Placing aluminium foil under washing machine: How this trick works, its benefits and the right way to use it for better floor protection

A sheet of aluminium foil under a washing machine may sound like one of those quick household hacks that can solve a surprisingly annoying problem. But while foil can be useful in certain situations, it is not a proper substitute for a washing machine drip tray or a repair.

So, why do people place aluminium foil under a washing machine, and does the trick actually work?