10 Clever Ways to Use Aluminum Foil

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For centuries, aluminum foil has been used mainly for cooking. However, in today's Do-It-Yourself era, it's known as a modern marvel! Aluminum foil is an inexpensive product that can be repurposed in many thrifty ways. Try these 10 clever examples and then pat yourself on the back for a job well done!

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Image Credit: Kalia Silva-Phillips

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1. Preserve Bananas Longer

Not ready to use your ripe bananas for baking? Preserve them by wrapping the stem with a piece of foil. You can wrap the entire bunch or individuals. This tip also works great to keep those pesky fruit flies away!

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Image Credit: Kalia Silva-Phillips

2. Remove Static Cling in Laundry

No fabric softener? No problem! Take a 20-inch long sheet of foil & crumble into a tight ball. Pop 2-3 of them in the dryer with your clothes to instantly remove static cling. You'll even save energy because the heat they attract will help dry your clothes faster.

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Image Credit: Kalia Silva-Phillips

3. Sharpen Scissors

Let's face it — dull scissors can be frustrating. This easy fix is just what you need. Cut through a piece of aluminum foil about 10 times to bring scissors back to life. You may also be able to get small rust spots off while you're at it.

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Image Credit: Kalia Silva-Phillips

4. Re-Seal Plastic Bags

Don't let your leftover packaged food go stale. Re-seal a plastic bag using a piece of aluminum foil & an iron. Simply lay the bag flat, place a piece of foil over the open section and iron over the top — the heat will seal it!

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Image Credit: Kalia Silva-Phillips

5. Reusable Paint Tray

If you're an avid painter or DIYer, you'll love this hack. Line a paint tray in foil, pour the paint in and when you're done with your project, it's super easy to clean up. The best part is that you can re-use the tray over and over again!

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Image Credit: Kalia Silva-Phillips

6. Budget-Friendly Photography Equipment

Photography supplies can get pretty expensive, so try this money-saving hack to brighten your photos. Grab a piece of cardboard and cover the front with foil. Use this as a reflector to distribute the right amount of light onto your subject.

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Image Credit: Kalia Silva-Phillips

7. Hold Popsicle Sticks in Place

It's never been easier to hold sticks in place while make your favorite thirst-quenching popsicles. All you need is a popsicle tray, aluminum foil and popsicle sticks. Pour your favorite mix into the tray, cover it with a piece of foil and insert the popsicle sticks. Freeze and enjoy!

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Image Credit: Kalia Silva-Phillips

8. DIY Furniture Slider

Easily glide furniture into position by placing a piece of foil under its legs. Whether you are moving it across the floor or carpet, the foil will make life so much easier.

Image Credit: Kalia Silva-Phillips

9. Easy Cooking Clean Up

Prevent baking spills with this simple solution. Just line the bottom of your oven with foil before putting a lasagna dish (or something equally as delicious) on a rack. If any of the savory sauces or melting cheeses boil over during the baking process, they will drip onto the foil, making clean up a breeze!

Image Credit: Kalia Silva-Phillips

10. Artistic Handprint Keepsake

A child's handprint creates the most precious keepsake. This works great on a hard surface so grab a hard cover journal, pencil, glue gun, white glue, paint sponge and a piece of foil. Use a pencil to trace an outline of child's hand onto the journal cover, then go over the outline with hot glue. Once that dries, spread a thin layer of white glue over the journal cover. Place foil over the top, pressing down in center and smoothing out to the edges with a cloth. Seal the top with an extra layer of white glue for more protection.

Image Credit: Kalia Silva-Phillips

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