Despite washing, over time, cutlery loses its shine and becomes stained with rust. A simple trick can solve this problem easily, without having to scrub after each dishwasher cycle.
The dishwasher has become a must-have in the kitchen. It saves us time and frees us from that much hated household task: washing the dishes. But sometimes, even with a dishwasher, you end up with dishes that are not very clean, and more particularly cutlery stained with rust. You are probably wondering where this could come from. You have checked everything, the filter is clean, there is rinsing liquid, regenerating salt, but nothing works, the traces are still there!
A simple trick with aluminum foil can help you solve this problem. Simply crumple a sheet of aluminum foil into a small ball, which is then placed in the cutlery basket of the dishwasher. When the dishwasher starts its wash cycle, the water and detergent products will come into contact with the aluminum ball, creating a slight chemical reaction.
The chemical reaction between aluminum and the agents present in the detergent promotes the process of reducing oxidation on metals, particularly on stainless steel. This phenomenon is similar to the action of an electrolyzer, where the aluminum acts as a sort of “trap” that attracts particles that tarnish metals. This reaction reduces mineral deposits and residue that can make cutlery dull over time. In addition, this tip does not damage the dishwasher or the utensils, as long as the aluminum is used in ball form.
To use this technique effectively, here are a few simple steps. Take a sheet of aluminum foil and roll it into a ball about 3 to 4 centimeters in diameter. Place this ball in the cutlery compartment of your dishwasher. This will allow the aluminum to be in direct contact with the stainless steel cutlery. Add your usual detergent and run the wash cycle. You can repeat this tip every time you wash it or from time to time, depending on the condition of your cutlery.
Although this tip is safe for your device, it is recommended not to use aluminum foil that is too thin, which could disintegrate during washing. Also make sure to crumple the aluminum well to prevent it from unrolling and obstructing the rotating arms of the device, or from obstructing the device’s filter.
It is also important to note that this tip mainly works on stainless steel objects. It will have no effect on ceramic plates, glasses or other types of materials. Furthermore, this technique does not replace proper maintenance of your dishwasher or the use of suitable rinsing products.