Is stainless steel easy to keep clean though? I always wonder if it starts to rust or get gross over time, especially if you’re not super careful drying it. I’m on a tight budget, so I don’t want to have to replace it every year...
I’ve used the same stainless steel tongue scraper for over two years now, and it’s still going strong. I just rinse and pat it dry after each use—nothing fancy. I’ve never seen any rust, but I do wonder if water quality makes a difference? Has anyone noticed theirs changing color or anything weird over time?
I do wonder if water quality makes a difference?
Actually, water hardness can affect stainless steel over time—minerals in hard water may leave deposits or cause discoloration, even if it’s not true rust. Do you live somewhere with really hard tap water? I’ve seen minor rainbow-like spots on mine after a few months, but nothing too dramatic. Ever tried wiping it down with a bit of vinegar to see if any residue comes off?
Vinegar definitely helps with those spots, but honestly, with a kid using the scraper every morning, I’m more worried about keeping it actually clean than just shiny. We have hard water where I live and those chalky marks show up fast. Has anyone tried drying it off right after rinsing? I started doing that and it seems to help a bit, but I still wonder if these little deposits are a big deal for hygiene or just cosmetic.
Those chalky hard water spots drive me nuts too. I started drying our scraper with a hand towel after every rinse, and it definitely cut down on the build-up—though I still get the occasional spot if I’m lazy. From what I’ve read, those mineral deposits are mostly just cosmetic unless there’s actual gunk stuck on there. I do worry a bit about bacteria, but as long as it’s rinsed well and dried, it seems fine. Sometimes I give ours a little soak in vinegar just for peace of mind, but honestly, it’s probably overkill.
