How to keep Your Shiny Mother-of-Pearl Spoon Beautiful and Lasting

Mother-of-pearl spoons are truly special utensils, cherished for their beautiful, shimmery look. They often appear on fancy tables, especially when serving delicate foods like caviar. These aren't just regular spoons; they're like little pieces of art. To make sure your mother of pearl spoon keeps its lovely shine and stays with you for many years, you need to know how to clean and care for it properly. This guide from BLUS will show you simple yet important steps to keep your treasured spoon in perfect condition.

Why Do These Spoons Need Special Attention? 

Mother-of-pearl, also called Nacre, is a natural material that comes from the inside of mollusk shells. Because it's natural, it doesn't react with sour foods, which is why it's the top choice for serving things like caviar without changing the taste. However, being natural also means it's more easily damaged by strong cleaning products, very hot or very cold temperatures, and rough scrubbing. Understanding this is the first step to protecting your beautiful caviar spoon mother of pearl.

Easy Things to Do for Your Mother-of-Pearl Spoon 

Caring for your mother of pearl spoons is quite easy once you learn the right way to do it. First, it's always best to wash your mother-of-pearl spoon by hand right after you finish using it. This stops any food bits from drying and sticking hard to the spoon, which would make it harder to clean later. When washing, use only a gentle, mild dish soap. Harsh or strong cleaning products can make the natural shine of the pearl become dull. Use water that's lukewarm, not too hot. Very hot water can make the material expand and shrink, and this can cause tiny cracks over time. Always use a soft cloth or a gentle sponge to carefully wipe away any food. You must never use steel wool or any rough scrubbers, as these will scratch and ruin the delicate surface of your spoon.

After you've washed it, it's very important to dry your mother-of-pearl spoon right away. Don't ever let it air dry. Use a soft, clean towel to dry the spoon immediately. This stops water spots from forming and helps keep its beautiful shine. You can even gently rub it a bit with the soft cloth; this can help make its natural shimmery look even better.

Proper storage is also key to keeping your mother of pearl caviar spoon safe from scratches and damage. It’s best to store your spoon in a soft cloth pouch or wrap it separately in a soft cloth. This stops it from rubbing against other utensils or hard surfaces that could scratch it. Also, try to keep your spoon away from direct sunlight, very hot places, or very damp places, as these conditions can make the natural material dry out or even crack.

What You Must NOT Do with Your Mother-of-Pearl Spoon 

To make sure your mother-of-pearl spoon lasts a long time and stays beautiful, there are some very important things you should never do. The most crucial rule is: Never put your mother-of-pearl spoon in the dishwasher! The very high heat, strong soaps, and harsh washing cycles in a dishwasher are extremely damaging to mother-of-pearl. They will cause it to crack, become dull, and get ruined permanently. Also, never use harsh or abrasive cleaners like bleach or cleaners with ammonia. These will strip away the natural oils and the beautiful shimmery look of the pearl, leaving it dull and damaged.

While a quick hand wash is fine, don't let your spoon soak in water for a long time. Soaking it for too long can weaken the material and lead to cracks or layers coming apart. Avoid putting your spoon through sudden big changes in temperature, such as dropping it straight into boiling water or placing it in extreme cold. Finally, always be careful to avoid rough surfaces or sharp objects that could scratch the delicate surface of your spoon.

Make It Shine Again: Occasional Tips 

Even with the best daily care, sometimes your mother-of-pearl spoon might need a little extra help to bring back its full bright shine. Occasionally, you can put a tiny bit of food-grade mineral oil onto a soft cloth and gently rub it all over the spoon. This helps to put moisture back into the material and makes its natural glow stand out more. Just be sure to wipe off any extra oil. For really dull or very stubborn stains that gentle cleaning can't fix, you could talk to a professional who knows how to care for delicate natural materials. However, if you consistently take good care of your spoon, you probably won't need to do this very often.

Embrace the Elegance 

Mother-of-pearl spoons, much like the beautiful handcrafted pens and jewelry made by BLUS, are made to be treasured. By simply following these cleaning and care instructions, you can make sure your mother of pearl spoon remains a stunning and useful item for many years to come. Enjoy the timeless elegance it brings to your dining experiences!