Stainless Steel at Home: Properties and Care

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is an alloy of iron and chromium in which the chromium forms an invisible, self-repairing layer that stops rust. It is the standard for cutlery and wet-room hardware because it simply keeps working: no corrosion, no flavour transfer, no coating to wear off. In the SantHome range it appears in cutlery sets, towel rails and bathroom accessories, places where daily water contact rules out almost every other metal.

Properties

Chromium content (typically 10.5%+) forms an oxide layer that self-repairs when scratched
18/10 grade (18% chromium, 10% nickel) is the standard for SantHome cutlery, the same grade used in professional kitchens
Non-porous surface: no flavour transfer and no bacterial harbour the way wood or plastic can develop
Corrosion resistance in daily water contact, the reason it dominates bathroom hardware
Non-magnetic: the austenitic 18/10 grade used in cutlery does not attract a magnet, unlike cheaper ferritic steels

Care

Rinse cutlery soon after meals, dry pieces rather than air-drying them, and lift water spots with a drop of white vinegar. The full routine is in our stainless steel care guide.

Caring for Stainless Steel Cutlery and Accessories

Stainless Steel FAQs

Why do my stainless steel forks sometimes show water spots?

Spots are mineral deposits left behind as hard water evaporates, not rust. Dry cutlery by hand instead of air-drying it, or wipe with a drop of white vinegar, for a clean shine.

Is stainless steel cutlery magnetic?

SantHome cutlery is 18/10 grade, a non-magnetic austenitic steel. If a magnet sticks to a piece of steel cutlery, it usually signals a lower grade, not a fault in this range.