Are you looking for what to put between dishes to prevent scratches?
To be clear, I’m referring to scratches that come from stacking plates and bowls.
Not scratches from using your silverware.
Those scratches can’t be prevented. They come from using knives and forks when eating.
Unless you only use spoons or eat with your hands, your dishes will eventually get scratched from using your silverware.
It’s normal.
Your silverware will create gray marks from the metal scratching the surface of your dishes.
*Note: keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming post on how to remove those types of scratches, as they aren’t permanent.
Depending on your dishes, the bottoms of them might be rough, which can scrape and create scratches when stacked.
If you’re concerned about those types of scratches and scrapes on your dishes, you should place something protective between each plate.
Look no further
I have a few unique and SUPER CHEAP solutions to prevent scratches from stacking dishes.
7 Ideas for What to Put Between Dishes to Prevent Scratches and Scrapes
Please note that this article may contain affiliate links. I may get commissions (at no cost to you) for purchases made through these links. You can read my full disclosure for more details.
1 ~ Paper towels are a great option to put between dishes
The thing about paper towels is that SO many come on a roll. So whenever you need one to put between plates, it’s easily available.
You can double up the paper towels, or fold them in half depending on the plate size.
They’re easy to use, and definitely a cheap option for preventing scratches on dishes.
2 ~ Felt pads help prevent scratches on plates
Using felt pads between dishes to prevent scratches and scrapes is my favorite option.
Felt is soft and has a nice thickness that is great between the plates.
You can either purchase pre-cut felt rounds or make your own. Just go to your local fabric/craft store and buy some felt or fleece. Then cut out circles to fit between your dishes.
The bonus with making your own is that you can choose the felt colors. Fun!
3 ~ Coffee filters are a cheap option to use between dishes
If you’re a coffee drinker, you probably already have coffee filters.
What’s nice about coffee filters compared to paper towels, is the filters are already circular. So you won’t have any edges sticking out, or the desire to trim off the corners.
That also makes them perfect for stacking between bowls.
Coffee filters are cheap when you figure out how many come in a pack. So it’s easy to put 2-3 between each plate.
4 ~ Paper plates can help prevent scratches when stacking dishes
Use paper plates between dishes to prevent scratches. They’re round and the perfect size between dinner plates.
Plus you can buy a huge stack from the store and then use the rest for picnics or outdoor events.
5 ~ Tissue paper can be recycled and put between plates
Keep the tissue paper that people use for gift giving. It’s great to recycle and put between plates.
And this way – it’s free!
I would suggest folding the tissue so you have at least 2-3 thicknesses, as tissue paper is pretty thin. You want it to create a cushion between your dishes.
6 ~ Thin foam is a wonderful way to prevent scratches on dishes
The thin foam I use between plates to prevent scratches is from Dollar Tree. They come in between their charger plates. Dollar Tree either leaves them between the charger plates or tosses them when they put out the chargers.
Just ask the store manager if you can take/have them. They’re usually happy for you to repurpose the thin foam.
Or sometimes you will find thin foam inside a new product box. As it’s used to protect new items during shipping.
Bonus – thin foam won’t cost you anything! You’re repurposing it. You just might need to cut it to size.
A total win-win!!
7 ~ Napkins prevent scratches when placed between plates
Paper napkins are fantastic for putting between plates when they’re not in use.
Depending on the size, either unfold them or double them up. You want to ensure there are at least 2 layers of the napkin between each plate.
I hope you find these unique options helpful.
Use one or a combination of the 7 ideas for what to put between dishes to prevent scratches and scrapes to help protect them.
I bet you have a few of them in your pantry right now.
*Tip: Avoid using newspaper between your dishes. The ink can rub onto your dishes and be a mess to clean.
Shop the options to protect your dishes from scratches:
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