Melamine tableware has gained popularity for home use, restaurants, and even picnicking because of the following factors: lightweight, durability, and looks. However, there are key misunderstandings about the melamine tableware, which causes misuse and poor handling. Here are six myths you should stop believing to get the most out of your melamine tableware set.
Myth 1: Melamine tableware can be used for times without breaking and is unbreakable.
According to industry test data, its drop resistance is usually 3-5 times higher than that of ceramic tableware. Even though melamine tableware is tougher than ceramics or glass, it is not immune to breaking and, further, during the fabrication process.
However, due to the eventual wearing of the surface, it may crack, change color, or have some other form of surface damage. According to a durability test, continued high-frequency use and improper cleaning methods will accelerate the aging process, causing the surface wear rate of tableware to increase by 20% after an average of two years of use.
Moreover, applying the wrong pressures, like dropping it at heights or even applying excessive force, will even shatter it. So, it must be maintained properly and checked continually to increase its durability.
A housewife on YouTube said that she had bought a set of melamine tableware. However, the children at home would often drop the tableware when eating, and she did not clean and maintain it properly. Due to a series of reasons, the tableware became damaged and broken over time, making it unusable.
Myth 2: Melamine tableware Set emits dangerous elements
It is widely assumed that melamine tableware emits dangerous substances and could（formaldehyde）, in particular, reach out when in contact with hot dishes. However, there are high-quality melamine tableware that complies with standard safety measures and is safe to use with foods because it is non-reactive.
The production process of FDA-certified melamine tableware must follow strict GMP food production specifications, including raw material procurement, production process control, product quality testing, etc. This ensures that the melamine tableware will not be contaminated during the production process, thereby ensuring its quality.
Issues arise when fakes or poor quality that may not comply with laid down standards are used. For this reason, when buying melamine tableware it is important to buy from reputable brands that have complied with food safety certifications. The production process of branded melamine tableware manufacturers is relatively strict and more secure.
Myth 3: Products made from melamine materials can heated in a microwave.
In fact, melamine tableware is not suitable for use in microwave ovens. When melamine tableware is exposed to high temperatures for a long time or heated in a microwave oven, its material may become brittle and easy to break. However, after heating food in the microwave, it can be transferred to a melamine dish and eaten. This protects the dishes and/or ensures that the food is safe to eat.
Reason
Risk of high-temperature decomposition: The applicable temperature of melamine tableware is 0℃ to 120℃. Microwave heating at excessive temperature (such as 200℃ for 10 minutes) can cause melamine resin to decompose, releasing formaldehyde and melamine into food, which is harmful to health.
Warning of heavy metal migration: Some melamine tableware has colored inner layers, and printing inks may contain heavy metals (lead, etc.), which are easy to migrate into food at high temperatures. Heavy metals are difficult to excrete from the human body, and accumulation to a certain amount can damage health.
Alternative solution
If you need to heat food in the microwave, it is recommended to use other microwave-friendly containers, such as glass or ceramic containers. After the food is heated, transfer it to melamine tableware for consumption. This can protect the melamine tableware from damage by high temperatures and ensure that the food is safe to eat.
Myth 4: Melamine tableware may be washed with steelwool or hard scouring pads
Scrubbing melamine tableware set with steel wool or hard scouring pads can cause the item to become scratched and dull, and easy to stain as well. Soft spongs or other non-scratch pads and soft wash clothes should be used, preferably with mild dishwashing detergent. According to this approach, your tableware will remain clean all the time though it is protected in a way that cannot easily be worn out.
Here are some brands that are suitable for cleaning and wiping melamine tableware to give you a better choice:
1. Little seal Japanese kitchen rag
2. Scrub Daddy
3. CONDOR Japanese dishwashing sponge
4. 3M Scotch natural wood pulp cotton super clean scouring pad
5. Profissimo German imported dm rag
These brands or models of dishwashing cloths are soft and do not damage the surface of tableware, suitable for cleaning melamine tableware sets. When using, it is recommended to use a mild dishwashing detergent to better protect the tableware and achieve a cleaning effect. At the same time, pay attention to the cleaning and maintenance instructions of the dishwashing cloth to extend its service life and maintain the cleaning effect.
Myth 5: Melamine tableware can be soaked in water for a long time, or it can be washed with boiling water.
When a tableware set is made of melamine exposed to its water for an extensive duration or boiling, the material will gradually become less durable. That is why it is usable for daily washing, but if left submerged for a long period, it will fade or swell up. Likewise, applied boiling water affects the material’s performance and shortens its lifespan. The melamine tableware set should be cleaned by washing the dish under warm water with a gentle soap as a cleaning agent.
Tips
Wash in time: After each use, be sure to clean the melamine tableware set within 30 minutes. This can effectively prevent food residues and stains from adhering for a long time and reduce the erosion of the tableware.
Warm water cleaning: Use warm water (not boiling water) and mild soap as a detergent to gently wash the tableware. This can effectively remove stains and protect the tableware from damage.
Regular inspection: We recommend that you regularly check the tableware for fading, swelling, or any other signs of damage. If you find any abnormality, please stop using it immediately and replace it with new tableware.
Myth 6: Analyzing the data of the melamine tableware market, it can be stated that the higher the price, the better the quality.
In this case, we find that price is not an effective factor in defining the quality of the product. In this case, the quality of the melamine tableware set can be judged by the fact of their compliance with the FDA requirements or other standards of food-safe materials. This implies that while some brands shift from a higher material quality price to a low price, other brands may choose to charge slightly more for design or branding. These factors for assessing value for money are even more reliable when obtained by researching the manufacturer’s reputation and reading the product description.
Conclusion
I believe everyone has a certain understanding of the above 6 misunderstandings about melamine tableware. Therefore, you should read more relevant instructions or information when purchasing and using melamine tableware. Improve your understanding of melamine tableware sets, extend the service life of melamine products, and bring convenience to your family. If you have other questions or needs, please browse our melamine product catalog.
