Hi joan65,
Thank you for your question.
Washing in a Dishwasher
http://www.silverqueen.com/AskUs/Cleaning_Polishinng.htm
"Silverware may be washed in the dishwasher but the patina on fine
silver is enhanced by the rubbing that occurs when washing and drying
by hand. Hollow handles may be loosened with exposure to heat and
detergent in the dishwasher.
(Note from the Silver Queen The newer silverware is being made with
glue that will withstand the heat . Also when you use your
dishwasher,do not economy dry. Use only your hotdry.)
If washing both silverware and stainless steel flatware in the
dishwasher, do not put in the same basket section or let one metal
touch the other, or the silver may be permanently damaged.
New sterling silverware sometimes gets brown spots after washing in
the dishwasher. Sterling is 92 1/2% silver and 7 1/2% other alloys
including copper for greater durability. In automatic dishwashing, a
reaction can occur between water droplets and the small portion of
copper at the surface to cause brown spots on some pieces. After the
silverware has been washed several times, the copper on the surface is
gone and the surface is pure silver. Avoid such spotting on new
silverware by washing and drying new silverware by hand for the first
(few times).
If you want to use the dishwasher, follow these precautions: Use the
automatic rinse dispenser feature of a dishwasher. The rinse agent
lowers the surface tension of the rinse water so it sheets off the
surfaces and droplets don't form. Or use a rinse agent in solid form
that hangs on the dishwasher rack, if your dishwasher does not have an
automatic rinse dispenser.
Remove new silverware from the dishwasher immediately after the last
rinse cycle and towel dry for the first few times."
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http://ask.yahoo.com/ask/20030117.html
"Silver flatware and food-serving items should be washed immediately
after use. You don't want to leave silver utensils sitting in food
dishes. Salty and acidic foods can permanently stain silver, and the
sulfur in eggs, mayonnaise, and mustard can corrode silver. If you
can't wash silver immediately, you should at least rinse it thoroughly
right after the meal. Wash silver by hand in warm water with a mild
dish detergent. Be careful with silver pieces that have been lacquered
-- hot water could remove the lacquer. Don't wear rubber gloves when
washing or polishing silver because rubber promotes tarnish. Dry and
polish silver with a soft cloth, not paper towels.
Silver flatware can be washed in a dishwasher, but make sure you don't
put it where stainless steel flatware can touch it -- this can damage
the finish on the silver flatware. Experts also recommend removing the
silver before the dishwasher's drying cycle begins. Be careful not to
spill dry dishwasher detergent on silver flatware because it may leave
dark spots.
If your silver is tarnished, apply a paste of baking soda and water.
Rub gently, then rinse well and dry. You can also use toothpaste to
clean tarnished silver. Don't use harsh, abrasive cleaners, as they
will scratch the silver. The best way to prevent tarnished silver is
to use the silver frequently. With use, silver develops a lovely
patina. Hand rubbing also helps create a patina on silver.
Badly tarnished silver can be treated with a homemade tarnish dip. See
link for homemade tarnish dip:
http://utut.essortment.com/howtocleanpol_rkvl.htm
However, this may damage silver and is not recommended for very old or
valuable pieces. Fill a sink with hot water, and mix in two
tablespoons salt and two tablespoons baking soda. Place a piece of
aluminum foil on the bottom of sink. Then dip your silver item into
the sink for up to five minutes."
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Flatware
http://www.electrasol.us/tips.html
"Stainless steel and silver cutlery generally do well in the
dishwasher but the following precautions should be taken:
- Rinse off acidic foods and salt before loading as direct and
prolonged contact may tarnish your cutlery.
- When loading the flatware basket, avoid nestling your items so that
water can rinse all surfaces. This ensures that each piece is properly
washed, rinsed and dried.
- Avoid spilling dishwashing detergent directly onto your flatware,
as this may cause corrosion.
- Take the flatware out immediately after you've run your dishwasher
to avoid it being left in a humid atmosphere, preventing corrosion.
- Don't mix silver and stainless steel in the same basket.
- Items with wooden or bone handles should not be put in the dishwasher"
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Best regards,
tlspiegel |
