Even if we don’t use it every day, wax paper is a reliable staple that’s patiently waiting to be put to good use. 

Here are 12 practical uses for wax paper that are handy in the kitchen and around the house.  

1. Make Fridge Cleanup Easy 

Line the shelves, drawers and bins of your refrigerator with cut-to-size pieces of wax paper for care-free cleanup.  

When there’s a spill or a drip, it’s easy to toss the wax paper away, and replace it with a new piece. The wax paper has a unique way of gently adhering to the chilled surfaces, keeping it perfectly in place.

2. Eliminate Dusty Elevations  

Nobody wants to get up there and dust those high and hard-to-reach places in the kitchen, such as the tops of cupboards and the fridge.  

Save yourself time and effort by covering those surfaces with a sheet of wax paper instead. When dust accumulates on the wax paper, toss it away and replace it with a fresh piece. So much easier than dusting!  

3. Need a Funnel? 

When you can’t locate the kitchen funnel you know you have, just grab a sheet of wax paper. Roll it into a cone shape and insert it into the container opening.  

It works like a charm to keep those ingredients perfectly contained during the transfer and your counter remains mess free. Wax paper also works with liquids, since the wax coating repels moisture.  

4. Keep Ice Cream Crystal-Free 

It’s happened to all of us, we grab that half-full container of our favorite ice cream from the freezer only to realize it’s been in there a bit longer than we remembered and the top layer of ice cream has crystallized.  

Prevent this from happening again by pressing a piece of wax paper over the surface of the ice cream before replacing the lid and returning it to the freezer.  

5. Cork It 

When you’re struggling to get that wine or dressing cork back into the bottle, wrap the cork in wax paper.  

The smooth, wax coating will help the cork slide right back into place. This won’t compromise an airtight seal for retaining freshness either.  

6. Keep Cheese Fresh 

Wrap those leftover blocks of cheese with a piece of wax paper before returning them to the refrigerated cheese drawer. Wax paper allows cheeses to “breathe” a bit without drying them out while preventing the surface from trapping bad bacteria that spoils it.  

**Leftover processed cheese, such as Velveeta, is better stored wrapped in plastic wrap instead of wax paper.  

7. Clean a Can Opener 

Fold a piece of wax paper over a few times, then run it through your can opener.  

You’ll be surprised how the wax paper dislodges any stuck-on ingredients you likely hadn’t even noticed until now. The wax coating also helps create a nice barrier to help your can opener operate smoother and easier.  

8. Rolling Out the Dough 

Sometimes cookie dough or pie crust can be a little temperamental.  

Place a sheet of wax paper over the dough, creating a stick-free barrier between the rolling pin and dough. No flour needed.  

9. Microwave Protector 

Tired of messy splatters all over the interior of your microwave? Place a sheet of wax paper over the top of your plate or bowl, pressing it down a bit over the top of the food. No more splatters!  

I also like to keep a sheet of wax paper on top of my microwave turntable for those times when ingredients bubble over for an easy and quick clean up.  

10. Shine Your Kitchen Faucet 

After you’ve cleaned your kitchen faucet, finish the task with a wax paper rub down.  

The wax paper leaves behind a thin layer of waxy coating that adds a beautiful shine and helps keep your faucet clean.  

11. Unstick A Zipper 

If you’ve got stuck (or sticky) zippers on clothing items, wax paper is your new best friend.  

Rub a piece of wax paper over the teeth of the zipper. The waxy residue helps it glide much more easily, which can help unstick a stuck zipper or prevent one from sticking in the first place.

12. Prevent Dust and Dirt from Sticking to Your Dustpan  

Rub wax paper all over the surface of your dustpan. The waxy coating makes debris glide right in, then out as you toss it into the trash can.  

 

**When and Where Not to Use Wax Paper  

Wax paper is nonstick and moisture-resistant, but since it cannot withstand heat, it should not be used in the oven or air fryer as you can parchment paper. When exposed to high temps, the wax melts, often causing the paper to catch fire.  

 

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