Dirty children's utensils

How to Clean Silverware in the Dishwasher

Play Button

The first thing to know: You can't put a knife, fork, or spoon that's silver in dishwasher utensil baskets. There's a big difference between silverware and sterling silverware, which is a premium flatware made with precious metals. It is NOT recommended to wash sterling silver dishes or silverware or silver plated flatware in the dishwasher as the high temperatures and detergents can damage or tarnish the silver.

1. No Pre-Washing Required with Cascade Platinum Plus

Cascade Platinum Plus is powerful enough to wash away tough, dried-on messes, so there’s no need to pre-rinse or pre-wash your dirty silver plated cutlery. Skip the sink and save the water.

2. Loading the Silverware Basket

Cutlery should always be loaded with the sharp end down to prevent finger and hand injuries. Arrange silverware so different types of utensils mix evenly to prevent nesting, which keeps water from getting in to do its job. How you load the dishwasher around the silverware can affect the water spray as well, so be mindful of how large dishes might block the water’s route.

3. Loading Children’s Plastic Utensils

Place children’s dishwasher-safe plastic utensils on the top rack in a self-contained basket. In fact, all of your plasticware belongs on the top rack where temperatures typically remain cooler. That way your plastic utensils, baby bottles, and other soft washables won't melt together into one unrecognizable lump.

Dirty silverware and cutlery in dishwasher

4. Proper Placement of Large Utensils

Place large utensils on the top rack to avoid obstructing the spray arm.

5. Cascade Platinum Plus for Sparkling Silverware

Cascade Platinum Plus ActionPacs™ are formulated with enzymes that latch on, break down, and wash away food without pre-washing. All you have to do is put one dishwasher pac in the dry detergent compartment, start the wash cycle, and wait to be greeted by dazzling dishes.

Placing dirty cutlery and children's utensils into dishwasher for proper clean

Did you have any idea there were so many how-tos for cleaning silverware in your dishwasher? Well, you better sit down for this: There are how-to tips for dishwasher-cleaning all kinds of items. So start that next cycle and start reading!

Placing Cascade Platinum dishwasher pod before running dishwasher

Recommended Articles

Filming Caused By Hard Water - FAQ

Do you have hard water causing white film on your dishes and glasses? Get answers to FAQs about Cascade & find other solutions & tips for dish issues.

How to Know If A Dish is Dishwasher Safe

Unsure of what you can put into your dishwasher? Not sure if it's dishwasher safe? Follow these guidelines before loading your dishwasher with your kitchen items.

Do I Need To Prewash My Dishes?

Prewashing your dishes? See how using the right detergent can free up time from your dish routine, no pre-rinse necessary.