Tin foil hats have become shorthand for conspiracy theorists blocking mind-controlling government signals. Aluminum foil, as it is more accurately called, is a versatile material with plenty of uses besides headwear.
In the kitchen
- Grill packets. Wrap vegetables, fish or meat in foil with your seasonings. The foil traps heat and moisture for evenly cooked, flavorful food.
- Baking. Line baking sheets with foil for easy cleanup, or fold a loose lid over a dish to stop the top from browning too fast.
- Storage. Wrap leftovers tightly to keep air and moisture out and to prevent freezer burn.
Around the house
- Sharpening. Cutting several layers of folded foil with scissors can help touch up a dull blade.
- Chrome. A ball of crumpled foil dipped in water polishes tarnished chrome fixtures and removes light rust.
- Static cling. A ball of foil in the dryer reduces static between clothes.
- Garden pests. Foil collars around the base of young plants can deter slugs and snails.
Art and decoration
- Sculpture. Foil is malleable enough to shape into figures and abstract forms.
- Reflective decor. Crumpled foil makes ornaments, garlands and backdrops with a metallic sheen.
- Jewelry. Earrings, pendants and bracelets can be built on a foil base and dressed up with beads or wire.
Beyond the ordinary
Foil has also been used to make improvised antennas for better radio reception, to shield electronics from electromagnetic interference and to signal for help in a survival situation.
The tin foil hat may remain a symbol of conspiracy theories, but the foil itself deserves recognition. At the very least, it will make your leftovers taste better.
