Clear Signs That It's Time To Replace Your Kitchen Silverware

Whether your silverware set is a collection of opulent, actual silver heirlooms or regular stainless steel flatware, these items don't last forever. As long as you're using, washing, and storing them, they'll wear out at some point and need replacement. The signs to look out for that confirm it's time to let go of your pieces include unsightly discolorations or marks that refuse to come off, irreparable physical damage, or simply a mismatch with the style you want for your tablescaping.

For example, think of persistent rust causing unsightly marks on your cutlery. No one wants to put that in their mouth. These ugly reddish spots occur when iron is exposed to moisture and oxygen, forming iron oxide. If all your attempts to remove the rust fail, it's time to say goodbye. Stubborn stains commonly caused by acidic foods are another visual cue to consider a new set of cutlery. If you've tried every hack to get your silverware sparkling clean with no success, then let them go.

Apart from unattractive marks, physical damage, such as bent or broken pieces, is a sign to get a replacement. This also includes blunt knives or forks, loose handles, as well as deep scratches on any of your pieces. Such defects commonly occur due to poor handling and storage of the flatware. For example, maybe you don't use a silverware organizer to keep your kitchen tidy, which would also protect your pieces from damage. However, even normal wear and tear can lead to these damages, especially if your silverware items have been in use for a significant number of years.

It's easy to assume that the reason we're saying that a rusty spoon, a blunt dinner knife, bent tines on a fork, and excessively scratched pieces warrant a replacement is based on aesthetics. Well, yes, you would be partly right in thinking so, since these defects can be a real eyesore on your dinner table. That said, the lack of visual appeal is not the only reason to shop for new silverware. In fact, there are other more pressing issues, like food safety. For example, while ingesting a little rust with your food may not harm you health-wise, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) considers it not food-safe, hence you should avoid ingesting it.

Some of these defects are also physical hazards. Take, for example, deep scratches or pitting on a corroded spoon. If you use this to eat your food, there's a chance you can scratch your mouth and injure yourself. Besides, if you've ever used a blunt knife to cut food on your plate or a fork with blunt tines to pierce the food, then you understand that you'll need to apply excess force, and that can even lead to probably breaking your plate or pushing your food right out of the plate. All in all, even without any serious reason, if you simply no longer feel happy with the style of your silverware set, you're free to replace it with another one that'll enhance your fun tablescaping ideas for various occasions.