Experts Share Aluminum Foil Hacks That Are Surprisingly Useful
These tricks can help with cooking, cleaning, and household tasks.
You probably don't think twice about reaching for a roll of aluminum foil when you need to wrap leftovers or pack a sandwich for lunch. But this inexpensive household essential can do a lot more than you think. We've gathered several aluminum foil hacks that make everything from cleaning to travel easier.
Aluminum foil is a unique material. When pressed into a ball, it's abrasive enough to tackle rust or stubborn grime. At the same time, it's also ideal for protecting delicate items, and can even be used to regulate the temperature of your home in a pinch.
That said, there's one popular hack that pros say you should skip: Putting aluminum foil in the dishwasher. While some people say this is a good way to remove tarnish from silver, experts say the dishwasher trick is inconsistent and may actually damage your silver. But aluminum foil can still be used to polish your silver — below, you'll find an expert-approved way to do so.
Keep reading for aluminum foil hacks, all reviewed by the Good Housekeeping Institute. And if you're looking for other creative tricks that can make life a bit easier, read up on the cleaning hacks pros say most people don't know and the fridge organization hacks experts swear by.
Make a DIY pie crust shield.
If the edges of your pies brown too fast, aluminum foil is the answer. Tear strips of foil and gently wrap them around the crust before baking. This trick blocks excess heat so the filling cooks through while the crust stays golden, not burnt.
Scrub stubborn pots and pans.
A crumpled ball of foil works as a quick stand-in for a scouring pad when you’re tackling stubborn grime on pots and pans. Use it to scrub away baked-on messes from stainless steel or cast iron cookware. (But skip using it on nonstick pans since foil can scratch their delicate surface.)
Help prevent freezer burn
Wrapping food tightly in foil can add an extra layer of protection and may help reduce the risk of freezer burn. By limiting air and moisture exposure, foil can help maintain flavor and texture for longer. Whether it’s leftovers, raw meat, or bread, this simple step might help your groceries last a bit longer.
Pro Tip: For even better results, try wrapping items in plastic wrap first before adding a layer of foil.
Bake en papillote
Foil packets make dinner simple and delicious. Place fish, shrimp or veggies on a sheet, add seasoning and a splash of liquid, then fold into a packet. The steam inside cooks food to tender perfection. It’s quick, flavorful and comes with almost no cleanup. Feeling inspired? Check out our foil-pack recipes for s’mores dip, fiery feta and shrimp boil foil packs.
Clean silverware
Foil can actually help you bring tarnished silverware back to life. Line a non-metallic dish with foil, add hot water and baking soda (or washing soda), then let silver pieces soak for about 30 minutes, rinse, then buff dry. The tarnish transfers to the foil, and utensils get their shine back — without the need for pastes or creams.
Pro Tip: This works best on solid pieces of silverware, not glued.
De-rust tools.
Give rusty tools a refresh with this simple trick. Dip a crumpled ball of foil in water and scrub the rusted spots. The abrasive action helps lift away surface rust without damaging the metal. It’s an inexpensive way to extend the life of your gear.
Pro Tip: It’s a good idea to wear work gloves to keep the aluminum residue from staining your hands.
Remove stuck-on grill food.
No grill brush? No problem. Just grab a piece of foil. Crumple it into a ball and scrub away stuck-on residue from your grill grates. For safety, do it when the grill is cold, or use long tongs if it’s still warm. Either way, cleanup becomes easier with this foil hack.
Block drafty windows.
When cold air seeps in through cracks or gaps, foil can act as a temporary fix. Stuff it into the crevices to block the draft until you can seal the area properly. It’s not a long-term solution, but it works in a pinch to keep rooms warmer when you need a speedy real-time solution.
Keep matches dry.
When camping or packing an emergency kit, wrap matches in foil before storing them. The layer of protection keeps them from getting damp or breaking, so you know they'll be ready to use when you need them most.
Protect soap bars for travel.
Skip the mess of soapy residue on your toiletries — and keep debris off your soap when you're traveling: Wrap bar soap in foil before packing it in your bag. The foil keeps moisture contained and prevents leaks onto your clothes or other items. It’s an easy way to keep travel bags clean and organized, and keep your soap gunk-free, too.
Alesandra is a digital travel and lifestyle journalist based in Los Angeles whose work has appeared in Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Prevention, Insider, Glamour, Shondaland, AFAR, Parents, TODAY and countless other online and print outlets. Alesandra has a masters degree in journalism with an emphasis on cultural reporting and criticism from NYU, and a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley. An avid traveler, she trots the globe with her husband and their twins.
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