Does your cutlery tarnish over time, despite meticulous washing? Try the aluminum foil technique in your dishwasher: they will come out like new!
For everyone who owns one, the dishwasher has become an essential everyday appliance. And not just in large families! Practical for carefully washing cutlery, plates, glasses and pans, it avoids the traditional chore of washing dishes while being very economical in use, both in terms of water and electricity. It’s hard to do without it once you’ve tasted it!
But sometimes, even with the most efficient appliance, the dishes don’t come out completely clean. This is particularly the case for cutlery, which can end up being stained with rust and losing its shine. However, the filter is clean, there is rinsing fluid and regenerating salt, but nothing helps.
However, there is an inexpensive technique that can solve this problem in just one wash: the aluminum foil trick. In fact, all you have to do is crumple a sheet of aluminum foil to make a small ball, and then place it in the cutlery basket of the dishwasher, so that the aluminum is in direct contact with the cutlery in place. stainless steel. All you have to do is add the usual detergent and program a wash, and that’s it! This tip can be used every time you wash it or from time to time, depending on the condition of the cutlery.
This method is based on a chemical reaction between aluminum and the agents present in the detergent. When washing, aluminum oxidizes, which helps remove dark stains from stainless steel cutlery. Thus, the aluminum ball acts as a catalyst, attracting the particles responsible for tarnishing and preventing the appearance of new stains. Obviously, this tip does not damage the dishwasher or the utensils.
However, it is essential to take certain precautions. The use of aluminum foil that is too thin is not recommended, as it could disintegrate during washing and clog the appliance filter. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that the aluminum ball is compact enough not to come apart during the cycle. Finally, this tip is mainly effective for stainless steel cutlery and therefore will not work for ceramic plates or glasses.
For those who prefer more traditional alternatives, there are other natural methods. Adding a cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle can act as a natural descaler, while baking soda, sprinkled on cutlery before washing, provides notable degreasing power. Rubbing utensils with half a lemon can also help revive their shine, thanks to the fruit’s natural acidity. Finally, specific products for the maintenance of stainless steel are available commercially for those who want a ready-to-use solution and have more confidence in chemistry.