A dishwasher is a convenient appliance, but sometimes handwashing is the way to go.
Watch: How to make your own eco cleaning products
In fact, the dishwasher can cause your cutlery to rust.
How to remove cutlery rust marks
Posting in the Facebook group, Mums Who Clean. One mum was desperate for some advice after her new cutlery was ruined in the dishwasher.
“We bought a new dishwasher recently, and this is how my brand new Vera Wang cutlery comes out. What am I doing wrong?”
What causes rust spots on cutlery in the dishwasher?
Many commenters were quick to offer some advice to the mum, saying leaving your cutlery to air dry after washing in the dishwasher causes these marks.
“Unfortunately, there is a misconception that stainless steel cutlery can be left to air dry once your dishwasher finishes – you can’t,” said one commenter.
“It must be removed while it is still wet and hand-dried. These marks happen because they are left to air dry while leaning against other cutlery, and the water cannot escape and will cause these rust marks.”
How to prevent rust on cutlery
Other than hand washing and drying your cutlery, some mums said the type of dishwashing table could play a part.
“It’s a reaction with the lemon stuff in your dishwasher tablets. If you use non-lemon ones, you will be fine.”
How to remove rust marks from knives
Others offered some advice for removing the spots.
1. Bar Keepers Friend
“Bar keepers friend will get the rust off! I have had to change cutlery sets 3 times because of rust spots. I finally got a set that doesn’t rust,” said one person.
(Bar Keepers Friend is a n all-purpose cleanser that works without chlorine bleach for everyday cleaning and tough stains including lime and rust. Find out more here.)
2. Aluminium foil
Another shared: “Get some alfoil, scrunch it up into a ball & add it to your cutlery basket… It works as a treat, and I change it every week.”
3. DIY cleaner
Someone else shared their DIY oven cleaner recipe, which they say works every time.
“I have used the below oven cleaner recipe a few times now & it gets rust off every time. I mix it up & put it in a spray bottle & spray it on, leave it for about 30mins, then wash off in hot soapy water.
“You may need to give it a little scrub with a scouring sponge.”
Recipe for a DIY oven cleaner
- 30ml dish washing liquid
- 60ml lemon juice
- 120ml white vinegar
- 150ml water
You might also like:
How to make your own natural cleaning products
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