery to remove the streaks, post which they can be rinsed and dry immediately with a lint-free cloth.