Yes, putting a ball of aluminum foil in the dishwasher during a load can help lift oil stains off your silverware. This method is often used to remove stubborn stains or tarnish from silverware or other metal items. Here's how it works:
Create a ball of aluminum foil: Take a small piece of aluminum foil and crumple it into a loose ball. The size of the ball may vary depending on the load and the number of stains you want to tackle.
Place the ball in the dishwasher: Put the aluminum foil ball in the dishwasher along with your silverware. It's best to place it near the stained items or in a position where it can make contact with the stained surfaces.
Run a regular dishwasher cycle: Start the dishwasher and let it run its regular cleaning cycle. The hot water, detergent, and the contact with aluminum foil will work together to remove the stains from the silverware.
The process takes advantage of a reaction called electrolysis, which occurs when aluminum comes into contact with certain metals, such as silver. The reaction helps to remove tarnish and stains from the silverware.
It's important to note that this method works best for removing tarnish and certain types of stains from silverware. However, it may not be as effective for removing other types of stains, such as food residue or baked-on grime. For such stains, pre-soaking or manual scrubbing may be more effective.
Additionally, it's advisable to check your silverware's care instructions and ensure that it is dishwasher safe before using this method. Some delicate or antique silverware may require specific cleaning techniques or should be washed by hand to avoid damage.