The first recorded production of aluminum foil was in 1903 in France, and by 1911, it was widely used in Switzerland to wrap chocolate bars. As per Aluminum.org, demand for this household staple tremendously increased during World War II as a tactic to confuse tracking systems.
Now, if you think that aluminum foil is only used for cooking and baking, you're throwing away your money. This kitchen must-have's maximum potential is often unexplored because people always think it's a single-use tool; little did they know that it's nothing short of heroic for its versatility. These days, we've gotten creative with it, and some geniuses discovered life-changing hacks like the following:
Keeping Bananas Fresh For A Long Time
Bananas are rich in potassium, a mineral that is essential in lowering blood pressure and regulating fluid balance. This is why it doesn't come as a surprise that many health-conscious people opt to buy this fruit regularly. But as much as they are nutritious, they are notorious for ripening too fast.
The best way to slow down the process is by wrapping the crown with foil. This is because bananas release a gas called ethylene in the stem, which is responsible for ripening. This way, the fruits will stay fresh for a few more days compared to when they're just sitting on the kitchen top.
Ironing Two Sides In One Go
Ironing can test anyone's patience. Not only do you need to wait for it to heat up, but you also need to iron areas repeatedly to achieve a wrinkle-free look. This is because the board absorbs heat. The easier way to do this chore is by wrapping the board with aluminum foil, making sure that the shiny side is visible.
This ensures that the side reflects the heat the most so that you don't have to iron the other side. It's not just an energy-saving hack but is also a great way to save Mother Nature.
Cleaning And Scrubbing Charred Food
There are so many degreasers and cleaning solutions for grills in the market, but most often than not, these products contain harmful chemicals that could transfer to the food. On the other hand, it can be irritating to manually scrub grills with soap and water before a barbecue session.
While it is still hot after use, lay a sheet of foil on top of the grill to further burn stuck food, and on your next outdoor party, crumple the aluminum and use this to scrub the charred leftovers. There's no use in eating the burned food because the chemical acrylamide has already formed.
Preventing Post-Laundry Static
While doing laundry is a pretty simple and straightforward chore (you only need to separate whites from colored and set the machine properly), some problems could still arise, like post-dryer static. Depending on the load, crumple aluminum foil and make sure that there are no sharp areas that could cut through the clothes.
Toss one to two balls with the clothes in the dryer, and you will never have to deal with the annoying static again. The good news is that this also speeds up the drying process because the foil keeps the fabric separated by discharging the built-up charge.
Stopping Insects From Invading Plants
Pesticides can cause rashes, diarrhea, and, on the extreme end, blindness or death. A great solution to address insect issues in the garden is adding strips of foil to the mulch, a very cost- and environment-friendly way to keep vegetables safe from critters. ResearchGate has found that aluminum could repel thrips and aphids.
More than keeping the bugs at bay, foil is also helpful in reflecting light from the sun and into the plants. Sunlight is necessary for the process of photosynthesis, which enables the plant to produce glucose and oxygen.
Removing Iron Stains
There are many reasons the iron plate becomes dirty: one, the starch spray has built up, and two, the synthetic threads from fabrics have melted. Either way, it can be irritating to see your clean clothes suddenly stained, so it pays to always check the heating machine before every use.
To address the iron plate, scrub it while it's hot with an aluminum ball. The process may leave visible scratches, but this will not affect the clothes. Friendly reminder: be careful while cleaning as this may result in a first-degree burn, which may be alleviated by wet or cold compress or petroleum jelly.
Sliding Furniture With Ease
Every once in a while, we all play interior designers and opt to rearrange furniture when we want a fresh, updated look for our home. Unfortunately, it's not a walk in the park to move around heavy pieces, and dragging them can leave irreversible scratches that may mess with the aesthetic you are going for.
A great and simple solution to this is folding aluminum foil so that its matte side is visible and putting this layer underneath the legs of the appliance. This way, you can easily slide them without worrying that they will damage the floor.
Maintaining Celery's Crunch
Celery is such a versatile and fibrous plant that it could be eaten as is, juiced, or added to meals. However, the best time to consume them is when they are still crisp and fresh. One of the biggest mistakes people make is that they store the green vegetable in the fridge with the plastic it comes in.
It may be time-saving, but this will lead to dryness. Don't cut the head and wrap the entire thing tightly with aluminum foil for guaranteed freshness for up to a month. Make sure that there's no room for the moisture to escape in order to retain its crispness.
Keeping Critters Away From Cabinets
Because creepy critters in the house tend to hide in the darkest places in the kitchen, it pays to put lights on shaded areas. However, this could shoot up the electrical bill. One way to address this is by using aluminum foil as shelf liners, which is cheaper than the store-bought variant.
