Cookie cans made of tinplate plate are widely used in food packaging because of their excellent corrosion resistance and exquisite appearance. However, many people may ask after using tinplate cookie cans: Can these cans be washed? Will the coating be damaged during the cleaning process, which will affect the service life and safety of the cans?
This article will discuss in detail from many aspects such as material characteristics, cleaning methods and coating protection to help readers better understand how to handle and maintain tinplate cookie cans.
What are tinplate cookie cans?
Before discussing whether tinplate cookie cans can be washed, we first need to understand its material and construction. Tinplate plate is a tin-plated thin steel plate with a thin layer of tin on its surface to prevent rust and corrosion. Due to the relatively stable chemical properties of tin and its good antioxidant ability, tinplate plate has become an ideal material in the field of food packaging, especially for the storage of dry goods such as biscuits and candies.
Tinplate cans are not only sturdy and durable, but also have good sealing properties, which makes them very suitable for storing foods that are easily affected by moisture. More importantly, tinplate cans are often highly ornamental through exquisite printing and design, which is also an important reason why many families continue to use them as storage containers after enjoying cookies.
What is the role of the coating on tinplate cookie cans?
There is usually a coating inside and outside the tinplate cans, especially the inner wall of the can. The main function of this coating is to increase the corrosion resistance of the tinplate plate, prevent the acid and alkali substances in the food from chemically reacting with the metal, and protect the food from direct contact with the metal to ensure food safety.
1. The protective role of the inner coating
For food packaging, the inner coating of tinplate cans is particularly important. Food will release a certain amount of moisture and grease during storage, and when these substances come into direct contact with metal, they may trigger chemical reactions, causing the metal surface to rust, oxidize, and even contaminate the food. Therefore, the main function of the inner wall coating is to isolate the direct contact between food and metal and prevent any potential metal contamination.
2. The decorative and protective function of the outer coating
The role of the outer coating is more reflected in beauty and durability. Tinplate cookie cans usually display brand and product information through exquisite printing, and these printed patterns also rely on the protection of the outer coating to prevent the patterns from being worn during use. In addition, the outer coating can further prevent the can from rusting in a humid environment and extend the service life.
Therefore, the coating is not only a beautiful decoration, but also an important part of protecting the structure and function of tinplate cookie cans. How to protect these coatings during cleaning and daily use is the key to ensure the long-term use of the cans.
Can tinplate cookie cans be washed?
Tinplate cookie cans can be washed, but appropriate methods must be taken to avoid damaging the coating. The tinplate plate itself is not afraid of water, but the coating inside and outside the can is easily damaged by improper cleaning methods, so special attention should be paid when cleaning.
1. Choice of cleaning method
When cleaning tinplate cookie cans on a daily basis, it is recommended to choose a gentle cleaning method. Neutral detergent and warm water can be used for cleaning. Do not use strong acid or strong alkaline detergents, as these chemicals may corrode the coating of the can.
When cleaning, you should try to avoid using rough cleaning tools, such as steel wool or hard brushes. Although the surface of tinplate cans looks smooth and solid, overly rough cleaning tools may scratch the coating, especially the protective layer inside the can. Once the coating is scratched, the metal part inside is exposed to the air, and the can is more likely to rust, affecting its service life.
2. Risks of using a dishwasher
Many people are accustomed to using a dishwasher for cleaning, but a dishwasher is not an ideal cleaning tool for tinplate cookie cans. The high temperature, high-pressure water flow and strong detergents in the dishwasher may damage the coating of tinplate cans, especially during the long rinsing and drying process of the dishwasher, the coating may crack or peel off.
Therefore, in order to ensure that the coating of tinplate cans is not damaged, it is best to wash by hand and avoid using a dishwasher. Hand washing can not only better control the water temperature and the concentration of the detergent, but also handle every detail of the can more delicately, avoiding excessive friction or unnecessary damage.
Will washing damage the coating?
Although tinplate cookie cans can be washed, improper cleaning methods will indeed damage the coating. Once the coating is damaged, it will not only affect the appearance of the can, but also have a negative impact on its functionality, causing the metal part to be exposed to the air and accelerating the corrosion process.
1. Consequences of damaged coating
Once the inner coating is damaged, the metal part of the can is in contact with the air, and it is very likely to undergo an oxidation reaction, causing rust. Once the iron part of the can body rusts, it will not only affect the appearance of the can, but may also contaminate the food stored in the can. This is particularly unfavorable for containers such as cookie cans that are in direct contact with food.
Damage to the outer coating is mainly reflected in changes in appearance. Many tinplate cookie cans have become ornaments or storage cans with collectible value because of their beautiful patterns. If the outer coating is scratched or worn, the pattern may become blurred and the overall appearance of the can will be affected.
2. How to avoid coating damage?
To avoid coating damage, first of all, be careful not to use strong detergents and overheated water temperatures when cleaning. Secondly, avoid soaking tinplate cans for a long time. Although short-term contact with water will not cause much damage to the can, long-term soaking may soften or even damage the coating, causing it to lose its protective function.
In addition, the can body should be wiped dry as soon as possible after cleaning, especially the can mouth and curling edge, which are usually the most likely places for water to accumulate. If it is not wiped dry immediately after cleaning, the residual moisture may penetrate into the gaps of the can body, gradually corroding the metal and destroying the coating.
How to maintain tinplate cookie cans in daily use?
In addition to the cleaning method, daily use and maintenance will also affect the service life of tinplate cookie cans. In order to extend the service life of the can and protect the coating from damage, the following points can help users better maintain tinplate cans.
1. Avoid violent collisions
Although the appearance of tinplate cans is sturdy, excessive collisions may cause the can body to deform, and the coating is also easy to peel off under strong impact. Therefore, when using or storing tinplate cans, try to avoid collisions or drops to prevent the can body from deforming.
2. Pay attention to dryness during storage
Tinplate cans should be placed in a dry environment and avoid long-term exposure to humid air. A humid environment will accelerate the oxidation process of the metal and cause the can body to rust, especially when the coating is already damaged, moisture will further penetrate into the metal layer and accelerate its corrosion.
3. Store food properly
If you continue to use tinplate cans to store food, especially foods with high moisture or fat content, it is recommended to put a layer of isolation paper or plastic wrap inside the can to prevent the ingredients in the food from coming into direct contact with the can and further protect the coating from damage.
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