11 Surprising Ways to Use Aluminum Foil Around the House It's much more than just a kitchen staple. Close Credit: Grace Cary / Getty Images In a world where convenience and disposability often reign supreme, there’s something undeniably satisfying about finding creative ways to reuse everyday materials. Aluminum foil, for example, is one of those versatile items you likely have in your kitchen drawer right now. And, as it turns out, this shiny sheet of metal can be used in a multitude of ways you probably haven’t considered. From household to-dos to crafting projects, aluminum foil is much more than just a kitchen staple used for wrapping leftovers. Here's everything that an unassuming roll of aluminum can help you tackle. Thomas Chepyegon, a professional cleaner and home organizer serving homes and offices in the Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania area. 20 Ways to Use Baking Soda to Clean and Freshen Your Home, According to Experts 01 of 11 Revive Dull Scissors Credit: James Ransom Dull scissors are a common frustration, but here’s a trick that doesn’t involve chucking them. Take a sheet of aluminum foil, fold it a few times to create thickness, and then cut through it repeatedly with your scissors. The metal helps clean and hone the blades, making them sharp again and ready for your next project. 02 of 11 Sharpen Your Kitchen Knives Just like scissors, knives can also benefit from a little aluminum foil TLC. "To sharpen a dull kitchen knife, fold a sheet of foil into several layers, and then cut through it several times. This can help restore some of the blade’s sharpness without having to buy expensive sharpening tools," explains professional home organizer Thomas Chepyegon. 03 of 11 Employ in Crafting and Holiday Décor Aluminum foil is a must-have addition to your crafting supplies. It can be used to make Christmas ornaments, reinforce handmade baskets, and more. Try your hand at the seashell candle holders above that use aluminum foil in their construction. Get the instructions here. 04 of 11 Help Iron Clothes Credit: LightFieldStudios / Getty Images Ironing clothes can be a chore, but aluminum foil can make it a bit easier. Place a sheet of foil on the ironing board and under the item you are ironing. "This helps reflect heat back into the fabric, making it easier to press clothes on both sides at once," says Chepyegon. The added heat reflection should cut down your ironing time, especially for thicker fabrics like denim or wool. 05 of 11 Make a Funnel in a Pinch Have you ever been in the middle of making a batch of cocktails or storing liquid leftovers, only to realize that you don't have a funnel? Here's an easy fix: take a piece of aluminum foil, fold it a few times to make it sturdy, and then shape it into a cone. Voilà! You’ve got a makeshift funnel that will save you from messy spills. Can You Reuse Aluminum Foil? We Asked Scientists and Chefs, Here's What They Said 06 of 11 Polish Tarnished Jewelry Credit: Irina Piskova If your jewelry is looking a little lackluster, you can quickly revive its shine using aluminum foil. Line a bowl with foil, then add a cup of boiling water and a tablespoon of baking soda. Allow your jewelry to soak in the solution, before drying with a microfiber cloth. How to Clean and Care for Jewelry to Keep Your Gold, Silver, and Diamonds Sparkling 07 of 11 Insulate Your Windows Credit: Tunatura / Getty Images It may not look pretty, but aluminum foil can be used as a temporary insulation solution. Cover the window or drafty spot with aluminum foil, and it can help reflect heat back into the room in the winter or block out the sun’s rays in the summer. It’s a quick fix that could help you save on energy bills until you can find a more permanent—and aesthetically pleasing—solution. How to Seal Drafty Windows (and Instantly Lower Your Heating Bill) 08 of 11 Clean Grates and Grill Surfaces If your grill grates are covered in grease and food residue, aluminum foil can come to the rescue. Take a crumpled piece of foil and use it as a scrubber to clean the grates. The rough texture will help break down any stuck-on food and grease. Afterward, wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth and your grill will be ready for the next barbecue. 09 of 11 Use as a Parchment Paper Substitute Credit: Getty Images If you're out of parchment paper but still need a sheet, you can use aluminum foil as a substitute. Simply line your baking sheet with a piece of foil and lightly grease it. The greased foil will provide a non-stick surface comparable to that of parchment, allowing for easy removal of baked goods. 10 of 11 Keep Pets Out of Houseplants Credit: Jennifer McCallum / Getty Images Aluminum foil isn’t just for the kitchen—it's for your indoor garden, too. Placing sheets of tin foil on top of the soil in potted plants can prevent pets from digging or climbing inside for a nap. 11 of 11 Protect Your Plumbing You're never supposed to pour cooking oil down the drain, so what's an easy way to help dispose of it? You guessed it—aluminum foil. Use a sheet to cover your drain, pushing it in until it makes the shape of a bowl or cup. Pour in your oil once cooled, then simply pinch up the sides and throw it all away. Explore more: Cleaning & Organizing