Why would Finish dishwasher detergent make my flatware darker?

is your flatware silver?

Stainless steel. I’ve had it 30 years. Held up great until that damned Finish. Now some of it is dark and some of it is normal.

Covid.

@JLeslie: Is it aluminum? I ask because I’ve put aluminum baking pans in the dishwasher and they came out darkened and not shiny. I know it’s not likely that your flatware was aluminum, but maybe it had an aluminum base?

@jca2 The flatware is Stainless Steel.

I have a baking sheet that was also ruined and my bet is that is aluminum, it feels aluminum.

I think yes and maybe no. I found this on the web. “Another leading cause of discoloration in stainless steel is the use of extremely caustic chemicals that override the steel’s protective oxide layer. For example, salt and other chlorides may compromise the outer layer of a piece of grade 304 stainless steel with ease.” It could be the outer layer has already been compromised after 30 years and now it’s being affected by the dishwashing detergents. Oh, maybe these tips will help restore your utensils.

@Pandora I never thought to try stainless steel cleaner on the items. Although, if the protective layer is gone maybe there is nothing to be done. Half my flatware is still normal, because it wasn’t washed in those two loads.

@JLeslie: Maybe ask the manufacturer (or any manufacturer of stainless utensils).

@jca2 Good idea.

@JLeslie: What brand is the flatware?

@jca2 It doesn’t say. I have two different sets, and only one seems very affected and that one just says made in China. Lol. The other has the brand, but after looking more closely that one, Westley, seems ok.

The Made in China set was a cheaper set.