It is easy to clean as well because you only need to wipe dust and spilled condiments. At the same time, the foil will reflect light, thereby keeping the bugs away. Another way to avoid insects from coming near food in the pantry is by storing them in air-tight containers.
Cooking Eggs Is As Easy As 1, 2, 3
We're not judging you if you don't make the perfect sunny side up. Eggs tend to stick to the pan because chemical bonds form due to their protein content. This is why it is best to use non-stick cookware. However, another hack is by lining the pan with aluminum foil.
Heat the lined pan and add oil before cracking the eggs. The foil prevents the food from sticking and is quite helpful for lazy people who don't want to wash cookware. Simply crumple the aluminum and throw it in the trash bin after use.
Grease Catching Container
Leftover grease is an unavoidable waste that's hard to get rid of. Be it the chicken you fried or the pork you baked; there would always be oil that's going to be a problem after. It's hard to pour it down the drain because it can cause plumbing issues in the future. These excesses have been a leading reason for clogs and spills, reports claimed.
Contrary to popular opinion, hot grease sticks in the pipe. So instead of the risk, pour the grease into a bowl lined with aluminum foil and when it cools down, simply ball the tin and throw it in the bin.
Avoiding Phototropism
If you live in the city, it might seem impossible to grow plants indoors. For one, the space is limited, and chances are, there are only a few windows directly hit by the sunlight. Plants tend to bend toward the direction of the sun; a phenomenon called phototropism. Others address this by using artificial light inside the house.
However, this could inflate your electric consumption. One great solution is to use foil to make a sun box. Sunlight would bounce from the low-cost DIY project to the plant, thereby providing light to all sides of the plant.
Sharpening Blades And Scissors
To sharpen a pair of scissors, you would need sandpaper to rough out the edges, but it can also work with aluminum foil if you don't have one lying around. Simply fold the foil several times to create layers and cut at least ten strips. However, this will only work for dull blades and not damaged ones.
But why do scissors become dull anyway? Paper products are the most common reason because they have minerals and chemicals like talc, titanium oxide, kaolin clay, and calcium carbonate, which are used to harden the paper and make it ink-absorbent.
Making An Affordable Stylus
One of the most helpful tools graphic artists could get their hands on is the stylus pen. It's an instrument with a screen-capacitive rubber tip. Affordable ones are widespread on the market, but they aren't as functional as the expensive ones.
You can always make one with just a cotton swab, foil, and pen. Cut the tip of the swab into a triangle and insert it into the empty pen cartridge. Wrap the foil near the tip of the swab up to the neck and secure it with tape. Dip the tip in water and make sure that your hand touches the foil while using.
Easy Fireplace Cleaning
As of 2017, there had been a noticeable decline in houses with fireplaces sold, proving that this area that is supposed to add charm to an abode might be becoming passe. However, we can't deny that this nook immediately makes rooms cozy and warm; that doesn't mean the upkeep is simple.
We're talking about the ashes that settle after a warm night. They can go anywhere during cleaning time, but this can be avoided with foil. Put two layers of aluminum before burning, and once the fireplace cools completely, you can fold the foil with the ashes and simply throw this away.
Extending Batteries' Lifespan
There's no use in profusely shaking the remote control whenever it's working intermittently. Check the battery compartment if the springs are loose and use foil to fill in the gaps. As time goes by, the tension of the springs loosens, hence the need for this hack.
When out in the woods and there's no more juice in the batteries you brought, you can extend their lifespan by inserting foils in an alternating manner, as shown in the picture. These things could also be used to start a fire when there's no lighter or a box of matches. Simply attach a foil on both ends of a battery.
A Child's Best Potty-Training Friend
The average age of potty training is 27 months, but the process is not as easy as it looks, especially for new parents. There would always be accidental bed issues, and the biggest victim here would be the mattress. There are plastic protectors available in the market, but if you want to save a few bucks, utilize foil instead.
Cover the mattress with foil and then layer it with absorbent towels. Depending on your preference, a mattress pad can be added before a fitted bed sheet to secure everything in place. This way, any leak won't immediately seep through the foam.
Scrubbing Pots May Now Be Your Favorite Chore
Charred food, grease, or spilled oil are your worst enemies in dishwashing. Often, you'll need more than elbow grease to remove the gunk out of pans and pots. It is a test of patience to scrub tirelessly for a good five minutes and not see any improvement.
However, an excellent solution to this is a balled-up aluminum foil. After washing with a dishwashing liquid to remove oil, use the foil to scrub crud in the cooking ware. This should leave your pots and pans muck-free and good as new. No foil around? Add baking soda to the soap and leave the solution for a few minutes.
