My Everyday Silverware
I shocked a lot of people when I mentioned I used my sterling silver flatware every day. But that wasn’t the most shocking part.
A few years ago I shared this photo of my sterling silver flatware on my blog. I casually mentioned how often I use my sterling silver flatware, along with my silverplate flatware. Every single day. And yet, I shocked a lot of people when I shared how I clean it.
This is my silverware drawer. It has a combination of sterling silver and silverplate.
This drawer holds my sterling silver (Wallace Rose Point) and my 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 all three of these patterns so much that I cannot imagine only using them for special occasions. That is why I use them every day.
And the most shocking part?
I put the sterling silver flatware in the dishwasher. All of the time.
I know, right now some of you are UNfollowing me.
But wait! Read a bit more.
My grandmother would be shocked and for sure take back all of the silver I own. Some may call me foolish but I think it’s too pretty not to enjoy 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 that I can guarantee the dishwasher won’t harm your silver. But for me, after thirty years, my silver still looks perfect.
For the engagement party, we hosted almost two years ago summer, I had enough silver and silverplate flatware to serve 65 people.
(Every time 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. I also combine all of the patterns I own when I set a table. I never even try to make it match!
If you look closely at the table below, you can see none of the silverware matches!
To be honest, when I reach into the silver drawer, I just grab the flatware. I don’t ever even think to try 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 enjoy 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 that I can guarantee the dishwasher won’t harm your silver. But for me, after many 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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So you put the sterling in a regular kitchen drawer with no pacific cloth and it’s fine????
Have you ever cleaned tarnished silver this way? Works like a charm!
https://www.creeklinehouse.com/clean-really-tarnished-silver-naturally/
Antique silver loves to be used! I actually think that it looks better for it, and you’re right- it’s too nice not to enjoy every day!
I STILL have my Mom’s silver flatware out from Thanksgiving as I love the beauty and sentimentality of it!
Each and every piece is precious to me!
I’ve been wanting to begin to you use it daily. I am SO HAPPY I found your blog!
I’m donating my boring normal flatware and replacing my silverware drawer right now with my beautiful silver!!
Thank you so much for this wonderful idea!!
I love mismatched silverware, dinnerware, glasses, etc…we grew up that way..I enjoy your posts..i just LOVE your red, pink, flash glass, depression, etc…just stunningly beautiful..love those flash glass, i think that’s what they are called, coin rimmed plates…everything is tastefully decorated
I use mine too more frequently but I have read where the dishwasher loosens the knives. Obviously you haven’t had a problem! Glad to know!!!
What type of dishwasher detergent do you use with the silver? Anything I need to stay away from? Gonna give this a try!
I had a bit of bad luck with some dishwasher *powder*, but currently I am using Finish brand liquid soap and rinse both which has not caused any problems on anything, except silver (because I have not tried it).. I think I’ll try a piece of 1847 Rogers solide sterling in it to see what happens.
I don’t have any real silver but do have 4 sets of really nice silver plate utensils. I always try to use the same pattern for each place setting when I need to use it all. Thanks for telling me it’s okay to mix it up!!!! Now I will not stress over it!
Of course! I always loving mixing and matching. So glad you don’t have to stress about any longer!
News for all!!!
The trick to keeping your silver flatware
Safe while washing in dishwasher is not to mix it with stainless flatware.
The metals should not touch.
This will avoid pitting etc.
My Mom taught me this years ago as she has put her silver in the dishwasher.
Enjoy your silver ladies
I also remember reading that it’s ok to put silver in the dishwasher as long as you don’t wash it with stainless. I have yet to put my silver in the dishwasher, but if I start using it daily I will definitely have to give it a try.
Such great tips, Debbie. Thank you for sharing!
Also do not use lemon scented soap as it will pit. Check your knife handles, if they are hollow put them in blade down so water does not get into the handle.
That’s what I learned too from my mom!
Why would you want to remove layers of silver every time you clean or polish? As Vicky notes above, the aluminum foil-soda method converts the tarnish back to silver, freeing the sulfur that bound it. If you insist on using a harsh dishwasher and polishing with paste or liquid, you will eventually remove the plate, and your 3D sterling patterns will become flatter. Keeping things nice requires a little work…
I tried using my silver for everyday use but it tarnished quickly. How do you keep yours from tarnishing?
I love this! I also use mine all the time and put it in the dishwasher. I will never forget when we registered for silver my husband couldn’t get over the price and said it better have some swirls on it! I love how heavy it is and love that it is used. We also use a lot of our “fancy” china because life is short and if one breaks it’s ok.
Would love to do this….but wonder how you keep it from turning? What detergent do you use? Consistently? Could this be it?! Perhaps you need to advertise for that detergent! Lol. Would love to know. Ty.
I love silver and have been collecting for years …. nothing looks as polished as beautiful silver on a table…. however I too hate cleaning … that it doesn’t always get done in time so I miss out on using all the pieces I truly cherish. Thank you for this amazing tip…. I am going to give it a try as this would truly be life changing!
And thank you …. I love your page xxxxxx
Good for you!
When I got married over 30 years ago, I registered for and received my china, utensil service (not silver or silver plated) and crystal goblets. I maybe used it 8 times during my marriage. Now that I’m single, I am using it for everyday use. It’s too beautiful to keep in a cabinet, plus I don’t have storage space for it.
Times are different – my children have no interest in inheriting it, so if it gets damaged, it’s not going to matter to anyone but me.
I am glad to see someone else uses their sterling and silver plate daily. I have used mine for over 30 years and into the dishwasher it goes. As long as the blade is down the silver comes out better than hand washing. My French silver plate looks like the day I bought it 50 years ago. I do polish both my sterling and silver plate from time to time, something to do during this time.
I use my silver everyday also.. and I totally agree, why waste it sitting in a drawer waiting for special occasions, everyday we’re alive is a special occasion.. life is too short to not use silver.. and yes, I put mine in the dish washer
Thank you so much for sharing, Jamala!! It is so true that everyday IS a special occasion.
Oh my goodness!!!! I am so glad I saw this post today…. I was just telling a friend about this very thing… use the silver flatware! Enjoy it .. and I referred to your post that I had read the first time around about washing it … lolol…. Thank you for reposting !!!! The flatware looks absolutely stunning !!!!!!
Thank you so much, Terry!