Surprising Uses for Aluminum Foil

We've all been there, right? No, I'm not talking about being in the position of a character from the movie Signs, I'm talking about using that foil for (other than alien mind barriers) baking potatoes, cookie sheet covers, grilling, and not knowing what the heck else to do with it.

I ran into this problem when for a period of time I thought it wise to buy rolls of aluminum foil every time it was on sale for $1. The sale occurred frequently, so frequently in fact, that I recently discovered another roll of it out of place in my spice cabinet because it could not fit in the drawer with the other rolls. Yes, that's plural.

Well, what's a non-conspirator to do?

Thanks to Reader Digest's publication of More Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things I learned some impressive uses for aluminum foil.

1. Scour

Tin foil is rough enough to scour plates, pots, pans, and baking dishes to a state of utter perfection. I used to buy copper scrubbers, but tin foil works much better! Plus, food doesn't really stick to it making it usable for longer. Simply crumple in a ball and use until its filthy. Generally, after I bake a potato, I crumple the tin foil and store it under the sink for extravagantly grimy dishes. It usually lasts me a few weeks.

2. Remove paint from table or crayon from wall

I have a white lacquered table which had acrylic and oil paint splatters on it thanks to my messy, five year old self. I used a cleaning solution from Maidorganic which I have seen take off crayons from wooden surfaces (I used to be a house cleaner for the company)! I sprayed and sprayed and scrubbed really hard, but nothing worked. I came to accept that my table was going to have to stay that way -  until I tried crumpled foil. Instead of a rag, I scrubbed the paint stains with tin foil on the wet surface and they came right off! It took some elbow grease but it worked like a charm! The best part is because the tin foil was wet, the edges became flattened and didn't scratch the surface. I am not sure how this would do with untreated and varnished wood surfaces, but it should work wonders on walls with crayon markings. *Note: I did use a bit of vinegar which added TONS of cleaning strength!

3.  Alternative to Dryer Sheets

I have yet to try this, but supposedly, crumpled foil can be used in place of dryer sheets to remove static from laundry. Just throw a few foil balls in the dryer with your damp laundry. I have read about others doing this with no problem, while others say it doesn't work. It's definitely worth a try should you need a standby.

4. Camping Gear

Next time you go camping, don't forget the foil! Spreading a large piece under your sleeping bag will prevent dampness. Packing foil will also save you weight and space in bags as it can be used for makeshift utensils, plates, and pans. I personally haven't been camping in years, but next time, I am definitely bringing some.


A little foil can certainly go a long way. I feel better prolonging its use after baking. I am never buying copper scrubbers again!