10 Genius Aluminum Foil Hacks That Actually Work
These simple tips will make aluminum foil your new secret weapon at home.
Aluminum foil is a kitchen staple that just about everyone already has at home. Sure, it’s great for covering casseroles or wrapping up leftovers — and all the typical, top-of-mind uses — but its usefulness goes way beyond the basics, too. With its heat resistance and flexibility, foil can solve everyday problems, making cooking, cleaning and even travel easier. From polishing silverware or protecting soap in your bag, these clever aluminum foil hacks save time and cut down on stress. A simple roll of foil can substitute for a ton of fussy, spendy gadgets if you know how to use it right. Here are new ways to consider, all reviewed by the Good Housekeeping Institute.
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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