People are putting aluminium foil on their door handles — here's the bizarre reason why

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Is it just a myth?

Back door handle with aluminum foil
(Image credit: Future)

There’s a viral security hack that’s all over social media, and I want to know whether the bizarre idea is merely a myth waiting to be debunked, or whether there is substance in the concept.

The controversial idea is based on wrapping aluminum foil around outside door handles, with the purpose of deterring intruders. Could a simple strip of aluminum foil really put burglars off from breaking in?

Reynolds Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil Roll
Reynolds Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil Roll: was $16 now $12 at Amazon

Heavy duty aluminum foil can be used for lots of purposes apart from cooking your Thanksgiving turkey. Use it to cover your door handles to prevent intruders, or use it as a clean aid to clean cutlery or your dishwasher.

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How can aluminum foil deter intruders?

aluminum foil on wooden surface

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

While I’m skeptical that the material I use in my kitchen to wrap up food could stop a determined intruder in their tracks, there is a reason behind this strange hack.

Although aluminum foil won’t set off your burglar alarm if it is touched, it acts as a psychological deterrent to encourage intruders to turn back.

While aluminum foil is a common material to use in other hacks, like cleaning your dishwasher, reviving stained cutlery, and even protecting the nectar on your hummingbird feeder, it seems quite extreme to rely on this shiny material as an anti-burglar device.

The idea is to wrap the foil around your outside door handles or door knobs, and while it might look unattractive and deter from the aesthetic appearance of your entryways, the shiny material acts as a physical and psychological deterrent.

The reflective appearance of the foil is thought to put intruders on alert to other security measures that might be in place, warning them off not to go any further. If burglars are looking for an easy opportunity, this technique is bound to have them scampering.

And apart from giving them a warning sign that they are not welcome, trying to turn a door knob covered in aluminum foil is tricky, and you’ll be able to clearly spot if someone has made an attempt to break in. However, in reality, if someone wants to break in, removing the aluminum foil is not a deal breaker, which is where this hacks falls a bit thin.

I don’t advocate using this technique as your only home security measure, as there are plenty of other DIY home security systems , along with the best smart locks, to put in place. However, the aluminum foil door knob hack could help put off an opportunistic burglar who’s looking for a quick win.

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Camilla Sharman
Camilla Sharman
Staff Writer, Homes

Camilla is the Homes Staff Writer and covers everything to do with homes and gardens. She has a wealth of editorial experience, mounting over 30 years, and covers news and features, tests products for reviews and compiles buying guides. 


Her work has appeared in business and consumer titles, including Ideal Home, Real Homes, House Beautiful, Homebuilding & Renovation, and Kitchen & Bathroom Business. She’s even appeared on the cover of Your Home, writing about her own house renovation.


Although she’s obsessed with decorating her home, she also enjoys baking and trying out the latest kitchen appliances. But when she’s not inside, you’ll find her pottering about in her yard, tending to her vegetable patch or taking in her prized hydrangeas.

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