A cake stand is a must have in every home of someone who loves to bake. Whether presenting a home-baked cake during a party or a batch of cupcakes during a celebratory function a cake stand enhances the display. It is made of sturdy material, making it easy for your cakes to take centre stage. Moreover, taking good care of your cake stand keeps it in excellent condition for a considerable period. Cleaning it occasionally and storing it in a suitable position is crucial to keeping it looking great and in working condition. So, a cake stand is just the thing to display your delicious treats in style.
The top tips to care for your cake stand
A cake stand is an accessory which highlights your dessert and adds grandeur to any celebration. For your cake stand to be beautifully looking and remain in its glory, it needs all it can get in terms of maintenance and upkeep. Here are a few easy ways to maintain your cake stand.
- Avoid Using it for Heavy Items: While cake stands are designed to hold sweets, it is better not to place too heavy items on them, or else you would make the stand crack, tip over, or even break. One example of items to avoid is heavily loaded cakes, stacked cakes, or items that hold a large weight on their periphery. Such a weight would bend the stand’s structure or cause excessive wear in the long term. If you’re presenting a heavy dessert or large cake, use a stronger or more heavy-duty stand that is better equipped to support more weight. You can also find out the maximum weight capacity of your stand, as specified by the manufacturer, so you can utilise it accordingly.
- Regularly Clean Your Cake Stand: To ensure your stand is safe, it must be wiped after each use. Start using a sponge or a soft cloth to ensure it won’t mark the stand’s surface. Hard or rough material must never be used since it would destroy the stand’s finishing. In heavy staining or build-up, use a small amount of mild dish soap and warm water, and then use a mild sponge or a soft brush to scrub the stand’s surface gently. Any remaining dirt will be scrubbed using a mild sponge or a soft brush to wash it. After cleaning, the cake stand must be dried thoroughly before storing it. Store it in a dry place to avert collection of water, which is bad for its finishing.
- Store Safely When Not in Use: When your cake stand is not in use, put it in a position that is secure to prevent it from getting knocked over or harmed. Aside from that, do not put it in a high-traffic place, such as a countertop’s edge or in a crowded cabinet where other objects would easily knock it over. Wrapping it in a padded box prevents it from getting scratched or broken. Also, the fragile objects, such as glass or crystal, must be placed on a cabinet or a shelf that is not handled harshly. Putting it in a secure, safe position minimises the chances of it getting broken unintentionally.
- Avoid High-Temperature Change: Temperature changes also cause warping, discolouration, or cracking of materials. As such, a metal or a glass cake stand should be stored in a place that is not exposed to excessive heat or cold. An example is when you put a hot cake directly on a stand. You expose it to extreme temperatures that can harm such a material. Likewise, do not put a cold cake stand in a hot oven or a dishwasher. The cake stand should be allowed to equilibrate to that of a cake or a room’s temperature before use. If a cake stand is exposed to heat and needs to be cleaned, it should be allowed to cool before washing it. In this way, the material’s strength is conserved.
- Be Mindful of Decorative Elements: Many cake stands boast lovely details such as elaborate patterns, dainty handles, or even delicate finishes. You must treat your stand more gently to take such information in hand. Never use or clean it; use too much force on decorative pieces such as handles or embossed patterns, or you risk breaking or chipping them. If your cake stand has removable parts or decorations, check them now and then for loosening or deterioration. Tighten screws whenever you need to and gently scrub around such parts without damaging embellishments. Moreover, properly maintaining and treating such parts will maintain your cake stand.
- Use the Right Equipment to Serve: Use suitable tools to serve your sweets and cakes when using your cake stand. Sharp tools or knives that cut or hurt the stand’s surface should be avoided. Cake servers or a smooth-edged spatula that is preferably silicone, wood, or plastic should be used in their place. However, it avoids scratches on the stand’s surface, making it look great. When cutting a stand-held cake, placing a mat or a parchment paper layer between the stand and the cake is also a good idea to protect both from acquiring unnecessary spots or stains on their surface. So, it remains a centerpiece for all your delicious desserts and special occasions.
- Investigate Loose Parts and Polish: Like most cake stands that feature elaborate designs or removable parts, they may gradually loosen here and there. Hence, you should check if the screws, handles, or parts are loose. If needed, tighten all loose parts to avoid further damage. In this case, where a part becomes damaged or broken, it is always best to replace or fix the damage quickly before it causes trouble for the entire stand. Polishing makes your cake stand to shine and helps protect the surface from dust and grime buildup. It will continue to stand out as a beautiful piece when you use it for special occasions. Too much polish can sometimes leave a residue.
Final words
Overall, while taking care of your cake stand enhances its lifespan and gives it an attractive look. It avoids using harsh chemicals that could be destructive to the materials. For metal cake stands, use a soft cloth for cleaning to prevent scratches, and store them dry; otherwise, they would rust. If it is a decorative element, consider covering it. Further, bring the beautiful metal ceiling medallions that can lift the entire room’s decoration. Thus, regular maintenance helps retain its shine and keep it an adorned for future occasions.
