- #1
- 19,559
- 10,351
Thanksgiving dinner is over and my dad wants to know if you can put silverware in the dishwasher. What would be the problem?
If it is real silver, no, the dishwasher chemicals can pit and stain real silver.Greg Bernhardt said:Thanksgiving dinner is over and my dad wants to know if you can put silverware in the dishwasher. What would be the problem?
Detergent is another item to pay attention to when washing sterling silver in the dishwasher. The folks at Beverly Bremer Silver Shop advise using as little as possible, specifically recommending only about one tablespoon. They caution against using detergent that contains citric acid, because the acid can create pits in the silver. Most mass market dishwasher detergents contain this ingredient, so you may have to read a few labels before finding an acceptable one. Most automatic dishwasher detergents also contain bleach, which can yellow silver. Fortunately, this discoloration is reversible. If your silver begins to yellow, polish it with a quality polish until it has returned to its lovely original color, and use less detergent in the dishwasher.
Greg Bernhardt said:Thanksgiving dinner is over and my dad wants to know if you can put silverware in the dishwasher. What would be the problem?
It is generally not recommended to put silverware with wooden or plastic handles in the dishwasher. The heat and pressure from the dishwasher can cause the handles to warp or crack. It is best to hand wash these types of silverware to prevent damage.
It is generally safe to put silver-plated silverware in the dishwasher. However, frequent washing in the dishwasher may eventually wear down the silver plating. It is recommended to hand wash silver-plated silverware to prolong its lifespan.
No, it is not recommended to put silverware with rust spots in the dishwasher. The heat and chemicals in the dishwasher may cause the rust to spread and further damage the silverware. It is best to hand wash these pieces with a gentle cleaner to remove the rust.
It is not necessary to pre-rinse your silverware before putting it in the dishwasher. Most modern dishwashers have powerful jets and detergents that can effectively clean your silverware without pre-rinsing. However, if your silverware has stuck-on food particles, it may be beneficial to give it a quick rinse before loading it into the dishwasher.
It depends on the type of decorative accents. If they are made of glass, porcelain, or ceramic, it is generally safe to put them in the dishwasher. However, if they are made of materials like gold leaf or gemstones, it is best to hand wash them to avoid any damage. It is always recommended to check the manufacturer's instructions before putting any silverware with decorative accents in the dishwasher.