Why am I getting little rust stains on my silverware?

Question

Just moved into a new apartment and our landlord told me that the dishwasher was new, but everytime I wash my silverware there's these little rust stains on them. Is it something with the dishwasher that is causing that?..or the type of silverware that I have?

Answer 1

CHEAP FLATWARE MADE OF CHINESE STAINLESS STEEL; STAINLESS STEEL DOES NOT RUST.

Answer 2

I have had the same problem. This seems to be actually food stains. The best method is to wipe or rinse off your silverware before putting in the dishwasher, especially mayonase, any pasta sauce, peanut butter ect.... Stand the untensals with fork end up, except knives. Seems like the acid type and vinagur left on will stain. Also, not to overload the silverware basket. They need two baskets for silverware or else a larger one. Wiping off works best if you can convience your whole household into participating. Good luck

Answer 3

I don't think it's the dishwasher! however it could be how long your leaving your dishes in there!
if you let them sit over night then yeah that could be the reason! water and silverware don't mix so stay on top of that and dry them off!
some dishwashers have a drying cycle but even with that it's a good idea to double check!
but once one rust! it will continue to rust! so throw it out! and get a new set! ... well extra iron i guess could be good for your system! but not that way!
:)
good luck!
from a new proud owner of a new silverware set!
never leave that stuff over night again!

Answer 4

I get the same problem with my dishwasher. It could be a comb of both. I have found that by hand drying the silverware as soon as it has finished its cycle keeps the rust away

Answer 5

There is another possibility ....aside from the dishwasher and silverware...

Oxidising gases and formaldehyde will cause black spots on silver ... Acidic fine particles from fly ash (coal burning) will cause this, too. Do you have a coal-burning power plant in your area? Gas or diesel fumes?

Is there anything you put in the dishwasher with your silver that might be releasing fumes?

Answer 6

I had that same problem and I found out that I had stainless steel ware instead of silverware, silver tarnishes not rust. I upgraded to the Macy's home store to buy real silverware instead of stainless steel ware.

Answer 7

It could be the water is hard. So you might try something like Red-be Gone.
To clean dishwashers and washing machines, add one-fourth to one-third cup of Red-B-Gone to an empty machine and run through a normal wash cycle.

Answer 8

I had the same problem and just got rid of my flatware and bought all new. Its the Soap your using. Especially if it has any CITRUS of anykind in it!
It totally ruined my set. Cascade with lemon is horrible on nice silverware.
I have a nice 18/10 stainless i just bought on sale from Oneida. It washes up just fine. I DO NOT USE ANY DISWASHER OR COUNTER SOAP WITH CITRUS!
I really think they should let us know about this problem.
Read this story too!
http://www.finishing.com/56/25.shtml
Good luck.

Answer 9

generally, try to use dishwashing detergent that doesn't have lemon in it. i have a good set of silverware, but my knives still get little rust spots on them. very strange. anyways, i use a powder cleanser/polisher called "barkeeper's friend" to clean it off. it works wonders and comes off in an instant. i would highly recommend you try this stuff. it won't ruin anything, i promise.

i couldn't find this product at my local grocery store, so i bought it from amazon. here's a link in case you are interested:
http://www.amazon.com/Bar-Keepers-Friends-Cleaner-12/dp/B0006M5AI4/sr=8-1/qid=1164063463/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-8581608-2211123?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden