New dinner set? 5 mistakes to avoid before first use

At every housewarming, gifts pour in—and more often than not, it’s cookware, dinner sets, or cup-and-saucer sets. They arrive wrapped in shiny paper and ribbons—new pans, glass sets, and gleaming plates. But behind that sparkle may lurk hidden dangers: stubborn stickers, invisible dust, and chemical residues from polishing.

Many of us make the mistake of scrubbing them hard, leaving scratches, or worse, using them straight away. Either way, it can affect both the look of your cookware and your health. The good news? With a few simple tricks, you can keep your utensils spotless, safe, and long-lasting.

Easy hacks to remove stickers from new utensils:

• Hot water & dish soap
  For steel, glass, or ceramic vessels, fill a basin with hot water and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Soak the utensil for 10–15 minutes. Once the adhesive loosens, wipe off gently with a sponge or cloth.
• Cooking oil or coconut oil
  Apply a thin layer of oil over the sticker and let it sit for 10 minutes. The oil seeps in and loosens the glue. Wipe off softly for a clean finish.
• Lemon juice or vinegar
  Dab a clean cloth with 1–2 teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar and press it onto the sticker for a few minutes. The acidity helps dissolve the adhesive, making removal easier. Wash with dish soap afterward.
• Hair dryer trick
  For extra-stubborn stickers, use a hair dryer. Blow warm air on the area for about 30 seconds. The heat softens the adhesive, allowing you to peel it away easily.
• Baking soda paste
  Mix baking soda with water to make a paste. Apply it over leftover sticker marks and rub gently with a sponge or soft brush. Within minutes, the residue will come off completely.

Things to remember before using new cookware

1. Wash thoroughly before first use: Even if they look clean, new utensils may carry dust, dirt, or polishing residues from manufacturing and packing.
2. Remove all stickers & labels: Adhesive and printing inks can leach into food, posing health risks if left behind.
3. Check for hidden inserts: Some utensils come with silica gel packets or protective transparent sheets that aren’t always obvious. Inspect carefully and discard them.
4. Read manufacturer’s instructions: Labels often mention how the utensil should be cleaned, and the maximum heat it can withstand. Go through these details to avoid damage.
5. Choose gentle scrubs: For the very first wash, stick to soft sponges or mild scrubbers. Harsh scrubbing can leave scratches and reduce shine.