Stainless Steel Flatware – Can I wash them In the Dishwasher?

Okay, you took the time to do some research, and shopped around, now finally you’ve purchased the eloquently designed stainless steel flatware set you’ve been dying to own. Excitement overwhelms you but also mixed emotions of fear and concern.

This concern is for scratches, dullness, or corrosion. I mean sure it’s stainless steel flatware but dullness, scratches, and blemishes will occur if the flatware is improperly cared for – it’s inevitable.

Now before even tackling the subject of washing your precious stainless steel flatware – the owner must be aware of what grade he or she has.

Hopefully you have did enough research to buy the best grade for your money or at least understand that the lesser grade just won’t last my friend – let me explain.

The grades are rated as follows: 18/0, 18/10, 18/15.

Now what these ratio’s represent is the mixture and make-up of the stainless steel flatware. The 18 refers to the Chromium that applies the hardness and durability of the product and the other numbers: 0, 5, and 15, refers to the nickel mixture that gives the luster and shine to your stainless steel.

If you have bought an 18/0 stainless steel flatware set, I have some bad news for you. Do not plan on reserving the shiny look and newness of your purchase no more than about a month or so.

If it’s longer – good for you! Nevertheless, it won’t be too long before you start seeing some signs of deterioration. The 0 means there is no added nickel to this product. Without the added mixture of nickel to provide it’s luster and shine covering, the steel becomes less protected from stains and blemishes.

Once we have learn what grade we have in our possession, now we can conquer the question – can we put these in the dishwasher?

The answer to this is yes and no.

No if you are going to leave food stains and particles on the flatware because acidic substance can form.

No if you are going to mix them with other flatware that is not stainless steel – probability of becoming scratched up.

No if you are going to leave to sit in the dishwasher for days – you know how we get sometimes, this will result in dryness and dullness.

Yes if you are going to rinse all food and stain particles off the flatware.

Yes if you separate them from non-stainless steel flatware.

Yes if you immediately dry and take out of dishwasher promptly.

Now, after some research of my own – I have found the best way to wash your stainless steel flatware is to use a non-scratch scrub sponge – rinse – and dry, never try to soak.

Well congratulations if you already own a set – hope this was helpful for you.

Good luck.

My name is Mark Russell and I create affiliate websites on various subjects. My recent one: http://www.buystainlesssteel.com gives you a history of the most famous stainless steel flatware brands.