Kitchen hacks are often used to simplify daily chores and maintain cleanliness in one of the busiest areas of the home. One such popular trick is lining cutlery drawers with aluminium foil. Experts explain that this practice is mainly adopted to help reduce tarnishing, particularly for sterling silver utensils.Silver tarnish occurs due to a reaction with sulphur compounds in the air, forming a dark coating known as silver sulphide. Since aluminium is more chemically reactive than silver, it is commonly used in cleaning methods designed to remove tarnish.Does Aluminium Foil Make Cleaning Easier?The answer is yes. Over time, crumbs, dust, and small food particles tend to accumulate inside cutlery drawers. A removable layer of foil works as a protective shield, making it easier to clean the drawer by simply replacing or wiping the foil.Protection Against ScratchesCutlery drawers, especially wooden ones, can develop scratches from the constant movement of forks, spoons, and knives. Adding a layer of foil creates a thin barrier between the utensils and the drawer surface, helping to minimize wear and tear.Does Aluminium Foil Keep Cutlery Cleaner?There are claims online suggesting that foil helps keep cutlery cleaner, but experts disagree. Aluminium foil does not possess antibacterial or antimicrobial properties that can sanitize drawers or utensils.According to material science experts, aluminium is highly reactive and readily participates in electrochemical reactions. This makes it effective when used with baking soda and hot water for cleaning tarnished silver. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that simply lining a drawer with foil significantly prevents tarnishing or extends the lifespan of cutlery.[With TOI inputs]