15+ Glorious Uses for Wax Paper at Home

Add wax paper to the long list of items with surprising applications and usefulness well beyond their original purpose. Wax paper (as opposed to parchment paper) has a thin layer of wax on each side, and was designed to keep food fresh longer. Its both water resistant and non-stick — two attributes that make this handy item versatile and helpful, even outside the kitchen.

• Rub a sheet on the teeth of a zipper to discourage snags.
• Roll it up and insert in the neck of a bottle, and use as an impromptu funnel. The wax keeps the paper stiff.
• Rub it on bathroom and kitchen faucets to both buff the metal, and make them more resistant to future water spots.
• Layer the tops of kitchen cabinets with the stuff, and replace every so often instead of dusting that hard-to-dust spot.
• If you have a door that stubbornly sticks, rub the edges to keep it from jamming as much.
• Keep wooden salad bowls and cutting boards in good shape by giving them an extra layer of wax protection.
• Protect the fridge from spills by covering the shelves. It makes it infinitely easier to clean.
• Lost your wine cork after opening a bottle? Make an plug out of a wad of paper, and stick it right in there.
• Cover bowls and plates when you use the microwave to prevent splatter.
• If your shower curtain has trouble moving over its rods without squeaking or catching, a light rub with wax paper will help it move smoother.
• Use it as drawer liner in your dresser.
• Before you close up paint cans, add a sheet over the top of the paint to keep skin from forming.
• Swipe non-stick appliances , to give it a little more non-stickiness.
• Wrap up paint brushes to keep them from drying out in between coats.
• If you have drafty windows in winter, use it to plug up holes. Again, the wax wards off precipitation.
• Wrap up any delicate fabrics when you store them. The wax keeps out light and keeps colors from fading or turning yellow.
  
• If you are out of kindling, wax paper makes a good fire starter.

What other uses have you discovered?

Re-edited from a post originally published 10.10.2014 – NT