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What is Melamine? Everything You Wanted To Know About This Durable, Practically Indestructible Material
It’s the secret ingredient that’s hiding in plain sight on your dinner table.
Ever wondered how your plates and bowls withstand the daily wear and tear of family meals? Well, enter melamine, the MVP of the kitchen. No more cringing at the sound of a plate hitting your table or deck. With melamine, you can confidently host your gatherings without worrying about mishaps, thanks to this remarkable material.
Let’s take a closer look at the substance that’s everywhere you dine.
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What is melamine?
Melamine is an organic-based, nitrogen-rich compound used to create tableware like plates, silverware and so much more. It makes dishes scratch-resistant, heat-resistant and above all, food safe.
It’s made by heating urea to form melamine crystals. These crystals are then ground into powder and mixed with formaldehyde to create a strong resin. This resin is molded into shapes, resulting in the durable, glossy dinnerware we all know and love.
Believe it or not, melamine has been around since the 1830s—but its place as a durable and affordable kitchenware didn’t come until the 1930s. That’s when scientists discovered that combining melamine with formaldehyde created a strong, heat-resistant and glossy resin. By the 1960s, it was a staple, found everywhere from school cafeterias to fancy dinner parties.
Benefits of melamine dinnerware
Durability: Perfect for indoor and outdoor dining, melamine is super sturdy and won’t shatter if dropped. Use melamine dishes again and again, making them an eco-friendly choice.
Affordability: These dishes last for ages, giving you great value. Unlike flimsy plastic or fragile porcelain, melamine is stylish and cost-effective for all your tableware needs.
Easy to Clean: Two words: dishwasher safe. Melamine doesn’t stain, so they stay looking new, making cleanup a breeze.
Is melamine dinnerware safe?
Mostly, yes.
It’s used to make durable tableware, but it’s not recommended for microwaving. While there’s a low risk of it leeching into foods, especially acidic ones like orange juice or tomatoes, it’s generally considered safe.
Stick to microwave-safe containers for heating food and you’ll be good to go.
Melamine Care & Maintenance
Keeping your melamine dinnerware in top shape is a breeze. First, always hand wash or place them on the top rack of the dishwasher. Avoid using harsh scrubbers to maintain their glossy finish.
Remember, melamine isn’t microwave-friendly, so stick to microwave-safe containers for heating food. Lastly, while it’s tough, it’s not invincible—treat it with care to make sure it lasts for many meals to come.
Melamine Dinnerware FAQs
Q: Is melamine safe for everyday use?
A: Yes! It’s durable, heat resistant and food safe. Just avoid microwaving it.
Q: Can melamine go in the dishwasher?
A: Definitely. Just place it on the top rack to maintain its glossy finish.
Q: Why shouldn’t I microwave melamine?
A: Microwaving it can cause it to warp and potentially release chemicals into your food. Stick to microwave-safe containers.
Q: How do I remove stains from melamine?
A: It’s stain resistant, but for tough spots, use a mild cleanser and a soft sponge. Avoid harsh scrubbers to keep it looking new.
Q: Is melamine eco-friendly?
A: Yes, its durability means you can use it repeatedly, reducing the need for disposable dishes.
Hungry for more? From whimsy florals and wild strawberries to stars and stripes befitting of a Fourth of July cookout, our Outdoor Entertaining collection has everything you need for an al fresco feast!
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