We are used to metals They rust in the open air. It’s unpleasant, but it’s common. However, when this is done indoors, it is not only unpleasant, but also seems almost implausible. It happens, for example in the kitchenWhen cutlery rusts. Sometimes this happens even with stainless steel products.
In the latter case, we may think that we have been deceived. That they really weren’t made from this material. But it doesn’t have to be a scam. Maybe this stainless steelbut we did not use these utensils in the most suitable way.
And the cutlery is rusting action of oxygen and water on metal. Stainless steel has a coating that protects it from both, but if we expose cutlery to certain substances or rub it hard when washing, we can remove this protection. Thus, they are at the mercy of the oxidation process. So what exactly is this process?
Cutlery rusts due to kitchen conditions
For a metal to oxidize, we need both oxygen and water. In general terms, the process is similar to what happens when a battery operates. Must be anodewhich loses electrons, and cathodewho receives them. In addition, for this flow to arise, it is necessary electrolyte.
The electrolyte in this case is water. However, it can react with carbon dioxide in the air to form carbonic acid, which is an even better electrolyte.
Metal that rusts This is the anode. When it comes into contact with oxygen, it loses electrons, which flow through the electrolyte to the cathode, which can be another piece of metal or another part of the same metal utensil.
In this case, oxygen reacts with the metal, forming an oxide. If the metal in question is iron, then it is formed iron oxide, which has a reddish-orange color. If it is, for example, copper, a bluish-green copper oxide is formed. This is why some old coins may turn greenish. Fortunately, rust forms on the very surface layer of metal. Oxidation should not be confused with corrosion. which affects deeper layers and can irreparably damage the structure.
Knowing all this, we can understand that cutlery gets rusty because the kitchen is the ideal place. It is not necessary to have a large amount of water. Enough with air humidity, so common in this part of the house. Now, if we keep the cutlery wet for a long time, it will be easier for them to rust.
What about stainless steel?
Steel is an alloy iron and carbon. Therefore, due to its iron content, the most common reddish rust can occur.
Nowadays, many tableware items, such as cutlery, are made from stainless steel. But what’s so special about this material?
In this case, the metal is formed from an alloy of iron, carbon and chromium. This last element protects iron from oxidation. Iron has a greater ability to lose electrons, which is why it rusts so easily. On the other hand, chromium is much more resistant, therefore it protects iron atoms from the action of oxygen.
The problem is that while there is a lot of resistance in this aspect, it is not as robust in other scenarios. friction This happens when we rub cutlery while washing or if they rub against each other in the dishwasher, and it can gradually deteriorate the steel, weakening its protection against oxygen. The same thing happens if you use certain caustic substances for cleaning or if, for example, the dishes are soaked very acidic foods for a long time. Therefore, sometimes cutlery gets rusty even if it is made of stainless steel.
What we can do?
If cutlery is rusting in our kitchen, there are several measures we can take. The first thing is to try dry them quickly once we clean them and then store them in a place protected from moisture.
Also, although we have already seen that even stainless steel can be damaged, it is advisable to buy them from this material and, of course, treat it with care so as not to damage the shield.
But what happens if we already have cutlery with rust stains?
One of the main measures to remove rust from metal, be it cutlery or any other utensils, is to use vinegar.
Vinegar, also known as acetic acid, is a weak acid. Thus, it acts as a very mild corrosive agent, removing the outer layer of metal in which the rust resides. Moreover, if we add a little saltsolubility in water and electrical conductivity of the latter increase, making the process more efficient.
It is not always possible to remove all the rust, but if there is not too much of it accumulated, this can be a very useful measure.
Source: Hiper Textual
