Keeping your tongue scraper from becoming a science experiment

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.