Can Sterling Silver Be Cleaned in the Dishwasher?

Sterling silver, an alloy that is 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent nickel, zinc or copper should never be put in the dishwasher, according to Jeffery Herman, the founder of the Society of American Silversmiths.

Uses

The most common uses of silver are jewelry and flatware sets. However, sterling silver has made its way to everything from office equipment, such as letter openers and mechanical pencils, to beauty supplies, such as hair clips and manicure sets.

Cleaning

Improper cleaning of sterling silver, such as putting it in a dishwasher, turns it an odd color, makes the surface dull and removes oxidation. For light cleaning, use silver polishing gloves. For heavy cleaning, use polishing creams.

Warning

"Use untreated cotton gloves or form-fitting nitrile gloves when handling silver -- finger prints contribute to tarnishing," says Herman. Toothpaste or cleaning creams that have dried should never be used to clean silver. Certain foods, such as salt, cause damage, so it's best to take your jewelry off when cleaning or cooking.