12 Clever Ways to Use Wax Paper

Wax paper may look like an ordinary wrap present in the kitchen, and rarely does anyone discover how creatively this paper can be used. This paper is coated with a thin layer of food-safe wax and has remarkable moisture resistance. Mostly, a wax-coated paper is used for food wrapping purposes, but it can also be used in crafting and minor household repairs.   

The best part about this paper is that it is not expensive and is widely available. In addition to this, the application of sustainable coatings has made the paper even more desirable. If you are ready to learn about the full potential of role hiding in your kitchen, let’s start!     

Keep Cheese Fresh Without Plastic

You can use wax paper as an alternative to wrapping cheese in the refrigerator. Wax-coated sheets allow the cheese to breathe and prevent the growth of mold and drying out of the cheese. Southern Living uses this method to preserve artisanal or aged cheese as a way to retain its flavor and texture.  

The paraffin coating of wax paper makes it semi-permeable. This means that it can block excessive moisture loss while allowing a small exchange of air or gases. On the other hand, plastic cling paper lacks this quality and causes excessive moisture in the cheese. The use of paper with a wax coating is just like the cheese cave environment, which slows down the spoilage and prevents unpleasant condensation.  

Separate and Freeze Hamburger Patties

Before freezing, you can layer the burger patties with the wax-coated paper and prevent them from sticking to each other. This will make it easy for you to grab the patties when in need. The low coefficient of friction of paraffin wax remains stable at freezing temperature and prevents the adhesion of ice crystals. You can use the paper as an excellent wrap to store food in the freezer due to its slick surface that resists water and fats. 

Roll Out Dough Without a Mess

Custom wax paper is an excellent option to use while rolling dough. You can use two sheets of paper and place the dough between them before rolling. This will prevent the sticking of the dough and also reduce the amount of dry flour required while rolling. The hydrophobic nature of wax repels water from the dough and reduces the adhesion to the surface. As the paper cannot absorb moisture, the natural consistency of the dough is retained.   

Polish Faucets and Metal Fixtures

If you have been facing the issue of water stains on your faucets or metal fixtures, then wax sheets are here for your rescue. You can rub the paper on the faucets or other metallic surfaces. The paper will leave a hydrophobic and invisible layer of wax that will repel water and retain the shine and smoothness of the faucets.  

Line Cabinet Shelves and Drawers

In the kitchen, grease and spills are common. To keep the kitchen drawer clean, you can spread wax sheets. The impermeable layer of wax will not allow the oils or grease to stain the drawer’s surfaces. This is because oil and grease will stay on the paper surface instead of seeping through it. This barrier will make clean-up easy by simply swapping out the sheet.            

Keep Ice Cream Fresher for Longer

A crystallized ice cream does not taste good, and to prevent this, you can use wax paper rolls or sheets to cover the surface before placing the lid. This will prevent freezer burns and crystallization. Freezer burns occur when moisture sublimates from the food into ice crystals. Waxed paper prevents this by minimizing the air contact, which helps in the reduction of moisture and hence preserving the creamy texture of ice creams.    

Protect Wooden Cutting Boards

Wooden cutting boards in the kitchen are most of the time stained and sometimes retain odor from the food, such as berries or garlic. To prevent this, spread a wax sheet on the wood cutter that will block odour adsorption and discoloration of the board. This is done due to the amazing ability of wax to block staining, such as anthocyanins from berries or sulfur compounds from garlic.  

Lubricate Stuck Zippers

If you have been facing the issue of stuck zippers, then you can use wax paper and rub it on the zipper surface. The microcrystalline structure of paraffin wax will fill the tiny surface irregularities in zipper teeth and reduce friction. Wax forms a dry and non-grassy lubricant that is safe for fabrics. If you use petroleum or oil as a lubricant, it leaves a stain behind and damages the fabric quality. 

Guard Against Paint Drips and Smudges

Use the paper to wrap the door knobs or the light fixtures in your home before painting. This is because the non-porous surface of wax does not allow the paint to chemically bond with it. So when you paint the splatters, they easily peel away. Other than this, the ill-resistant nature of wax prevents the paint from seeping through it.

Prevent Microwave Splatters

If you do not want the formation of a condensation pool and overheating of the food, use the wax paper sheets to cover the food. This will resist water absorption and prevent the steam from making the paper soggy. Unlike plastic, it allows the steam to vent through it and reduces the problem of overheating and condensation. 

Make a Quick Disposable Funnel

If you have to pour some dry items into a utensil with a small opening, then you can use personalized wax paper roll funnels. Convert the sheet into a funnel and pour the items without creating a mess. The smooth surface of the paper minimizes the static cling and particle adhesion. Those make the dry ingredients flow freely compared to untreated or uncoated paper. Even if you want to pour a slightly damp product, you can do that too due to the moisture-resistant ability of the paper.  

Protect Art and Craft Projects

The wax coating is resistant to the adhesion of inks and paints. When you have painted on a sheet of paper and want to prevent the tracing of the color on the other sheets, you can simply use wax paper. The paper is non-reactive and does not chemically interact with chemicals and varnishes. This makes it easy for you to retain the integrity of the art. 

Final Thought

Wax paper is far more than just a lining paper. You can use it for several purposes due to its hydrophobic and semi-permeable nature. The unique nature of the paper makes it suitable for a wide range of tasks, ranging from food packaging to art and crafts. You can extend its role far beyond just the kitchen paper by understanding the several features of the paper. If you are looking for custom and economical wax paper, then you can contact Greaseproof Paper, which not only provides quality material but also a wide range of premium designs.