If cleanliness is next to godliness and titanium is the metal of the gods, is cleaning titanium a godly endeavor? Nope, it doesn’t need to be. Here’s our take on how to clean Vargo titanium gear both at home and on the trail so that it out serves any Olympic deity.
First off, titanium is a pretty magical metal. It’s why we love it so much. Besides being super strong and lightweight, titanium has exceptional corrosion resistance and is the most biocompatible metal on Earth. What does this mean? Corrosion resistance means it won’t deteriorate when exposed to most acids, alkalies, and salts–unlike what happens when you cook tomatoes in non-coated aluminum pots (yuck!)–and biocompatible means its non-allergenic or non-toxic to living tissue (i.e. what you’re made of). So to begin with, you’re eating off of one of the cleanest, safest, and coolest materials ever. Read more about titanium’s awesomeness.
But human nature is to muck things up, so keep your Vargo titanium gear clean and in good working order with these helpful tips.
Tips to clean Vargo titanium gear like a pro:
On trail:
- Even before you start out on the trail, and especially before you start cooking or cleaning, read up on Leave No Trace principles here.
Keeping dish water hot while eating your meal.
- While cooking, heat up some extra water for cleaning and keep it warm in a pot cozy or insulating jacket.
- When you’re ready to wash your dishes, make sure you’re 200 feet away from any natural water source. DON’T WASH YOUR DISHES DIRECTLY IN ANY WATER SOURCE!
- To clean your dishes, use hot water (and biodegradable soap if you’re inclined) and a plastic scourer to scrap off any food particles. We like these as they’re lightweight, won’t scratch, rinse
Lola’s Plastic Mesh Scourers
clean, and are long lasting. After use, simply shake them dry. You can boil them to disinfect them, too. Sans scourer, you can use natural scrubbing agents like sand, snow, gravel, etc. Titanium’s surfaces can take it and will heal instantly.
- If food is really stuck on, try boiling water in the pot to help dislodge food particles or let the pot dry and try scraping the food off with a plastic pot scraper.
- Strain your dishwater and pack out any food remnants, then scatter your dishwater over a wide area to discourage wildlife from rooting around in your ramen water.
- Let your dishes dry in the sun. You’re dishes will be sanitized by the exposure and/or when you use them to cook next.
Off trail:
- Once home, clean your pots and dishware with normal soap and water or run it through the dishwasher.
- Be sure to clean in crevices and other hard to reach areas. Clean o-rings thoroughly, as well.
- If needed, oil o-rings with a food-grade safe oil and check to make sure screws and tightly screwed (pot lids). Get replacements for both by contacting us.
- Don’t use other titanium cleaning ideas (ammonia based cleaners, Pledge, etc.). Even though the natural oxide film that develops on titanium’s surface will help protect from any damage caused by these cleaners…they just ain’t very safe to use.
- Surfaces looking a little rough? You can rebuff your titanium stuff with a fine steel wool. Titanium will instantly heal from any scratch to its protective oxide film (remember we said titanium is magical?).
Always Leave No Trace!
So while your titanium gear will dish out anything you dish into it, keeping it clean will ensure your godliness on any journey.