Why do rust-like spots show up on my stainless steel knives after washing them in the dishwasher?

I have purchased a rather nice set of stainless steel cutting knives and have noticed that rust-like spots show up on them after washing them in the dishwasher? Does anyone know why? What can I do to stop that from happening and how do I get them off of the knives now?Why do rust-like spots show up on my stainless steel knives after washing them in the dishwasher?
Sounds like your knives aren't as good as you thought they were. Nickle is the agent in stainless steel that makes it stainless. There are many grades of stainless steel and what they usually use in dinnerware is one of the lowest grades there are. The highest grade is used in medical implants and body jewelry. I've run across this problem myself but it was with the cheaper dinnerware. Some soaps you purchase have some chlorine in it and it will rust even some of the better stainless if it's left in the water too long. You might want to check the ingredients of the type of soap you use.Why do rust-like spots show up on my stainless steel knives after washing them in the dishwasher?
The spots are crystallized salts from the dish washing detergent that over time will start slow corrosion of the steel.


If you have really good knives you should clean them by hand and NOT in the dish washer. And remember to sharpen them with a little bit of oil on a stone.





You can get rid of these spots by polishing the knifes carefully by hand. A drop of vegetable oil makes this polishing easier.
Yes! I'd like to know the answer to this too. And why is it always the knives and not on the forks and spoons??? It drives me nuts.
Because good knives don't go in the dishwasher. The chemicals in the detergent are too harsh for the good stuff.
it is a mixture of the heat and natural salts in your water. Plus detergents have added salt too. If you want to prevent that problem, instead of letting your dish washer sit after the cycle has completed immediately remove dishes and dry off the dishes if any water is left on them.