There are products we already have in our pantry that can come to our rescue in eco-friendly household cleaning without having to resort to commercial detergents. This is the case with aluminum foil, which we usually use in the kitchen to store food, which can be used for various uses around the house. Therefore, if you have used aluminum foil and need to throw it away, don’t! Today, in fact, we will see together how to use a ball with aluminum foil to clean your house!
In the washing machine
First of all, you can use aluminum foil in the washing machine, as a substitute for fabric softener, as aluminum decreases static electricity in clothes and makes it easier for the washing machine to move mechanically. With your hands, therefore, crumple aluminum foil until it forms a sort of ball the size of our fist. After that, all you have to do is to use it in the washing machine, in the drum together with the clothes and start the washing cycle. The only problem lies in the use of aluminum in contact with high temperatures, which could promote the release of harmful substances into the environment and onto the garments. Therefore, we recommend that you always use previously used aluminum to cover or package food products. You will simply wash it and then roll it up as we explained earlier. Your garments will be as soft as ever!
Aluminum for descaling cookware
How many times have you happened to forget your pot on the stove for a while and then find yourself with black streaks or encrustations that are not at all pretty to look at? I imagine often! You will be happy to know, however, that all you need is a little ball made from aluminum foil to make your pots and pans as good as new again! Start, then, by making a sort of paste-like mixture by mixing together salt, vinegar, lemon and flour and apply it, then, on the fouling present on the pot. Leave it on for a while so that it can soften it, after which you take a ball of aluminum foil and rub it over the stain to send all the dirt away in no time! The abrasive function of aluminum will make it a substitute for a sponge or loofah!
Aluminum for cleaning oven grates
Aluminum foil can act as a sponge to remove not only the scale on pots and pans, but also the scale on the grills of your oven, barbecue, or kitchenette! So, in this case, too, you just crumple up a sheet of aluminum foil until you get a small ball and rub it, then, on the still hot or warm grills. For a more effective effect, we recommend that you soak the grates in a basin or sink basin containing hot water and a drop of dish detergent and proceed, then, with the aluminum ball, which will be able to descale the grates without using harsh detergents.
Aluminum to remove rust
Another nightmare in our home is the formation of rust on some iron surfaces, due to the oxidation process. Not infrequently, in fact, we find these stains on faucets. Fortunately, however, it is possible to use an aluminum ball and rub it on the rust stain. Obviously, however, this remedy can be effective on smaller stains but not on more stubborn ones. The rust will be just a bad memory!
N.B Be careful not to scratch the surface.
Aluminum to polish silver
Finally, aluminum foils can also be useful for cleaning your silver and removing the black stains that often form on silverware. In this case, you will not have to roll them up, but instead equip yourself with aluminum foil and 2 tablespoons of coarse table salt. So, place aluminum foil in the bottom of a container or bucket with the shiny side up, after which, fill the container with very hot water and add two tablespoons of coarse table salt. For more effective action, you can also add two tablespoons of baking soda to the solution. Then pour your silver pieces into the water and make sure the liquid covers them completely. Let them soak for about 3 minutes, then carefully remove your silverware, rinse it and dry it with a soft cloth.
N.B In both cases, please be careful about using hot water and not scalding yourself.
