Wax paper is often found in many if not all, household and commercial kitchens, where its primary use is in food storage and baking. No doubt, wax paper is not as useful as other wrapping papers available in the market, namely parchment paper, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not without its charm. You may not be able to put wax paper in the oven for fear of catching fire but it still has a multitude of other uses that extend far beyond the kitchen, from household applications to craft projects. So, no need to let your wax paper rot in the cupboard. Get it out, wipe the dust off, and put it to use.
What is Wax Paper?
Wax paper is a type of food wrapping paper coated with a thin layer of paper, usually paraffin which makes it non-sticky and moisture-resistant. Unlike parchment paper, which is also used in the kitchen, wax paper is not heat-resistant and should not be used in the oven. However, its unique properties make it ideal for a wide range of other uses. So, let us see what some of those uses are!
Line your refrigerator shelves
Cleaning your refrigerator is no joke and God knows it gets dirty pretty often, pretty fast. So, save yourself all the trouble by just lining your refrigerator’s shelves with wax paper. Now, any spills and drips will just fall on the wax paper instead of right on the shelves. When the wax paper gets dirty enough, all you have to do is discard it and replace it with a new sheet. You would still have to deep clean your fridge every once in a while, but you will certainly be spared the daily cleanup.
Keep ice cream fresh
The ice cream that comes in tubs and containers is a favorite dessert of so many. But have you ever thought of enjoying leftover ice cream the next day, only to find unappetizing ice crystals on the top when you pop the lid off? Those crystals are a result of moisture and air that gets trapped between the ice cream and the lid. Covering the tub of ice cream after opening it with wax paper will prevent such crystal formation, leaving the ice cream as smooth and tasty as ever.
Clean your can openers
You may be thinking: is cleaning openers really a priority? Well, turns out, you do have to clean those blades every once in a while. Washing them in the traditional way with soap not only proves to be difficult but also dangerous. You don’t want a bloody accident on your hands. So, whip out your sheet of wax paper and use a chunk to wipe your can openers. The wax will remove all the bits of food stuck on the blade, leaving your can openers shiny and clean.
Cleaning and polishing
If you think cleaning can openers or refrigerators is a chore, try cleaning windows and glass. Getting smudges off the glass is a nightmare, especially if you have little children running around the house, getting their fingerprints on everything they see. Wax paper is not only great at removing dust and grime from stainless steel appliances, faucets, and mirrors but also adds a protective clean that helps prevent any future smudges.
Get that zipper unstuck
Now, a lot of people don’t consider stuck zippers to be a big thing but once it happens, you will be screaming in frustration. Imagine you have to catch a flight at the airport, but you just can’t get the zipper on your bag to close. That is why wrap paper is great to have at hand. Rubbing a piece of wax paper along the teeth of a zipper can help it glide more smoothly, making it easier to open and close. This hack works on clothing, bags, and other items with zippers.
Seed storage
Calling all gardening enthusiasts to the table, wax paper is great for storing your seeds. It is crucial to keep seeds in a cool, dry place. Otherwise, it can sprout before you place them in the soil or the conditions of moisture can attract mold. This results in your precious seeds getting wasted. With wrapping paper, you can just wrap your seeds in it to extend their shelf life and ensure they remain viable for planting.
Put a lid on it
Anyone who has worked in the kitchen can tell you that when you need a lid to cover a pot, you just can’t seem to find one. In such cases, wax paper can be a great alternative. You can cut the wrap paper in the shape of your pots and pans and place it on the top. Be sure to cut a small seam in the center of the sheet to allow steam to escape.
Conclusion
Wax paper is a remarkably versatile material that extends far beyond its traditional uses in the kitchen. Its unique properties make it a valuable tool for various crafts, household hacks, gardening, and more. So next time you reach for that roll of wax paper, remember that its potential is limited only by your imagination.
