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How to Remove Utensil Marks on Plates

Set of clean dishes on counter in kitchen
Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock.com

We’ve all dealt with them at some point or another. Those unsightly plate scratches left behind by knives and forks can be a real buzzkill. Before you toss out your dishes or click “Add to Cart” on a new dinnerware set, we have a tip to help you restore your favorite plates to their former glory.

The secret is a genius, multi-purpose cleaning product, Bar Keepers Friend.

If you haven’t already met this cleaning superhero, allow us to introduce you. Bar Keepers Friend is simply magical. Its gentle yet effective formula can tackle a wide range of kitchen dilemmas and it’s a game-changer when it comes to removing stubborn stains and utensil marks from your dish set

All you need to tackle this chore is a few common kitchen tools: Bar Keepers Friend, a gentle sponge or cleaning cloth, warm water, and plenty of elbow grease. With this collection of tools, you can make your plates beautiful again.

Amazon Basics Non-Scratch Sponges

Make sure to clean your dishes with soft, non-scratch sponges.

Begin by wetting the plate with warm water. This will help fully activate the cleaning power of Bar Keepers Friend. Next, sprinkle a generous amount of Bar Keepers Friend onto the damp plate. Then, grab your trusty sponge or cloth and start scrubbing gently in circular motions. 

As you work the cleanser into the plate, you’ll notice those utensil marks fading away like magic.

Once you’re satisfied with the results, give the plate a thorough clean with soap and water. Rinse then dry it off with a clean cloth, and voilà! Your plate will appear brand new, and those pesky utensil marks will be a distant memory.

Once you’ve mastered the art of removing utensil marks, it’s worthwhile to consider scratch prevention. If you can avoid those plate scratches altogether, you can save yourself the effort of repair.

Gibson Home Rockaway Round Stoneware Dinnerware Set

All that being said, there's no harm in purchasing a new, adorable dinnerware set!

When using knives and forks, avoid applying excessive pressure on the plate. Do most of your cutting and slicing on a cutting board to spare your plates. If you’re particularly attached to cutting on your plates, consider using utensils with soft or rounded edges to minimize the risk of marks.

You also want to consider your cleaning and storing methods. Be careful when washing dishes and don’t scrub plates with any harsh, metal products. When storing plates, stack them with care and consider using soft padding between each plate to avoid direct contact.

With these tips and the power of Bar Keepers Friend by your side, you’ll be well-equipped to keep your plates pristine and mark-free. You can finally say goodbye to those unsightly marks without needing a whole new set of plates…unless, of course, you want a new set.

Abbey Ryan Abbey Ryan
Abbey Ryan is a storyteller, preferably of stories in written form. Across the 5 years of her professional writing career, her work has been featured in The Chicago Tribune, Amazon, The Medical News Today, and more. When she's not writing (which is rare), she's likely traveling, painting, or on the hunt for a good snack. Read Full Bio »
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