Why People Put Aluminum Foil On Their Door Locks In The Winter

Freezing temperatures in the forecast? Now is the time to protect areas around your home against the effects of brutally cold temperatures. Not only is it helpful to know this easy hack to unfreeze your windows, but you shouldn't neglect your doors, either. While you might be focused on preventing frozen pipes and protecting vulnerable plants from frost, it's also worth prepping access points to your home, shed, garage, and vehicle. The threat of possibly being locked outside during winter weather is in fact the reason why you might see people putting aluminum foil around their locks, but know that the efficacy of this method isn't 100% guaranteed to work.

There are many issues that can develop with doors, including the notorious jammed door latch. But when your locks are completely frozen due to trapped moisture and below-freezing temperatures, you won't be able to get your key through them. By covering your outdoor locks with an insulating material, you might block out moisture while also helping to retain heat. In theory, aluminum foil should work because of its insulating and moisture-barrier features, which may stop locks from freezing. Not only is the aluminum foil hack a possible preventive measure against frozen locks, but it is arguably more accessible and cost-effective compared to buying commercial lock covers designed for this same purpose.

If you want to give aluminum foil a try for your own outdoor locks, the good news is this is relatively simple to implement. First, cut a piece of foil from the dispenser, and then wrap it tightly around your lock. Inspect the lock to make sure every portion is covered. For extra assurance, you can wrap another piece of aluminum foil around the first one in case of a sudden wintry gust, or to address any open gaps. Once you've gotten your door locks ready for the winter elements, you can move on to other ways to prep your home for cold weather.

Before using this method for your door locks, be aware that this anti-freezing method hasn't been backed by scientific research. If you do try out this hack, keep tabs on the locks, and be sure to replace aluminum foil if it has taken a beating from the elements or is starting to rip off the surface. 

Also know that this method will not work against locks that are already frozen. If this is your situation, one inexpensive technique is to pour a drop of hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol on your key and place it in the lock. The idea here is that the alcohol in the product will help to loosen ice that's stuck inside, but be aware that you might need to try this a few times until everything thaws out enough for you to unlock your door. Never force your key into a frozen-solid lock — save yourself from damage by calling a locksmith instead.