Use and Care

Caring for your Oneida Products

Taking care of your stainless is painless!
Just follow these 3 easy steps for sparkling, clean silverware.

1. Load stainless and golden accents flatware into the dishwasher with spoon and fork handles down, knife handles up.
2. Use powder detergents. Avoid ones with lemon or orange scents. 
3. Use a stainless metal cleaner periodically to keep your set looking its very best. It’s that easy…

The basic facts…
Stainless steel is an alloy of two or more metals, usually steel, chromium and often a smaller amount of nickel. Chromium gives the steel hardness and better resistance to stains and corrosion. Nickel, when included in the alloy, gives flatware a brighter finish that lasts year after year. Nickel is the element that provides resistance to chloride attack on stainless.

Stainless steel flatware is stain less, but is not absolutely stain proof, especially under unfavorable conditions. Such common things as tea, coffee, vinegar, salt, mustard, mayonnaise, and eggs when present on flatware for prolonged periods may stain, pit or corrode your flatware. Certain minerals in our tap water may also affect flatware. Even the detergent used to wash our flatware in the dishwasher may harm flatware surfaces.
 
Easy care tips for your stainless…
When using your stainless for the first time, we recommend that you hand wash it thoroughly in hot water, a mild soap or detergent, rinse in clean hot water and dry promptly using a soft cloth.
When washing by hand, use a plastic or stainless pan (never aluminum), rinse in clean, hot water and dry promptly using a soft cloth.
When using a dishwasher, remove the flatware after the last rinse cycle and dry by hand using a soft cloth as hot air drying will increase the probability of discoloration/corrosion. Heavily chlorinated/harsh dishwashing detergents can harm flatware surfaces. We recommend that you use detergents low in chlorine. Avoid any products that say “Heavy Duty” or “Highly Chlorinated”. We do not recommend liquid, gel or powder with lemon/organge additives as this will result in corrosion. Changing detergents may be helpful as you may find that one is more compatible with your local water supply. Make sure that your dishwasher is operating at peak efficiency as inadequate rinsing can also be a factor.
Do not wash your stainless flatware with aluminum, sterling or silverplated items, and do not soak flatware overnight.
Do not use steel wool pads or detergent/polish compounds that scratch stainless steel. Knives are especially vulnerable as the scratch surface becomes more sensitive to rusting. Knives are straight chrome (13%) stainless steel without nickel and may require added care.

Special cleaning:
Should special cleaning be necessary, use a quality stainless polish to remove discoloration (which may be caused by minerals found in local water). Follow instructions closely, particularly when rinsing, since many cleaners contain strong chemicals that may damage flatware if not removed immediately.



Caring for Sterling, Silverplated or Gold Plated Flatware
Although these prized products are dishwasher safe, hand washing is recommended to maintain their superior beauty and shine. If you choose to put them in the dishwasher, make sure you do not mix metals. Use a fine quality cleaner as needed to maintain the patina or luster that comes from years of use.

Caring for your Oneida Dinnerware
Most Oneida dinnerware is dishwasher and microwave safe, with the exception of some larger accent pieces that should be handwashed. Not sure? Just check the backstamp on each piece for use and care information. Or you may refer to the specific pattern page for details. Even our carefree, colorful melamine and acrylic lines can go into the top rack of your dishwasher.

Caring for your Oneida crystal
Our popular, restaurant-quality stems and tumblers are dishwasher safe (and stronger than most glassware on the market).

Cutlery Use and Care