Caring For Vintage And Antique Kitchen Utensils

"The Enterprising Housekeeper"

I picked up this handy 1908 booklet called "The Enterprising Housekeeper". This was a promotional piece from the Enterprise Manufacturing Company of Philadelphia. Dated 1908, this booklet still offers some helpful information for the kitschy thrifty homemaker about how to care for kitchen utensils (as well as some sharp social commentary).

Excerpt

"Nothing more quickly defines the cook than the care taken of his or her utensils, for a good workman loves and cares for his tools. There are keepers of stables who abuse their horses, and there are people who even abuse their children, as well as cooks who abuse the tools provided for them that their labors may be more easily performed".

In 1908, notice how the author compares abuse of kitchen tools to other societal abuses.

And here is another quote:

"The unappreciative cook is usually the unskilled one"
Whoa...they were tough in 1908!

Tins
Should be well dried before putting away or they will rust.

Pans And Kettles

Do not put pans and kettles partly filled with water on the stove to soak. This makes them more difficult to clean. Fill them with cold water and soak away from the heat.


Kitchen Knives and Forks

Never place kitchen knives and forks in water. Wash them thoroughly with the dish cloth in hot suds, then polish and rub them dry.

Sieves

Sieves should not be washed with soap. Clean with a brush and clear water. Use (baking) soda if necessary.

Outside of Pans and Saucepans

The outside of all pans and utensils should be cleaned and cared for just like the inside.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists