Home use
Clean appliances and electronicsUse a crumpled aluminum foil ball to wipe down dirty refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers and other appliances to keep them streak-free and shiny. The gentle abrasive action helps remove grease, fingerprints and attached dirt without damaging the surface. You can also lightly wipe your TV and monitor screens with 8011 aluminum foil.
Organize drawers and cupboards
Drawers and shelves feature foil linings that can be easily removed to protect surfaces and allow for quick cleanup in the event of a spill. You can even roll foil into a ball and place it between fragile or breakable items to prevent clanking and breaking during shipping.
Light yellow shoes and boots
Make dirty shoes, boots and sneakers look like new again with a high-quality foil scrub. Roll aluminum foil into a ball and rub it on leather, vinyl and canvas materials to remove dirt and restore brightness. The brushing action also removes wear and tear.
polished copper and brass
To naturally brighten tarnished copper, brass and bronze items without using chemicals, crumble aluminum foil into a soft pad and rub gently in a circular motion. The gentle abrasive action of the aluminium foil roll eliminates oxidation, leaving a polished appearance.
Clean grout and tile
Use cotton foil to "scrub" to remove soap scum and hard water stains from tiles, grout lines and countertops. The tough texture removes buildup that a regular sponge might miss.
Deodorize refrigerators and freezers
Crinkle balls of aluminum foil and place them in the refrigerator and freezer to absorb odors over time. The foil will "absorb" old food odors and keep the cubicle smelling fresh during a thorough cleaning. Replace the ball every few months.
Make a fire starter
Wrap an aluminum foil ball tightly around dryer lint or a wax cork dipped in wax or oil to have an easy-to-light campfire starter on hand. Store them in jars for future outdoor use.
Organize folders
Line your desk file drawers with aluminum foil to create a removable, washable liner. It can also be easily identified using a foil label or a label that folds over the edge of the folder.
Prevent pests
Seal potential entry points around pipes, vents, doors and windows using chaff pressed tightly into cracks. Many bugs and rodents avoid shiny surfaces, which can deter intruders.
Protect surfaces from paint or stains
When tackling messy DIY projects like painting or staining furniture, start with foil to protect floors, counters, and other surfaces from drips and spills. Just peel off the foil when done.
Home Decoration
Make garlands and centerpieces
Flatten and bend sheets of foil into circles, ovals, hearts or other shapes, then decorate them with ribbons, greenery, flowers and baubles to create festive foil garlands and table centerpieces to lift the spirits. Hang on door or place on surface.
Decorative mirrors and windows
Use a small amount of window cleaner to adhere foil shapes, letters and patterns to mirrors, windows and glass surfaces for a sparkling effect. Peel cleanly when needed.
Decorate vases and containers
Cover plain jars, vases, pitchers and glassware with non-toxic adhesive into foil shapes or swirls for a modern metallic aesthetic. You can also write a message or name on the foil.
photo frame
Cut the foil into rectangles or squares, then fold the edges and back at a 45-degree angle to create a shiny picture frame. Use the mounting square to paste the image inside.
Edge shelves, trays or walls
Adhere foil strips or trim around shelves, trays, mantels, cabinets, wall edges, and more for decorative definition.
Garden and patio uses
Keep small animals away from plants
Wrap young trees, shrubs, or seedlings in loose foil rings or balls to prevent rodents, rabbits, and deer from nibbling on new growth without using pesticides.
Mark Garden Beds and Paths
Before digging or dumping materials, use best aluminum foil and stakes to lay out patterns and guides for planting areas or walkways. Once the design is finalized, delete it.
Reflect heat to plants
Place foil balls around delicate plants on cold nights to reflect radiant heat back onto leaves and pots, extending the growing season. Take it apart during the day.
Line trash can
Place foil in outdoor trash cans and recycling bins, lining them up for easy dumping and flushing of containers. Replace pads as needed.
direct sunlight
Use foil to reflect and direct sunlight to shady areas of your lawn, garden or patio to encourage growth of plants that require more light. Adjust the angle throughout the day.
stop weeds
Cover bare soil with foil to block sunlight where weeds need to germinate and grow. Then lay landscape fabric or mulch over it.
Protect furniture from mildew
Cover outdoor chairs, tables, lounge chairs, cushions, etc. more tightly with foil during humid weather or during storage to prevent unwanted mold growth on fabrics.
Keep your grill clean
Crumple a foil ball or paper and use it as a grill scraper to remove baking grease and residue from hot grates more easily than using a wire brush alone. Throw away dirty foil.
Prevent sitting insects
Add aluminum foil strips to planter ledges, porch railings, outdoor chairs and furniture so bugs can't easily congregate or lay eggs on frequently touched surfaces.
All in all, aluminum foil is one of the most cost-effective, space-saving materials for handling chores and tasks around the home, yard, and garden. Its light-reflective, mildly abrasive, and water-resistant barrier properties make it a convenient accessory for organizing, cleaning, decorating, protecting surfaces, starting fires, naturally controlling pests, and more. With just a roll of aluminum foil, you can solve many problems, be more environmentally friendly, and inspire creativity. Start with these ideas and brainstorm your own ways to reuse this versatile household essential outside of the kitchen.
