Alright, let’s be real for a second. You just had a fancy dinner party, the table looked like it belonged in a magazine, and now… your sink is a mountain of dishes. Among them? Your sparkly, oh-so-fancy gold-plated silverware. The big question: Can you just toss that bling in the dishwasher and call it a night?
Let’s talk about that gold (plating, that is)
Okay, so first things first—gold-plated flatware isn’t solid gold. (If it were, you probably wouldn’t be googling this from your kitchen in dish gloves, right?) It’s regular silverware—usually stainless steel or silver—with a very thin layer of gold on the outside. Super classy. Super shiny. But also… kinda delicate.
Sooo… dishwasher safe or not?
Here’s the short answer: Technically? Maybe. But should you? Probably not.
Gold-plated stuff can say it’s dishwasher safe, but over time, dishwashers can be a little too aggressive. Think hot water blasting, detergent that’s borderline acidic, and all that knocking around during the wash cycle. All of that wears down that fancy gold finish faster than you can say “where’d the shine go?”
And honestly, nobody wants to see their elegant dinnerware start looking like a scratched-up nickel after just a few washes.
But wait—what if I really have to dishwasher them?
Okay, okay, maybe you’re in a rush. Maybe you’re living on the edge. If you absolutely must use the dishwasher:
- Use the gentle cycle – no crazy heat or turbo washing.
- Skip the harsh detergent – go for something mild and phosphate-free.
- Keep ‘em separated – don’t let them rub up against other metal utensils (trust me, that’s a recipe for scratches).
- Avoid heat drying – that’s just more punishment for the gold.
But hey… if you want to keep your gold-plated goodies looking Instagram-worthy for years to come, just hand wash ‘em. Warm water, a soft sponge, a little soap, and a few extra minutes—it’s totally worth it.
Imagine this…
You’re setting the table for a special occasion. Candles lit, wine poured, mood just right—and your gold-plated silverware? Still looking flawless. No weird spots, no fading, no dullness. Why? Because you showed them a little love at the sink.
See where we’re going with this?
Finally
So yeah—can you put gold-plated silverware in the dishwasher? Technically, yes. Should you? Not unless you’re cool with them looking less “fancy dinner” and more “thrift store find” over time.
If they mean something to you (or your wallet), just hand wash them. It’s the easiest way to keep ‘em gleaming.