xkcd

When they grind down rocks (clothes), they put them in a really big drum (washing machine) and add ball bearings (stainless steel silverware). Even though the ball bearings (stainless) is much harder, it will exit the drum ground smooth and to a fraction of its original size. The drum itself is protected due to the stuff being thrown on itself (requires adequate clothes for dampening).

You will certainly loose any coatings and your knifes and forks (and sporks) will be dull. You might after many runs loose the fork tooths entirely, and your sporks might become spoons. You will also either need to sacrifice your old shirts to the silverware gods, or need to order a few replacement drums and change early before the silverware breaches containment and explores the electric and pump sections of your washer.