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Thanksgiving dinner is over and my dad wants to know if you can put silverware in the dishwasher. What would be the problem?
Can you put silverware in the dishwasher?
- Thread starter Greg Bernhardt
- Start date
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Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the question of whether silverware can be safely washed in a dishwasher, exploring potential problems associated with this practice. It includes considerations of materials, detergents, and personal experiences related to washing silverware.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- Some participants express concern that real silver should not be placed in the dishwasher due to the potential for pitting and staining from dishwasher chemicals.
- One participant questions whether using chlorine-free detergent would mitigate the issues associated with washing silverware in a dishwasher.
- A later reply emphasizes the importance of the type of detergent used, suggesting that certain ingredients, like citric acid and bleach, can damage silver and recommending minimal detergent use.
- Another participant shares a personal anecdote about washing silverware in cold water, indicating a family tradition without providing a rationale.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on whether silverware can be safely washed in the dishwasher, with multiple competing views regarding the effects of different detergents and personal practices being presented.
Contextual Notes
Participants highlight various factors that may influence the outcome of washing silverware in a dishwasher, including the type of silver, the specific detergent used, and personal washing traditions. There are unresolved questions about the impact of different detergents and the best practices for maintaining silverware.