More Uses for Aluminum Foil

You already know that aluminum foil is a kitchen must-have, but its pliable, metallic structure makes it super-useful all over the house. Here's why you should stock up:

Line Cabinets and Drawers.

Not only is the foil easy to clean with a damp sponge, but it will help reflect light in a cabinet's dark corners.

Polish Silverware

With this nifty trick, a chemical reaction causes tarnish to transfer from your silver flatware to the aluminum foil. Line a plastic bin with the foil (shiny side up), and place the silver pieces inside. Pour in a 1/4 cup washing soda, and a gallon of boiling water. Stir and let soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Get more details about this method here.

Clean the Grill

A ball of foil makes quick work of de-gunking a grill of any burnt-on barbecue leftovers.

Protect Pie Crust

Worried about burning your famous apple pie? Cover the edges with a ring cut out of aluminum foil to keep the crust from getting too brown.

Conceal a Credit Card

If you have a "swipeless" credit card with an RFID chip (not a traditional card with a magnetic strip), it's possible that con artists can scan it and collect certain account information through your wallet. The risk is very minimal — these scans won't give thieves enough information to make a fraudulent purchase in your name. But if the thought still makes you uneasy, wrap your card in a piece of aluminum foil to deflect the scanner.