Dishwashers are known for being the easiest and fastest way to wash dishes. However, even the best dishwashers may not be able to remove that extra layer of grease or grime from cutlery, especially. A viral TikTok video with over 19 thousand views shows how using a ball of aluminum foil in the dishwasher can make silverware sparkle in no time.
Meet the Experts: Mick Jain is the operations manager of VMAP Cleaning Services. Daniel Brown is a cleaning expert and CEO of Handy Cleaners.
How Does This Hack Work? Mick Jain approves of this quick hack. By placing a ball of aluminum foil in the dishwasher, silverware can appear much brighter. According to Jain, this happens due to a chemical reaction with the dishwasher detergent and foil, which helps remove tarnish. To try it, simply place a loosely crumpled ball of foil in the silverware basket during a normal dishwashing cycle.
Can You Use This Hack on All Silverware? While this hack makes silverware shinier, Jain advises against using it on all silverware. Avoid using foil if washing aluminum cookware as it may lead to discoloration or scratching. He also says it’s crucial to monitor results as excessive use may cause minor wear over time. Daniel Brown agrees that when aluminum reacts with detergent and tarnished silverware, dull spots disappear. But he also warns about using this hack on particular materials. This trick only benefits true silver and nickel-plated utensils and won’t work with everyday stainless steel.
Does This Hack Have Risks? It’s important to know about potential risks. Over time, this hack could have harmful effects on the dishwasher’s efficiency. Brown explains that aluminum foil can dislodge tiny bits of particles into the water, which may settle in hard-to-clean spots like the dishwasher’s filter. Over time, this buildup can reduce water flow efficiency and impact the dishwasher’s cleaning power, even leading to repair calls.
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