Wax paper hasn't changed much since it was invented in the 1800s. And why should it? Coating paper with a thin layer of wax makes that paper water-resistant, a quality that still makes wax paper a one-of-its-kind product in most homes. While wax paper shouldn't be used for baking and cooking (the heat would make the max melt into your food), this simple kitchen staple is an incredibly useful resource.
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1. Unstick a Zipper
No one counts on a stuck zipper when planning out their day's schedule. This minor inconvenience can lead to damage if you can't get the zipper unstuck. Rubbing the teeth and zipper pull with wax paper may help. The wax should smooth the zipper's path.
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2. Keep Freshly-Painted Surfaces Apart
The painting challenges don't end when you put the brush down. Painted surfaces are prone to sticking together when they're not yet entirely dry. Using wax paper may help. Put a layer between a freshly painted door jamb and the door, for example.
3. Get Faucets to Shine
Whenever you wash your hands, wash dishes or let the water run for any reason, you can't help but notice the fingerprints, smudges and water spots that quickly accumulate on faucets. Ball up a small piece of wax paper and rub it over the fixture. It should polish away marks and leave a streak-free finish.
4. Quiet a Shower Curtain Rod
Few sounds are as unpleasant as the sound of metal rings on a metal curtain rod. It's almost enough to turn a person off of taking regular showers. Coating the rod with a thin layer of wax should help quiet that terrible metal-on-metal screech.
5. Line Drawers and Cabinets
Lining drawers and cabinets protects them from damage. If something spills or breaks, cleanup is as easy as throwing away the liner. Pricy adhesive liners are made for this purpose, but wax paper is an easy and cheaper substitute.
6. Ease a Can Opener's Path
Just because a manual can opener has become tougher to operate doesn't mean it has to be trashed. Sometimes the small gear piece just needs some help to get moving. The next time you open a can, place a piece of wax paper over the can's edge first. The opener's moving parts will be coated with wax by the time you've gone all the way around the can.
7. Map a Picture Wall
Want to create a decorative wall of framed photos? Trust us: This isn't a project where you can just make it up as you go along. Arrange all the frames on your floor to find the right configuration. Tape sheets of wax paper together to make a large sheet that covers the frames. Trace the frames on the paper and then tape the paper sheet to the wall, making it easy to figure out exactly where to hang the nails and fixtures that each frame requires.
8. Create Window Art
Crayon stained glass art is a popular craft project for little kids. But there's no age limit on this project, and it's an easy way to add more color to your space. It's as simple as arranging crayon shavings between two pieces of wax paper and ironing the "sandwich" to melt the crayon. Be sure to use a protective layer, like a towel, between the wax paper and iron so the paper doesn't singe.
9. Make a Quick Funnel
It doesn't matter how smart and accomplished you are. Trying to pour something into a container with a small opening, spilling extra all over the countertop, will make anyone feel like a clumsy oaf. For refilling spice jars or pouring glitter back into its bottle, create less mess by making a quick funnel out of wax paper. It's sturdy enough to hold its shape until the job is done.
10. Use for Easy Craft Cleanup
Messy crafts and art projects are supposed to be fun and creative. All your energy should go into creating, and you can't do that when you're worrying about making too big a mess. If you don't have newspaper on hand, cover your work surface with wax paper. Once you've shaken out any glitter and let any paint or glue dry, you can use the same wax paper for the next project.
