People often get confused if it is possible to wash silver-plated cutlery in the dishwasher. Many people are curious to know about it.
Knowing if it is possible to do this is necessary to not go wrong and get the best cleaning experience.
Read this article to find your answer and a detailed guideline for a safe and simple dishwashing experience.
Can Silver Plated Cutlery Go In The Dishwasher?
The answer is Yes! It is possible to make silver-plated cutlery go in the dishwasher without causing any harm. If you follow some simple rules.
Rules of cleaning silver-plated cutlery in the dishwasher?
To wash silver-plated cutlery in the dishwasher, you must follow specific rules. These rules are as follows:
Rule1:
Put only solid Silver and flatware pieces in the dishwasher. Don’t put any items with pearl and glue joints, and no reinforced/weighted items.
If the flatware has hollow handle knives, they must not be put into the dishwasher. Instead, they should be washed with hands.
Rule2:
After using, immediately wash off all silver pieces. Don’t let the food settle on Silver as it may cause pitting or corrosion.
Rule3:
Don’t let the silver pieces touch another kind of metal that can leave marks on the Silver. Marks like these are tough to remove.
It needs a good quality silver polish and a good amount of elbow grease. Make sure to not allow Silver and stainless steel to come in direct contact or touch each other.
Rule4:
When washing the Silver in the dishwasher, stick with a delicate and normal cycle.
Don’t opt for a heavy-duty setting or high sanitizing type option.
Rule5:
While washing Silver, only use automatic dishwasher detergent free of lemon, Citrus, and phosphates.
For washing, the cascade complex can be an excellent choice. Cascade complex does not contain any lemon, and it is free of Citrus too.
The ingredients of the cascade complex are Sodium Percarbonate, Soda ash, and Sodium silicate.
You are now all set to wash your Silver in the dishwasher by following these steps.
How To Wash Silver-Plated Cutlery In The Dishwasher?
Step1:
Wash off all the food particles remaining.
It is recommended to wash off all the food particles from every piece.
Step2:
The next step is to carefully arrange the pieces in the flatware caddy so that they don’t damage one another and no silver comes into contact with the stainless steel.
The reason for this is that when the two metals are moist.
The metals may react with one another, leaving permanent marks on both silverware and stainless steel flatware.
Step3:
Use the right detergent. (Read more about this below).
Step4:
Remove Patina before the heat cycle if you don’t want any.
If you don’t want any patina to form on your silver cutleries, remove it after the last washing but before the hot drying cycle begins.
Step5:
Use a soft cloth for drying. Make sure to dry every piece with a soft cloth, and also ensure that every piece is completely dry before you put it off.
Which is the best detergent for washing silver cutleries?
For washing your cutleries, use the following set of recommendations to choose your detergent. The recommendations are:
Use detergent as little as you can.
Experts recommend using only one tablespoon of detergent for washing your cutleries.
Don’t use any detergent containing citric acid.
Pits are created in the Silver due to the acid. Maximum detergents in the market use this ingredient.
So before you purchase any detergent, make sure that you have read the label before purchasing your desired detergent.
Ensure no usage of bleach.
Maximum automatic dishwasher detergents contain bleach. Bleach can turn the silver cutleries yellow.
The discoloration of the Silver cannot be reversed once it is discolored. Once your silver cutlery starts turning yellow, polish it.
Polish it with a good quality polish until it returns to its original color. After that, use less detergent in the dishwasher.
How To Dry Silver-Plated Cutleries?
As soon as the cutleries are clean, removing every piece from water is recommended.
What are the best polishes for silver cutleries?
It is recommended to use 3M Tarni shield silver polish, Weiman silver polish, Twinkle silver polish, and Blitz silver polish.
For heavy tarnish, it is recommended to use Wright’s silver cream, Goddard’s silver foam, Wright’s anti-tarnish silver polish, and Goddard’s long shine silver polish.
Lay all the cutleries on a soft and absorbent towel.
If possible, get a helper who will make the washing process quicker.
Gentle rubbing and handwashing remove the early stages of the tarnish. It is preferable to accumulate the bud until the silverware is dark and needs polish.
Frequently asked questions about silver-plated cutlery and dishwasher.
What Happens If You Put Silver Plates In The Dishwasher?
They are suspected of pitting, spotting, and tarnishing. These may happen if they are not handled with care.
Is Silver Plated Cutlery Worth Anything?
Silverplate flatware does not have the same melt value as sterling silverware. Since it contains less silver, it is often worthless.
Can You Use Silver-Plated Flatware Daily?
Yes! Using silver every day has its benefits. Silver improves with everyday use. What is a better reason needed to not use it daily?
Final words:
Silverware should be used regularly, according to experts, to maintain it glossy and look its best.
While it may be tempting to put it in the dishwasher.
Yet many people find that the extra steps required to effectively wash the cutlery in the dishwasher outweigh the convenience.
It’s a personal choice; many individuals find it easier to merely wash their daily cutlery by hand.
Handwashing and drying may be done swiftly and efficiently after establishing a method.
