Rust spots on silverware

Recently I've noticed that there are rust stains on my silverware when I take it out of the dishwasher. It's mostly on the butter knives. They're stainless steel so I'm not sure why this is happening.

Anyone else have the same issue? Any ideas what to do?

Re: Rust spots on silverware

I have this problem too. From what I was reading it is due to hard water. The suggestion I read and have been doing is hand washing my knives and hand drying them IMMEDIATELY (IE- which means we are using plastic when it is just us )

Re: Rust spots on silverware

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Posted by februarybride

Recently I've noticed that there are rust stains on my silverware when I take it out of the dishwasher. It's mostly on the butter knives. They're stainless steel so I'm not sure why this is happening.

Anyone else have the same issue? Any ideas what to do?

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Ok...I asked my hubby about your problem and this is what he had to say, or rather type. (He manufactures flatware & cutlery.)


Knife blades are not made of 'stainless steel'. In order to anneal the blade and impart flexibility, knife blades are generally made of high carbon steel. Stainless Steel which has a high chrome content and in better quality material a high nickle content does not have the physical characteristics necessary to make a proper knife blade.

The higher carbon content in the knife blades is what causes the knives to rust much easier than the rest of the flatware.

I would suggest using a non-abrasive paste metal polish to remove any rust. I can also email you a detailed use and care sheet for flatware which if followed might alleviate some of the problems.

Re: Rust spots on silverware

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Posted by Jenny5150

Knife blades are not made of 'stainless steel'. In order to anneal the blade and impart flexibility, knife blades are generally made of high carbon steel. Stainless Steel which has a high chrome content and in better quality material a high nickle content does not have the physical characteristics necessary to make a proper knife blade.

The higher carbon content in the knife blades is what causes the knives to rust much easier than the rest of the flatware.

I would suggest using a non-abrasive paste metal polish to remove any rust. I can also email you a detailed use and care sheet for flatware which if followed might alleviate some of the problems.

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Wow thanks! I'll FM my e-mail address.

Re: Rust spots on silverware

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Posted by Jenny5150

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Posted by februarybride

Recently I've noticed that there are rust stains on my silverware when I take it out of the dishwasher. It's mostly on the butter knives. They're stainless steel so I'm not sure why this is happening.

Anyone else have the same issue? Any ideas what to do?

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Ok...I asked my hubby about your problem and this is what he had to say, or rather type. (He manufactures flatware & cutlery.)


Knife blades are not made of 'stainless steel'. In order to anneal the blade and impart flexibility, knife blades are generally made of high carbon steel. Stainless Steel which has a high chrome content and in better quality material a high nickle content does not have the physical characteristics necessary to make a proper knife blade.

The higher carbon content in the knife blades is what causes the knives to rust much easier than the rest of the flatware.

I would suggest using a non-abrasive paste metal polish to remove any rust. I can also email you a detailed use and care sheet for flatware which if followed might alleviate some of the problems.

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Whoa! Smarty Pants! Who knew we had our own in-house cutlery expert! hee hee

I am having the SAME problem and did not know the cause! AND we do have very, very hard water. Calcium deposits and all....

I will FM my email, I would love the info. Thanks!

Re: Rust spots on silverware

According to the 'Queen of Clean' (from DIYnet.com)

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To remove rust from knives and forks, stick them into an onion. Work the utensils back and forth in the onion, and wait a while before washing.

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