My Everyday Silverware
I always shock people when I mention I use my sterling silver flatware every day. I never understood why something so beautiful was kept in a wooden box and rarely used.
I shared this photo of my sterling silver flatware a few years ago on my blog. I casually mentioned how I use my sterling silver and silverplate flatware daily. I cannot believe how shocked many of you were! And yet, the big surprise was when I shared how I clean it.
This is my silverware drawer. It is a combination of sterling silver and silver plate.
This drawer holds my sterling silver (Wallace Rose Point) and Vintage silver plate (Rogers Bros. Vintage). It also has some of my mom’s sterling silver flatware. If any of you recognize the silver pattern, please let me know. I love these three patterns so much that I cannot imagine only using them for special occasions. That is why I use them every day.
So, how do I clean my sterling silver?
I put the sterling silver flatware in the dishwasher—all of the time.
I know that some of you are UNfollowing me right now.
But wait! Read a bit more.
My grandmother would be terrified and take back all of the silver I own. Some may call me foolish, but I think it’s too pretty not always to enjoy it.
And even though I put it in the dishwasher, it still looks as good as the day I got it.
Of course, this does not mean I can guarantee the dishwasher won’t harm your silver. But for me, after thirty years, my silver still looks perfect.
I had enough silver and silverplate flatware for the engagement party we hosted over five years ago to serve 65 people.
(Whenever I share this photo, someone comments that the silver isn’t aligned. We were so rushed that my boys set the table for me. So I honestly didn’t even notice or even care! I was just thankful for the help!)
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Mixing Flatware
I love nice flatware. But I combine all the patterns I own when setting a table. I never even try to make it match!
Looking closely at the table below, you can see none of the silverware matches!
When I reach into the silver drawer, I just grab the flatware. I never even think of trying to match it.
However, sometimes it accidentally matches.
And yes, I even use my sterling silver at breakfast and in my coffee every morning.
Sterling Silver in the Dishwasher?
Some may call me foolish, but I think sterling silver is too pretty not to be enjoyed all of the time.
And even though I put it in the dishwasher, it still looks as good as the day I got it.
Of course, this does not mean I can guarantee the dishwasher won’t harm your silver. But for me, after over 20 years, it still looks perfect.
My friends at Today.com said, “Surprisingly, silver and silver-plated flatware can be washed in the dishwasher, with a few caveats. Make sure to use a detergent that does NOT contain lemon or other citric acids, or it could damage the metal.”
Use Your Sterling Silver
The most important message you should take from this blog post is that you should take your silver out of the lined wooden chest and use it! You can still hand wash it.
But use it.
It’s too beautiful not to use it more often.
So, what happened when I posted this idea last time?
Lots of people pulled out their silver and started using it again! I received so many comments. And that makes me very happy.
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Love that you use your beautiful silver everyday???? love reading your blog????
Thank you, Julie! It always makes me so happy to use pretty things every day.
I agree!! Pretty things make me happy. Especially during this pandemic. I only want to be around positive people, enjoy pretty things and spend my time around pleasantries.
So true, Susan! Thank you.
Does it stop it from tarnishing also?
I use mine everyday, as well! By the way, I’m loving reading your blog!
Good for you. And I am so happy you are enjoying the blog. ????
I use my silver every single day and I put it in the dishwasher too!
I knew you and I would be best friends….I love your silverware useage and I do too! Looks like we even have the same patterns. I preach all the time that you must use the good stuff to have the memories that go with it…or the next person at the estate sale won’t care at all. The memories are what make the items so valuable. HUGS!!!
My sterling lives hidden and it makes me so sad! My mother URGED me my entire adulthood to make sure a piece NEVER went in the dishwasher because it would “pit”… so now I need to know more details… does your dishwasher have a heating element? (Bosch does not) and have you used all types of soap or found one to be better than others? TY marcy
Did you get an answer to this question? I wonder the same thing.
As the [rebellious 😉] daughter of a mom who brought out her silver two or three times a year, I absolutely agree about everyday use. Our families are our most special guests.
Yep…I use mine too and have always put it in the dishwasher…it still looks perfect and I don’t use a certain detergent…seems such a waste to only use a couple times a year!
What a wonderful idea! I’m pulling some of mine out right now! I have mine, my mother’s and both of my grandmothers’!
I inherited a beautiful set of real silverware from my great grandmother. I use it at every family occasion. One time while cleaning it, I found a serving spoon that she had put a piece of tape on with her initials. ABR. I was so excited to find it, and cherish that spoon! My mom recently passed, and while going through her things I got another set of silver. So now I will be passing to my children, one set each. And they have been brought up to know it is a family heirloom and they cherish it as well. I never put mine in the dishwasher, I’m too afraid! But I may start using it with every day meals now that you have inspired me….thank you!
You are so smart! My mother sacrificed to see that I got nice silverware and I rarely use it. I’m gonna give this try and test out a few pieces in the dishwasher. I am singing your praises!
I have never put my silver in the dishwasher! I have several sets that are carefully stored in their wooden boxes. It would be a leap of faith for me to throw them all together – I’m a bit anal about keeping all the patterns separate. However, I love the fact that you use yours everyday. Maybe I need to branch out and throw caution to the wind!!! Ha!
Try taking your least favorite or least sentimental out and use it! i bought a set other than my mothers- but better actually and began using it every day. moms is in the box and I pull it out for Holidays and hand wash it but, the other- better set – I use daily and put it in the dishwasher. I’ve always used an bio-friendly dishwasher powder, but was glad to see the tip above about not using the silverware with a lemon or citrus based cleansing powder.
Fascinating! I love that you do this. Two questions. Do you use a special dishwasher setting? Do you still have to polish?
I’ve heard so many people say that the best way to make silver last is to store it in a tight place so that it doesn’t tarnish. But a jeweler once told me that the best way to keep your silver looking it’s best, is to wear it. ( In this case use it). And to clean it, he said to just shower, do dishes, and wash my hands wearing the piece of jewelry. I own a lot of silver jewelry and I never polish it unless it’s been stored for a long time. So I can see how the same is true for flatware.
My mother in-law would like to give me not only her silver, but her grandmothers and aunts. I was dreading storing all of it. Now, I am excited to know I can use it everyday and throw it in the dishwasher to clean. Whew! Thanks!
Six years ago, this coming weekend, we hosted our son’s wedding rehearsal dinner at the wedding venue (our back yard). I pulled together all of my sterling and plated flatware to serve 60 people. Not quite trusting, I listed the number of pieces used from each of my sets. Thank goodness for that, as I had to go through the trash to retrieve some pieces! How gratifying, though to be able to use it for such a memorable occasion! I am intrigued by the number of people who say they use their sterling every day…and I just may start doing that, too!! Love your blog.
I’ve not had the same luck. I used my mother’s silverplate and ran thru the dishwasher and it turned black. I kept it not using it until recently when I ran it thru a water bath and renewed the silver. I won’t ever put it in dishwasher again. I wonder why I had this experience when other didn’t.
I use mine often, and nearly always put it in the dishwasher. Every so often, I give it all a good polish and its in great shape. My mom was always careful to “count” the pieces before putting it away and I have done the same…definitely need to do that each time as I have picked a couple pieces out of the trash! But wonderful to use it often!
I started to do the same about a month ago, but I have noticed a few pieces starting to turn black. what is the best way to clean it?