The dangers of inferior stainless steel tableware
I believe that stainless steel tableware can be seen in the kitchen of every home. Indeed, it is not only beautiful in appearance, but also durable. However, if used improperly, stainless steel tableware can also be harmful to health.
The minefield of stainless steel tableware
Stainless steel is made of iron-chromium alloy mixed with trace metal elements such as chromium, nickel, and aluminum.
Chromium can form a dense passivation film on the surface of stainless steel to prevent the metal matrix from being damaged and maintain the stability of stainless steel.
When using stainless steel tableware, pay attention to the following issues.
1. It is not suitable to hold vinegar and salt
Stainless steel tableware should not contain substances containing acid and high salt content, such as vinegar, acidic juice, salt, soy sauce, vegetable soup, etc.
The electrolytes in these foods can react electrochemically with the metal elements in the tableware, destroy the passivation layer on the stainless steel surface, dissolve the chromium elements in it, release metal compounds, and cause poisoning.
2. It is not suitable to decoct Chinese medicine.
Traditional Chinese medicine contains a variety of alkaloids, organic acids and other ingredients. When heated, it is easy to chemically react with the metal components in stainless steel, thereby losing the efficacy of the medicine and even generating some toxic substances.
3. Not suitable for dry cooking
Stainless steel has a lower thermal conductivity than iron and aluminum products, and heat conduction is slower. Dry burning will cause the chrome plating on the surface of the tableware to age and fall off.
4. Do not use strong alkaline substances for cleaning.
Avoid using strongly alkaline or strongly oxidizing chemicals such as baking soda, bleaching powder, sodium hypochlorite, etc. to wash stainless steel tableware.
These substances are strong electrolytes and will react electrochemically with stainless steel.
5. It is not advisable to use steel wire balls for friction
After using stainless steel tableware for a period of time, the surface will lose its luster and become "foggy". You can use a soft cloth dipped in some detergent powder and wipe it gently.
Do not rub with steel wool or sandpaper to avoid scratching the surface of the stainless steel tableware.
6. Don’t buy inferior products
Don't buy low-quality products for the sake of cheapness. Such stainless steel tableware is made of inferior materials and rough in production, and may contain a variety of heavy metal elements that are harmful to health, such as lead, aluminum, mercury and cadmium.
How to maintain stainless steel tableware?
If you want to use stainless steel tableware safely and permanently, you can maintain it from the following two aspects.
oil
Before use, you can apply a layer of vegetable oil on the surface of stainless steel tableware and then dry it to facilitate cleaning of the tableware.
Clean
You can clean it with dish soap, then rinse it with water. After washing, wipe the surface moisture with a dry cloth or kitchen paper in time.
How to choose stainless steel tableware?
Inferior stainless steel tableware may contain excessive amounts of heavy metals, which may cause health problems if used for a long time. You can choose stainless steel tableware from the following aspects.
• Finish •
The surface finish of stainless steel tableware should be high, not that "foggy" feeling.
• Feel •
Good stainless steel tableware is smooth to the touch and will not have pitted surfaces.
• Material •
Choose food grade 304 stainless steel before it can be used to store food.