Protecting Door Knobs From Paint
There are days when the itch of changing your wall or door color proves too much to ignore, so you grab a bright hue and begin painting. While furniture like the bed frame and table can be quickly taken out of the room to avoid splashes of paints, hardware like cabinet handles and doorknobs can't be removed instantly.
While painter's tapes are heaven-sent for avid crafters and artists, not everyone has one. An alternative is wrapping hardware tightly with aluminum foil before starting. Another trick that you can consider is applying rubber cement that you can easily peel off after the paint job.
Easing Joint Discomfort
While medicines work wonders for any aches, they're not always within reach. Whenever you experience joint pains, use aluminum foil to ease the discomfort. It may not sound logical but it is quite a popular remedy in other countries, although there's still a lack of research on the effectiveness of the kitchen staple.
Supposedly, wrapping the part that aches will alleviate the pain. Other reports claim aluminum foil is effective in addressing burns by relieving inflammation, thereby reducing the pain. It is also said to aid in curing colds and flu as well as fatigue and insomnia.
Removing Glue Buildup
If you're a crafter, then you're probably familiar with the glue gun, believed to be invented by George Schultz in the '50s. It is an adhesive tool that is pretty easy to use: just plug the instrument and wait for the stick to melt, and then you can begin to bond almost anything. But as much as it's helpful, it can also be messy.
When the gun heats up, there's little control over the drip of glue; hence, the build-up at the tip of the tool. When thoroughly dried up, it's difficult to clean the tip with bare hands. Use aluminum foil to scrub the hardened glue.
Making Radiators More Efficient
Radiators are one of the oldest and most convenient ways to heat up a room, and it functions under two principles: convection and radiation. Although it's rare to see this machine these days, there are still households that benefit from this. Chances are, you'll find them installed by a wall.
To maximize its capacity in increasing the temperature, an aluminum foil should be placed at the back of the radiator so that the wall will not absorb the heat it is producing. Instead of the wall, the foil will reflect the heat generated into the room, making the machine run more efficiently.
Fishing To The Next Level
While films make fishing seem easy-peasy, it's actually a hobby that would test anyone's patience. Although the activity is a sure-fire way to bond with nature and friends or family and de-stress, it's also quite irritating to end the day without any catch. Interestingly, you can hasten luring the fish by attaching an aluminum foil to the hook.
Although luring hooks typically have scrumptious fish snacks, the aquatic animals may just prefer something a little shinier. Because foil will reflect the light, it could attract the swimming creatures. It sounds too good to be true, but it's worth trying.
Giving Life Back To Silverware
Silverware tend to tarnish as years go by. Don't throw them out just yet because they can get their shine back in just a few minutes. This hack involves aluminum foil, a pan, water, and baking soda. Bring the water to a boil, add the baking soda, and drop the utensils for a few minutes (the dirtier they are, the longer they need to be soaked).
But why do utensils lose their luster through time anyway? Tarnish is a result of the reaction between the sulfur found in the air and the silver. The same can be said of jewelry, which should be cleaned after use to avoid fading.
The Secret To The Perfect Pie Crust
Every baker knows the struggle of baking the perfect pie. After putting a masterpiece in the oven, there's no guarantee on how it will look once the timer goes off. However, most amateur bakers fail to realize the importance of a pie crust shield, which prevents the crust from burning faster than the rest of the delicacy.
Aluminum foil is a baker's favorite tool to address this problem. Simply cut a big ring from a sheet, almost around the size of your pie, and crimp it to the edge to secure everything. Don't forget to brush egg wash, which gives dishes a golden look.
Keeping Food Warm
Not just bread but aluminum foil generally keeps all food warm. Notice how almost everything that your mom prepares for the outdoor excursion is packed in foil? It's no secret that this wonderful kitchen tool really does its job, and the science behind it is pretty simple. Because it is made of aluminum, it is reflective. Therefore, the thermal energy released by the food would be reflected.
Wrapping food with aluminum foil, which also doesn't allow light and air to pass through, is not as simple as it looks. The food needs to have a little room so the foil can reflect the heat.
Moistening Brown Sugar
It is said that brown sugar is slightly better than the white variant because of its minerals, but it's not every day that people use the colored kind. When stuck for a long time, you'll probably notice that brown sugar clumps, which is because of its molasses content. When kept in a non-airtight container, the crystals will stick together after losing moisture.
Wrap the rock-hard sugar in aluminum foil and put it in the oven for a few minutes. In no time, you'll have soft brown sugar that you can use for baking or coffee.
Preserve The Crispness Of Snacks
The thing with snacks is that they tend to be stale when exposed to air for a long time. This happens when chips absorb moisture because they become dry and crunchy due to frying once they are processed.
