Chances are that you’re not taking complete advantage of your roll of wax paper, which is probably sitting in a kitchen drawer next to the aluminum foil and plastic wrap. It is a kitchen staple, but many don’t know that it also has plenty of uses in other rooms of the home as well. Wax paper is coated in food-grade paraffin wax, the same ingredient that gives candy its shine. It is typically used to wrap sandwiches or to line pans when making no-bake desserts, but it is also great for cleaning, preserving kitchenware and gardening tools, and lubricating surfaces.
Wax paper is often confused with parchment paper. While the two rolls look similar, the main difference is that the latter is highly heat-resistant. You can put parchment paper in the oven, as it can withstand up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, but wax paper could melt or catch on fire. It is flammable, so it should never be used in the oven and can even replace kindling if you’re in a pinch. Overall, wax paper is moisture-resistant, non-stick, and versatile. Get the most out of this product by repurposing it in a variety of ways around the house.
Prevent microwave messes
Protect the inside of your microwave from flying pasta sauce with wax paper. Use a sheet like a lid and place it over your bowls, plates, or mugs when you put them in the microwave to keep the appliance spotless. Wax paper is an inexpensive splatter guard that you can reuse until it gets dirty, and it will help cut down your cleaning time since you won’t ever have to scrub stains off of the inside of this appliance.
Line fridge shelves
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Lining your refrigerator shelves is another way to cut down on cleaning time. Wax paper is an inexpensive option that wicks moisture, so spills and crumbs won’t be a problem. Place two layers of wax paper on each fridge shelf and inside the drawers for extra protection. Then, when it’s time for your seasonal deep clean, you can just toss and replace them with new sheets.
Trap dust in hard-to-reach places
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While lining inside the fridge with wax paper is clever, it gets better when you use it to trap dust on top of the appliance. Dirt and grime stick to the waxy coating, so you can place a clean sheet above the refrigerator, cabinets, ceiling fan, and other hard-to-reach places to trap and lock the debris for you. Just swap out the paper quarterly and toss the dirt collector into the trash — no more dusters and sprays. You could also simply use a piece of wax paper when cleaning, as the surface will attract dust.
De-grime gardening tools
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You can use wax paper to bring your gardening tools back to life. Just rip a sheet off of the roll and firmly scrub the soiled trowel or shovel. The wax loosens any stuck-on dirt while coating the tools, so they’re less likely to attract debris. It’s important to keep your garden tools clean, as this will help them last longer, limit the spread of plant diseases, and prevent them from getting rusty.
Clean your can opener
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Food particles and bacteria may be lurking in your can opener. Its tiny gears are nifty hiding spots for food bits that splatter when cracking open the aluminum can. Luckily, wax paper does the double duty of cleaning the gears and lubricating them for a smooth turn. Just take a piece of wax paper, fold it over twice, and run the can opener through it as if it were a can of sundried tomatoes. You should see particles fall off onto the wax paper. Keep turning the can opener until all the debris is removed.
Fix a stuck zipper
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Whether it’s the zipper on your throw pillow or your favorite jeans that won’t budge, rubbing the teeth with wax paper will grease the road and get it moving again. Rip off a small piece of the paper and use it to polish the entire row of teeth. Make sure to coat both sides for the best results. You may have to wax the zipper often if it’s prone to sticking.
Shine hardware
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Is your stainless steel looking stained? Wax paper can fix that, as it can be used to remove watermarks and fingerprints from your metal hardware and appliances. Rip off a cloth-sized piece and scrub faucets, knobs, and handles. Not only will this make the steel shine like new, but it will also leave a waxy coating behind that protects the detailing from water and grime.
Protect paint from drying out
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The same moisture-sealing properties that make wax paper excellent at preventing your veggies from getting damaged by freezer burn are the exact qualities that make it stellar for preventing paint from drying out. Simply trace the outside of the paint lid onto the wax sheet and cut, then place the cutout directly on the paint and close the lid. Next time you use the color, there won’t be a dry top layer to break through.
Give wooden utensils a waxy coat
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Rubbing wax paper on your wooden cutting board, cutlery, and dishes will leave a glossy barrier, protecting them from scratches and stains. After disinfecting your wooden kitchen utensils, give them a final once over with the paper. It is best to refresh the coating once a month or whenever it starts to dull to keep your kitchenware in tip-top shape.
Lubricate a curtain rod
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You know what they say — the squeaky wheel gets the grease, or in this case, the squeaky rod gets the wax. Yep, rubbing your curtain rod with wax paper will have the hooks running smoothly and quietly along the tracks. It will not only lubricate the metal but also cause it to shine as well. The same method works for shower curtains and closet rods, too.
