CERAMICS

Storing:

Placing rubber or plastic mats on large stainless steel

surfaces usually found in industrial kitchens can help reduce

metal marking to ceramics.

Rubber or plastic mats can also be placed in stacking

areas, trolleys or sinks to further reduce the chance of

met

al marking.

Replace or repair any plastic coated racks that may have

become worn and the metal underneath exposed, as this

again could cause damage to your ceramics.

Using:

Don’t scrape of f leftovers – wipe of f with a paper towel or a

plastic/rubber scraper.

Utopia ceramics are suitable for microwave use, however be

advised that any decorated item that includes metal will not

be microwave safe.

Use cutlery that is of a high grade steel as a minimum

requirement, as some cutlery in use today is made from low

grade steel, which being soft in nature increases the chance

of metal marking.

Using metal utensils against ceramics can also cause metal

marking, try to keep this to a minimum or use plastic utensils.

Washing:

Utopia’s products are specially designed to withstand the

rigours of the Foodservice and Hospitality trade, including

automatic dishwashing found widely in most businesses.

The correct handling and care of your Melamine buf fet and

tableware will enhance the appearance and longevity of the

product in use. The following guide will assist you.

Handle melamine dinnerware like any quality dinnerware.

Use only plastic pads or plastic type bristle to remove

dried food

Presoak melamine products if necessary in a high quality

presoak dishwashing detergent

Do not use melamine products in an oven

Do not use melamine products in a microwave

Do not use harsh or abrasive cleaners steel wool

or metal scouring pads

Do not use chlorine bleach

Melamine is a thermosetting plastic that is strong lightweight

and hard with the look and feel of ceramic product It is

highly break and scratch resistant but it is NOT 100

unbreakable it can be scratched and broken

Melamine is often used for dinnerware, mixing bowls and

laminated counter tops because it resists acids, alkalis and

most food stains.

Melamine is hard and smooth and can withstand some fairly

warm temperatures, but it does absorb heat and will soften

if it gets too hot While melamine is perfectly safe when it

comes in contact with warm temperatures melamine is not

microwavable

In general melamine products are not designed to withstand

temperatures that exceed 100C and should not be

submerged in boiling water or placed in the oven

Also be sure to avoid exposure to hot objects or prolonged

exposure to boiling water Melamine is suitable for use over

a bainmarie as the water is circa 70C to hold food above a

temperature of 60C

Melamine is dishwasher safe as long as the water temperature

does not exceed the 100C guidelines Scouring powder

should not be used as it will scratch the surface also never use

chlorine bleach on melamine buf fetware

To ensure the quality level of the product it is important to

take note of the following:

Strictly follow recommended dishwashing procedures set out

by the manufacturer and use the correct dose application of

the detergent.

The use of an approved detergent is recommended.

For ef fective cleaning, we recommend that the dishwashing

temperature and the f inal rinse be set between 55 to 60°C.

Operating at higher temperature levels in order to wash

crockery ‘properly’ is a def inite case of overkill and

detrimental to all tableware.

Repair or replace any plastic coated metal in the dishwasher

that may have worn away as this may result in metal marking.

Stack ceramics separately to other crockery in the

dishwasher such as cutlery or pans and ensure items do

not vibrate against each other during the cycle.

Ov

erdosing on detergent or using excessively high

temperatures will cause deterioration to the glazed f inish or

damage any decoration on the product.

Metal Marking

Metal marking occurs when a ceramic item comes into

contact with metal surfaces or utensils, which can cause

metal tracing to be left on the ceramic item due to certain

types of steel being softer than the glaze of the ceramic.

Despite the unsightly appearance of metal marking, it is not

a cause for concern as it can be easily removed by the

application of a gentle household non-abrasive cleaner.

MELAMINE

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