From Dryer to Dishwasher: Top 7 Foil Tricks You Need to Try

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by Hometalk Recommends

If you’ve only been using aluminum foil to wrap leftovers, get ready to discover a whole new side to this versatile material.


From preventing static cling in your dryer to sharpening dull scissors, aluminum foil offers a treasure trove of practical uses that can simplify your home and garden routines.


Dive in as we explore seven clever and budget-friendly ways to make aluminum foil your new best friend around the house.

Tools and Materials:

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Creative ways to use aluminum foil

1. Prevent Static Cling in the Dryer

Say goodbye to dryer sheets and hello to aluminum foil!


Roll a sheet of aluminum foil into a ball and toss it in the dryer with your clothes.

Prevent static cling in your clothes

The foil helps prevent static cling by discharging the static electricity that builds up during drying. Plus, it’s reusable for multiple loads, making it an eco-friendly alternative.


Pro Tip: Use a foil ball for up to six months before replacing it—it’s a long-lasting solution to static cling!

Easy and affordable liner alternative that prevents spills and stains

2. Line Cabinets and Drawers

Cabinet and drawer liners can be expensive and sometimes tricky to find in the right size. Aluminum foil offers an easy, budget-friendly alternative.

Budget-friendly drawer liner

Line your cabinets and drawers with foil to protect them from spills, stains, and scratches. It’s especially useful under kitchen sink cabinets, where leaks and spills are common.


Pro Tip: Crumple the foil slightly before laying it down to create a non-slip surface that keeps items in place.

Clean your grill grates without scratching

3. Clean Your Grill with Aluminum Foil

Summer BBQs are the best, but cleaning the grill afterward? Not so much. Luckily, aluminum foil can make the job easier.


Crumple up a sheet of foil into a ball and use it to scrub the grill grates.

Easy grill cleaning hack

The foil is tough enough to remove stubborn grease and grime but gentle enough not to scratch your grill.


Pro Tip: Always use a pair of tongs to hold the foil ball to avoid burns.

Restore the edge on dull scissors and knives at home

4. Sharpen Scissors and Knives

Is there anything more frustrating than dull scissors or knives? Here’s a quick fix: fold a sheet of aluminum foil several times until it’s thick, then cut through it with your dull scissors or knives.

Aluminum foil sharpening trick

The foil sharpens the blades, giving them a new lease on life.


Prevent unwanted paint drips and spills

5. Prevent Paint Drips

If you’re painting around the house, use aluminum foil to cover doorknobs, hinges, and other small fixtures.


It’s much easier than trying to tape them up, and it ensures that you won’t accidentally get paint where it doesn’t belong.


The foil molds easily to odd shapes and stays in place without adhesive.

Easy trick to polish silverware

6. Polish Your Cutlery in the Dishwasher with Aluminum Foil Balls

Is your cutlery looking a little dull or tarnished? Here’s an easy and surprisingly effective hack: roll up a few small balls of aluminum foil and place them in the cutlery tray of your dishwasher.


When you run the dishwasher, a chemical reaction occurs between the foil and the dishwasher detergent, which helps to polish your cutlery and remove tarnish.

Make your cutlery shine

The result? Sparkling, shiny silverware without any extra scrubbing!


Pro Tip: For best results, make sure the foil balls are about the size of a golf ball. Replace the foil balls every few washes to keep your cutlery looking its best.

Keep your stove burners clean with aluminum foil

7. Protect Your Stove Burners

Cooking can get messy, especially if you’re frying or simmering sauces. To keep your stove burners clean, cover them with a layer of aluminum foil.


The foil catches any drips or spills, and when it gets dirty, you can simply replace it with a new sheet. It’s an easy way to keep your kitchen looking spotless.

DIY aluminum foil tricks

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Make cleanup easier with these highly recommended burner covers that Amazon reviewers swear by!

Pro Tip: For a custom fit, mold the foil around the burners and cut holes where needed to allow the gas or electric elements to function properly.


More foil hacks ahead!

Learn How to Remove Hard Water Stains From Stainless Steel using tin foil to keep your faucets sparkling!

Household foil tips

7 Smart Uses for Aluminum Foil

From preventing static cling to sharpening scissors, aluminum foil is the multitasker you never knew you needed.


These six hacks highlight just how resourceful this common household item can be. So before you go out and buy expensive products or tools, give aluminum foil a try—you might just be surprised at how much it can do.

Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 7 questions
  • Ani119195602 Ani119195602 on Aug 21, 2024
    My question was the heading said aluminum foil in your washer and I never saw any tip for that
  • Lor93366496 Lor93366496 on Aug 22, 2024
    Where is the washing machine hack?
  • Ste118741708 Ste118741708 on Sep 18, 2024
    Hasn’t aluminum foil been determined to be dangerous to use in cooking? Especially at high temperatures due to leaching?
Comments
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4 of 24 comments
  • Karrie Karrie on Sep 21, 2024
    Lining stove burners with foil is a big no-no with Landlords. It poses a fire hazard. Lining windows with foil is also not recommended.
    • Cat126393160 Cat126393160 on Sep 25, 2024
      I didn't post about aluminum foil on burners............ What's the hazard of lining windows with aluminum foil?
  • Jac126252805 Jac126252805 on Oct 24, 2024

    Lining the burner drip trays is not allowed in most rentals as they are afraid people will let them get so dirty that they start a fire.


    Putting foil on windows is also not normally allowed in rentals (apartments at least) as it changes the aesthetic look from the outside. In our apartments only white curtains may show on the outside.

    • Pat Roe Lanier Pat Roe Lanier on Nov 27, 2024

      They let them get so dirty they can cause a fire anyway. It never fails to amaze me how people are content to live like pigs.

      I have yet to figure out how they manage to break and/or lose so many electrical outlet and switch covers.

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