Aluminum foil is a versatile household item with applications in cooking and crafting, but a recent “hack” involving foil on doorknobs has sparked debate despite limited practicality. Many suggest it can help prevent intrusions when home alone, but is there truth behind this idea?

The concept is that aluminum foil makes doorknobs harder to grip or tamper with and creates noise if someone tries to enter, alerting you to potential danger. Some have even recommended securing the foil with rubber bands to reinforce it. However, Snopes has debunked this hack, categorizing it as a “clickbait” scheme designed to drive traffic. While confusing an intruder could be one outcome, aluminum foil likely won’t provide meaningful protection.

That said, aluminum foil does have legitimate uses around the house. One practical application is improving insulation. Although foil alone isn’t sufficient, it can complement proper insulation, helping to maintain temperatures in spaces where it’s used. Additionally, foil can act as a barrier to prevent paint from splattering on door handles during DIY projects. Simply wrapping the handle with foil can save time and keep surfaces paint-free. Another use people have found effective is reducing static electricity. On windy days, foil can help prevent those annoying shocks that occur when touching doorknobs, an idea many find helpful.

Despite the door handle hack’s flaws, aluminum foil remains a go-to item for many everyday needs. For instance, placing foil under clothing while ironing speeds up the process by preventing heat loss. Using foil to create moisture-retaining seed pots or sharpening dull knives are other common applications. Aluminum foil also serves as an emergency lid or even a makeshift dish for food prep. Moreover, it can protect mattresses during potty training or shield surfaces from spills, making it an undeniably useful household item for a variety of tasks.