As such, it might be a bad idea to open a big bag when you can't finish it in one sitting, especially if you don't have a resealable bag. That or you can use aluminum foil to preserve food. Put a sheet over the bag's opening and run a hot iron over the edge, making sure it doesn't touch the plastic.
Polishing Jewelry
After years of wearing your jewelry, you'll notice that black spots start to appear. This or it has turned into a bleak gray or started to lose its luster. Apart from sulfur, your sweat and body oils have a hand in this. Unless this is the look you are going for, a little bit of chemistry will do the trick.
Silver polish, which removes the 'dead' layer of your silver, is available in most stores, but you can use a less expensive option at home. Line a bowl with a sheet of foil, pour hot water, and add salt and baking soda. Leave them soaked for five minutes and rinse.
Boosting Wi-Fi Connection
Toward the end of 2020, there were 4.66 billion internet users, which means, more or less, these people have experienced slow connection speed at one point. Wi-fi boosters could widen the range of connection, but you don't have to shell out money. A DIY alternative will only need aluminum foil and cardboard.
A 2017 study has found that a virtual wall, consisting of cardboard wrapped with aluminum foil, placed behind a router's antenna could strengthen and secure the wireless signal. Others have found that cut-out tin cans could also optimize the connection by acting as a reflector.
Keeping Paintbrushes Alive
While paintbrushes are entirely reusable, most crafters end up forgetting to wash their tools before storing them away. This results in dried-up paint on brushes, which could be a pain when you need to bring them out again. While still wet, wrap the brush or roller with aluminum foil.
Make sure that the paintbrushes are tightly covered with no holes for air to enter. This is a great way to help the environment because some types of paint, like oil-based and stains, are flammable. The water-based latex type should be kept dry first before disposal.
Preserving Paint Trays For Years
Paint trays are not expensive and are widely available in most hardware stores, but that doesn't mean you should dispose of them after every use. The next time you're going to use one, wrap it first with aluminum foil so that cleanup will be a breeze. Plus, the tray remains almost brand-new.
These trays are mainly used for roller brushes since they evenly coat the tools before the application. It also saves money because you won't have to dip the entire instrument in a can of paint. But be careful; paint releases volatile organic compounds when drying.
Sealing Plastic Bags Without A Machine
Just like how it keeps snacks fresh by making a bag airtight, aluminum foil generally seals plastic bags that contain anything. Manual and automatic sealing machines are available on the market, but why waste money when you can do it yourself with only a few items in your home?
Place a strip of aluminum foil over the edge of the bag that will be sealed and iron over the foil, which prevents the plastic from melting from extreme heat from the iron. Better yet, avoid using anything that comes in plastic because it is non-biodegradable and would only end up damaging marine life.
Removing Stubborn Residues From Glass Pans
There's been a widespread debate on the better pan for baking: metal or glass? It would depend on what you're cooking. However, metal or tin ones are good heat conductors, but they also cool down fast once out of the oven, while the glass ones are poor heat conductors but retain heat for a long time outside of the oven.
Whatever you choose, you will have to clean them afterward. When dealing with stubborn residues on glass pans, use a crumpled foil with dishwashing liquid to scrub the grime. It is worth noting that it doesn't have to be a new foil; recycled will work just fine.
Making The Perfect Popsicles
Popsicles are the best snack to munch on to beat the heat. Unfortunately, commercially available ones are not recommended for daily consumption as they are filled with sugar and artificial colorants that could stain pearly whites. Some experts may also argue that this is more harmful than other sweets because it exposes the teeth to sugar for a long time.
A healthier alternative is making your own popsicle at home. Fill molds or small cups with a fresh juice and cover them with aluminum foil. Then, insert popsicle sticks. Not only will the foil keep the treat clean, but it will also hasten the freezing process.
Dealing With Phones During Summer
One of the biggest struggles of phone owners during winter is using their touchscreen gadgets while wearing gloves. People would need to painstakingly remove their hand protections to type messages or even to answer calls. A great way to deal with this is by using foil.
Wrap your finger or a pen (as a stylus) with aluminum foil, and voila, you'll be able to press your screen. Touchscreens have forever changed the digital landscape, allowing for more interaction between humans and technology. It is believed that the first one was invented in the '60s by E.A. Johnson, and his creation led to many more improvements.
Bringing A Radiator's Luster Back
Most radiators are made from mild steel and then coated with chrome plating to give their shine. Over time, however, moisture or the lack of upkeep can take a toll on the machine's appearance. This is when rust forms, and unfortunately, this is when the heater becomes hard to clean.
Thankfully, there are easy ways to clean radiators, one of which is using a ball of aluminum foil. Dip the foil into the water, just enough for aluminum oxide to do its job of revealing the steel's original luster. Because chrome is a tougher metal than foil, rubbing the two together will result in a chemical reaction.