Mixing Metals : Last week, I received an update from the American Cleaning Institute. Somebody asked about black stains on their silverware. The reply was as follows "..Uh oh. Though silver cutlery can go in the dishwasher, it should never be placed in the same compartment as stainless-steel flatware. If the two metals touch they can react to each other, and the silver can be permanently damaged. .." What a great message for us who work in CSSD. If we mix metals we will have issues, just like at home. Many of the times we associate stains with poor water quality but we need to remember that mixing metals can also cause stains. So when you are sorting your instruments and getting ready to clean them make sure you separate them as much as possible so you reduce any possible staining issue.