If your metal ice cream scoop has come out discolored from the dishwasher and leaves black residue on your hands, it is likely that the dishwasher has caused a reaction with the metal, resulting in tarnish or corrosion. Dishwashers can be harsh on certain metals, especially those that are not dishwasher-safe or have a protective coating.
To attempt to clean and restore your ice cream scoop, you can try the following steps:
Hand wash: Start by hand washing the ice cream scoop using warm water and a mild dish soap. Gently scrub the surface with a soft sponge or cloth to remove any loose residue or dirt.
Vinegar or lemon juice soak: Create a solution of equal parts vinegar (white vinegar or apple cider vinegar) or lemon juice and water. Place the ice cream scoop in the solution and let it soak for about 15-30 minutes. The acidity of vinegar or lemon juice can help dissolve some types of tarnish or corrosion.
Baking soda paste: Make a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water. Apply the paste to the discolored areas of the scoop and gently scrub with a soft cloth or sponge. Baking soda can act as a mild abrasive and help remove stains.
Rinse and dry: Thoroughly rinse the ice cream scoop with clean water to remove any cleaning residue. Then, dry it completely with a soft cloth.
However, please note that the success of restoring your ice cream scoop will depend on the extent and type of discoloration or corrosion. If the discoloration is severe or the metal has been significantly damaged, it may not be possible to restore it to its original condition. In such cases, it might be best to consider replacing the scoop with a new one.
To prevent similar issues in the future, check if your ice cream scoop is dishwasher-safe before putting it in the dishwasher. Some metal utensils require hand washing to maintain their appearance and functionality. Additionally, it's a good practice to avoid mixing different metals in the dishwasher to minimize the risk of reactions between them.