- Viral dishwasher hacks promise easier cleaning, but many don’t actually work well in practice.
- One popular tip claims adding a ball of aluminum foil can remove silverware tarnish through a chemical reaction.
- Experts say this method is inconsistent and not recommended—using a dedicated silver cleaner is more reliable, and many manufacturers advise against putting silverware in the dishwasher.
Even if you have one of the best dishwashers, running the appliance can feel like a hamster wheel you can’t quite get off. There’s always another load waiting, so it’s no surprise the internet is full of hacks promising to make the job faster, easier, or more effective. But not all of them are worth adding to your own routine.
One viral tip suggests tossing a ball of aluminum foil into your dishwasher to remove tarnish from silverware. The idea is that when foil is added to the wash, it creates a chemical reaction that helps lift tarnish off silver and transfer it onto the foil.
It sounds like an easy, hands-off fix, but the experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab say it's not the perfect solution it's cracked up to be. “It can be used to reduce tarnish on silverware, but I wouldn’t recommend it,” says reviews analyst Noah Pinsonnault. “It’s much less consistent than just using a dedicated silver cleaner, and many silverware manufacturers discourage placing those items in the dishwasher.”
Part of the issue is that the hack isn’t especially reliable. Most versions involve crumpling aluminum foil into a ball and placing it in the utensil basket alongside tarnished silverware, but even when done correctly, results can be inconsistent. Factors like water temperature, detergent formulation, and the extent of tarnish can all affect how well the reaction works. You may see a slight improvement, or none at all.
There’s also the risk of long-term damage. Many silver or silver-plated items aren’t designed for the dishwasher, where high heat and detergents can dull finishes or wear down protective coatings over time. So while the foil trick may occasionally make a difference, it’s not the most reliable or safest way to restore shine.
For more consistent results, stick with a dedicated silver cleaner or polish designed for the job.
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
