The Many Uses of Aluminum Foil

Aluminum foil is a staple of the kitchen, but Carter Oosterhouse demonstrates how it can be used in ways you may not have imagined. Its shininess makes it a great gift wrap alternative, while it can also be used to create unique greeting cards. Its pliable nature is great for creating art, and it can come in handy in the garden, as well. Find out about more creative and constructive uses of foil here.

Step 1: Unique Gift Wrap
Try using foil as an alternative to gift wrap. It's shininess makes it fun and festive.

Step 2: Greeting Cards
Make an interesting greeting card by taking a leaf, gluing it to some foil and pressing down. The texture of the leaf will come through and make a pretty pattern. Or, try placing foil on a card and pressing down with the back of a marker to write something special.


Step 3: Fun for Kids
Instead of Play-Doh, let your kids have fun with aluminum foil. Its pliable properties allow it to be molded into any shape, so you can let your kids' imaginations run wild!

Step 4: Foil in the Garden
Foil is handy in the garden, too. Wrap it around the base of a tomato plant to protect it from cutworms. This will work on many other kinds of plants, too. Mix it with mulch to keep slugs away, or wrap it around tree trunks to deter rodents from chewing on the bark.

Step 5: Barbecue Helper
Aluminum foil works just like steel wool to clean a dirty barbecue. You can also use it to create a packet for veggies, so they don't get charred on the grill.

Step 6: Kitchen-Friendly Foil
Foil can be wrapped in a cone shape to make a fast funnel or handy piping bag. Try using aluminum foil to polish up cutlery, knives or pots. Crinkle it into a ball and scrub away. Need to sharpen your scissors? Take six or seven sheets of foil and cut through with your dull shears for a quick fix.

Step 7: Easy Polisher
Aluminum foil can help clean tarnished silver, too. Place your silver in a glass or bowl on top of a piece of foil. Add salt and baking soda before pouring in some hot water. A chemical reaction between the water, soda and salt will occur, which will remove the tarnish and transfer it to the foil. Leave your silver in for 15 minutes and you'll be amazed at the transformation.

Featured pro: Carter Oosterhouse
Category: Home Decor
Courtesy of Aol