Aluminium foil is a common item in most kitchens. It is usually used to wrap food, cover leftovers or keep meals fresh. However, this thin and flexible sheet can also be useful for several everyday household tasks.
From helping candles burn more evenly to keeping paint brushes from drying out, aluminium foil can be used in many simple ways. Here are eight household uses worth knowing.
1. Help Clothes Iron Faster
Placing a sheet of aluminium foil under the cover of your ironing board can help reflect heat back towards your clothes. This can make it easier to remove stubborn wrinkles and may reduce the time needed for ironing.
2. Clean Dull Silverware
Aluminium foil can also be used to help clean tarnished silver items. Line a pan with foil, add water and salt, and soak the silverware for some time. The reaction between the aluminium and silver can help remove some of the tarnish.
3. Sharpen Scissors
If your scissors have become less effective, folding aluminium foil into several layers and cutting through it can help improve the blades. Make full cuts through the foil so that the blades come into contact with it.
4. Help Protect Plants
Shredded aluminium foil can be mixed with garden mulch as a simple way to discourage some pests. The reflective surface may make it harder for certain insects and other unwanted visitors to approach plants.
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5. Keep Paint Brushes Fresh
Taking a break while painting does not always mean you need to clean your brush immediately. Wrap the brush head tightly in aluminium foil to help prevent the paint from drying. You can then unwrap it when you are ready to continue.
6. Move Heavy Furniture
Small pieces of aluminium foil can be placed under furniture legs to make some furniture easier to slide across a floor. Place the dull side against the floor for better movement. Be careful with delicate flooring to avoid scratches.
7. Secure Loose Batteries
If batteries in a remote or toy are not fitting tightly, a small folded piece of aluminium foil can sometimes fill the extra space between the battery and spring. Make sure the foil does not touch both battery terminals or create a short circuit.
8. Make Candles Burn More Evenly
Aluminium foil can be useful when a candle develops a tunnel, where the wax near the wick melts while wax around the edges remains untouched.
To fix this, carefully place foil around the top of the candle, leaving an opening around the flame. The foil can reflect heat towards the unmelted wax, helping it melt more evenly.
Aluminium foil can be surprisingly useful beyond the kitchen. However, when using it around heat or flames, extra care is important. Never leave a burning candle unattended, and keep foil away from direct contact with the flame.
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