Connoisseurs appreciate cutlery made of nickel silver for their aesthetic appearance and durability. Cupronickel includes copper and nickel, this alloy is resistant to corrosion, it is also often called white copper. However, despite this, cupronickel cutlery sometimes has to be cleaned, because over time, the luster that gives them a luxurious look does not become so bright.
Cupronickel has been known to man since the 3rd century, and the name was given to it by the French scientists Mayo and Shorie (fr. Maillot, Chorier) - they conducted experiments with this alloy. Today, nickel silver is made not only of all kinds of cutlery, but also inexpensive jewelry and art products.
How to clean cupronickel items
When cleaning products from cupronickel, some caution must be observed: they cannot be treated with chemical agents with chlorine, since it oxidizes the alloy. Also, do not wash cutlery from cupronickel in a dishwasher. It is best to wash them with your hands in warm water, after rubbing them with toothpaste or tooth powder - a fine abrasive will not damage the shiny surface and will perfectly clean it. Another way to purify cupronickel is a sparse solution of citric acid or a concentrated salt solution with finely crushed egg shells.
If stains appear on the appliances, they can easily be cleaned with a warm solution of 8% vinegar. Just soak a soft cloth in it and wipe it with cupronickel. After any cleaning, they must be thoroughly washed with water and wiped dry.
How to store items made of nickel silver
It is necessary to store cupronickel products in a special way: tightly wrap in polyethylene or in thick paper. Otherwise cupronickel can acquire an unpleasant specific smell. You can get rid of it with a soda-salt solution: in a shallow container, covered with foil and filled with hot water, dissolve 3 tablespoons of salt and 1 spoon of soda. It is necessary to keep the devices in this solution from 8 to 10 hours, after that the smell will disappear, and cupronickel will become as good as new.
An important condition: for items made of nickel silver to be stored correctly, they must be completely dry.
