Let’s assume you just hosted a fancy dinner party, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours washing all of your silverware by hand.
You start to wonder if you can just toss it in the dishwasher and call it a day,or probably, you accidentally did it. But then the nagging voice in the back of your head whispers, ‘But what if it ruins your silverware?’
Let’s explore the pros and cons and settle this debate once and for all in this article.
Can you put silver in the Dishwasher?
Okay, so you’re probably wondering if it’s safe to put your silverware in the dishwasher. And the answer is…drumroll please…it depends!
Let’s talk about why silverware and dishwashers don’t always get along.
You see, silver is a delicate metal and can be easily damaged by the harsh chemicals and high heat of a dishwasher.
These factors can strip away the protective coating on your silverware and leave it vulnerable to tarnishing and corrosion. And let’s be real, nobody wants to serve their guests tarnished silverware.
The truth is that there are some silver pieces that can handle the dishwasher’s cleaning process better.
For instance, silver-plated items are generally more durable than pure silver and may be safe to wash in the dishwasher. So, following marking guides, you might want to know how to tell the difference between silver plate and normal silver.
However, before you go ahead and throw them in, it’s important to check the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure they’re dishwasher-safe. You don’t want to ruin your silverware by taking unnecessary risks.
Now, if you’re like me, you probably don’t want to spend hours washing your silverware by hand. So, if you do decide to use the dishwasher, there are some things you can do to minimize the risk of damage.
First, use a mild, non-abrasive detergent that’s specifically designed for silver. You definitely don’t want to use anything too harsh that could damage your precious silver pieces.
And when loading your silverware into the dishwasher, make sure to do it loosely to avoid scratches and damage from contact with other items.
To sum it all up, putting silver in the dishwasher can be a bit of a risky business. But with the right precautions, you can still enjoy the convenience of the dishwasher without ruining your precious silverware.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
We know how tempting it can be to throw everything in the dishwasher and call it a day, but when it comes to your precious silverware, it’s important to take some extra precautions.
In this section, we’ll go over some of the most common mistakes people make when cleaning silverware in the dishwasher, and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Overcrowding the Dishwasher
Listen, we get it – who has time to do multiple loads of dishes? But when it comes to silverware, less is definitely more. When you pack your dishwasher too tightly, your silverware can rub against each other and get scratched up.
Not only does this look unsightly, but it can also damage the protective coating on your silver. So, make sure to leave some breathing room between each piece.
Mistake #2: Using Hot Water
It’s easy to think that hot water is the answer to all our cleaning problems, but it’s not the case for silverware.
Hot water can cause silver to tarnish more quickly, and in some cases, it can even warp or melt the silver if it gets too hot. So, to avoid any silver-related disasters, stick to cool or lukewarm water when washing your silverware in the dishwasher.
Mistake #3: Using Harsh Detergents
We know that sometimes you need a heavy-duty detergent to get rid of stubborn food stains, but when it comes to silverware, harsh chemicals can be a big no-no.
These chemicals can strip away the protective coating on your silver and leave it vulnerable to tarnishing and corrosion. So, make sure to use a mild, non-abrasive detergent that’s specifically designed for silverware.
Mistake #4: Running Silverware through a Regular Cycle
Your dishwasher may have a super powerful cleaning cycle, but when it comes to silverware, gentle is the way to go.
Running your silverware through a regular cycle can be too harsh and can cause damage to the protective coating on your silver. Instead, use a gentle cycle or a special silverware cycle when washing your silverware in the dishwasher.
Mistake #5: Not Checking the Manufacturer’s Instructions
Just because something is dishwasher-safe doesn’t mean that it’s silverware-safe. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions before putting your silverware in the dishwasher.
If they recommend hand washing only, then follow their instructions to avoid putting yourself into a regrettable moment.
Final Thoughts
Whether or not you should put silver in the dishwasher ultimately depends on your own comfort level with the potential risks.
While some people may prefer to play it safe and hand wash their silverware, others may find that the convenience of using a dishwasher outweighs the risks.
If you do choose to put your silverware in the dishwasher, be sure to avoid common mistakes such as overcrowding, using hot water or harsh detergents, and running silverware through a regular cycle.
And remember, even with the best care, silverware may still become tarnished over time. But with the right knowledge and techniques, you can help ensure that your silverware stays in great condition for years to come
