The urban legend regarding silverware is never to use the same in the dishwasher. However, contrary to popular beliefs and rumors, you can use stainless steel silver and sterling silver and clean both in the dishwasher.
Of course, you would still have to take some precautions and follow general guidelines for washing the silver. But, just read on to learn more about using the dishwasher to wash your silver plates, and you should be fine.
Here’s one tip: to use less detergent when you are washing your silverware, and if you are planning to polish them later, then do so after you have rinsed them dry.
Can Silverplate go in the dishwasher?
You may have often wondered about the same query, “can Silverplate go in the dishwasher?”, well, contrary to the rumor mill, the answer is a yes, as long as you take certain precautions. Your silverware is valuable to you, and naturally, you may want to take the requisite care and attention to ensure that no damage occurs to the plate. So make sure that you do not wash any stainless steel items, especially when you are also giving your silver plates a thorough wash. This can damage both sets permanently, so it may be a good idea to wash them separately.
Run full loads:
Another point that you may have to consider when using the dishwasher for washing your silver plate is to run a full load rather than a partial load. A recent study conducted by the University of California, Berkeley, found that homeowners who used their dishwashers with a partial load wasted nearly 20 gallons of water, per wash or roughly about 6500 gallons of water, per household for every year. Given the current water shortage issues, you may consider opting for the full load.
Lower temperatures:
It is a good idea to dry your plates at a lower temperature since using hot temperatures can leave spots on the plates and other utensils.
Detergent:
When cleaning your silverware, glassware, or other utensils in the dishwasher, always use the recommended amount of detergent. However, using too much detergent can cause you to waste more water and lead to streaks forming on the utensils. So make sure that you use the right amount, as recommended by the various experts.
Wash by hand:
You can also opt to wash by hand, and so far, it also happens to be the most economical way to clean all forms of utensils, from your glassware to your silverware. For one, it can prevent breakages or dents from forming on the silverware. For another, you can use the dish cleaning liquid, clean it up manually, and even use salt to clean up the grease on the plates.
Do not use dishwasher detergents that contain lemon or citric acid:
When it comes to cleaning up silver flatware, make it a point never to use detergents that contain lemon or any form of citric acid. This can end up damaging the metal flatware permanently. And if you want to preserve the finish on your flatware, then you need to get them cleaned as soon as possible, as prolonged contact can damage the overall finish permanently.
These pointers should certainly help answer the query, “can silver plate go in the dishwasher”, and it should help you clean the same with ease and with little difficulty. And do remember that both cleaning and polishing are two different activities. You need to clean your silver regularly, but you can polish it up occasionally, as required.