Can You Use Gold-Plated Cutlery in the Dishwasher?
By Cutipol: The Shape of Tomorrow’s Cuisine | Official Store | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: Product Reviews
Gold-plated cutlery is generally not dishwasher safe. Learn why hand washing preserves the finish longer and how to care for your Cutipol pieces.
Quick Answer
Most gold-plated cutlery, including Cutipol pieces, is not dishwasher safe. The high heat, strong detergents, and abrasion from other items can cause the thin gold layer to fade, scratch, or peel. Hand washing with mild soap and a soft cloth is the safest way to keep your gold flatware looking new.
Why Dishwashers Damage Gold-Plated Cutlery
Dishwashers expose cutlery to temperatures above 140°F (60°C), which can soften the adhesive or plating bond used in gold-plated finishes. The combination of harsh alkaline detergents and the physical rubbing against other utensils during the wash cycle accelerates wear. Even on a gentle cycle, the gold layer—often just a few microns thick—can become cloudy, scratched, or completely stripped over time.
Gold-plated items are not designed to withstand the same abuse as solid stainless steel. While a stainless steel fork can survive hundreds of dishwasher cycles, a gold-plated fork may show visible damage after just a few washes. If you value the warm, reflective finish of gold tableware, hand washing is the only reliable method to preserve it.
What About Cutipol Cutlery and Other Brands?
Cutipol does not recommend dishwasher use for its gold-plated cutlery. The brand’s official care instructions advise hand washing with mild detergent and immediate drying. This applies to all Cutipol gold-plated collections, including the popular Gourmet and Goa lines. Other premium brands like Serax also specify hand wash only for their gold PVD-coated serving pieces, such as the Serving plate XL golden, which has a polished gold finish that can dull in a dishwasher.
Some lower-cost gold-plated flatware may claim to be dishwasher safe, but those claims often refer to a limited number of cycles before noticeable wear. For long-term beauty, assume no gold-plated cutlery is truly dishwasher safe. The tradeoff is a few minutes of hand washing versus replacing a set prematurely.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I put gold-plated cutlery in the dishwasher if I use a gentle cycle?
- A gentle cycle reduces some risk, but it does not eliminate the damage from heat, detergents, and contact with other items. The gold layer is still vulnerable to chemical and physical wear. Hand washing remains the safer choice. Gentle cycles are not a reliable workaround for gold-plated flatware.
- How should I hand wash gold-plated cutlery to make it last?
- Use warm water, a mild dish soap, and a soft sponge or cloth. Avoid abrasive pads, bleach, or citrus-based cleaners. Rinse immediately and dry with a soft towel to prevent water spots. Do not let the cutlery air-dry, as mineral deposits can dull the finish. Hand wash with mild soap and dry immediately for best results.
- What if my gold-plated cutlery already has dishwasher damage?
- Once the gold layer is scratched or worn, it cannot be repaired at home. You can continue using the pieces as everyday cutlery, but the appearance will not improve. Some companies offer replating services, though this can cost nearly as much as a new set. Prevention is the only effective strategy—damage is permanent.
Products Mentioned
- COOKPLAY Jomon - Bowl gold L: The Jomon bowl is made of porcelain with a gold finish and is dishwasher proof according to its care label. This shows that some gold-colored tableware items—especially those with a fired-on glaze rather than a plated metal layer—can safely go in the dishwasher. Always check the specific material and finish of each piece.
- SERAX Table Accessories - Serving plate XL golden: The Serax Serving plate XL golden is made of stainless steel with a golden PVD coating and has a polished finish. PVD coatings are more durable than standard plating, but the brand still recommends hand washing to preserve the polished look. Even with advanced coatings, the dishwasher environment can cause micro-scratches and dullness over time.
