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If you’re like most people, you probably have a roll of wax paper stored away in one of your kitchen drawers. Considered a staple in American homes, it is typically used for wrapping food, lining surfaces, and baking. Its affordable price tag and nonstick and moisture-resistant properties—thanks to its wax coating—make it an attractive tool in the kitchen and beyond.
“Wax paper is one of those materials that’s often overlooked, but when you think about its properties—water resistance, flexibility, and low cost—it makes sense for quick fixes or temporary solutions in outdoor spaces,” says Jenny He, licensed contractor and co-founder and CEO of Ergeon, an outdoor construction company.
Wax paper can also be shockingly versatile, much like other household items such as crockpots, dryer sheets, and aluminum foil. We spoke to several experts in the home and garden space about how they use wax paper as their secret weapon. Check out these super handy wax paper uses that you might find you can’t live without.
1. Keep Shower Doors Clean
Professional cleaners have discovered that wax paper can be an exceptional tool for cleaning and maintaining shower doors. “After cleaning, our professionals wipe the glass with wax paper,” explains Joseph Passalacqua, owner and CEO at Maid Sailors in New York, New York. “This creates an invisible barrier that repels water and prevents soap scum buildup.” This method costs a fraction of commercial shower treatments that often run $15 to $20 per bottle, and the results last for weeks. Plus, there are no fumes and it’s simple to try at home.
2. Shelter Seedlings
Wax paper can also provide a humidity dome for tropical plants and seedlings, says Caleb Young of Rareindoorplants.com. “Wax paper can be a great solution to build humidity covers for plants that grow in high moisture,” he says. He recommends placing a sheet of wax paper over a pot or seed tray, securing it loosely with a rubber band, and poking a few holes in it to allow for airflow. This is effective since wax paper traps the moisture and warmth the plants need, while still letting them breathe.
“It creates a mini-greenhouse effect without the risk of mold, which can happen with plastic,” Young says. Plus, it’s a cost-effective alternative to expensive propagation plastic covers (or even ziplock bags) because it is reusable for multiple rounds of seed starting.
3. Protect Painted Walls
If chipped paint on your walls drives you crazy, then you might want to try this trick. James Collins, founder of Pure Home Garden in Richmond, Virginia, recommends using wax paper on the back of anything mounted to a painted wall, such as a television, to prevent the mounted item from sticking to the paint, which can cause damage when removed. “Wax paper provides a smooth barrier that is easy to peel off, preserving the paint beneath and avoiding the need for patching and repainting,” he notes. “This method is both convenient and cost-effective, saving time and money on repairs.”
4. Lubricate Squeaky Doors and Furniture
When the WD-40 isn’t handy, turn to wax paper to help eliminate irritating screeches from stiff hinges and tracks on doors and patio furniture. “If you’ve got a sticky sliding door or maybe a chair with squeaky metal joints, you can rub wax paper directly onto the tracks or moving parts,” says He. “The wax coating acts as a light lubricant, helping things glide more smoothly without using messy oils or sprays.” This is a convenient quick fix that doesn’t cost extra if you already have wax paper in your home.
5. Maintain Tools
If you want your tools to stay sharp and last longer, try some wax paper as a quick, budget-friendly alternative to buying specialized lubricants or tool-cleaning products. “After cleaning your pruning shears, scissors, or trowels, take a piece of wax paper and rub it along the blade or metal surface,” says Zahid Adnan, gardener at The Plant Bible. The wax helps remove small amounts of rust and grime while leaving a thin, protective coating that reduces friction during use. “This simple method not only extends the life of your tools but also makes them more efficient, as the protective layer of wax helps prevent future rusting and keeps the blades smoother, requiring less effort to cut through stems or roots,” he says.
6. Control Garden Pests
Surprisingly, wax paper uses include helping to deter pests like fungus gnats. Young recommends cutting a circle of wax paper to fit the top of your plant’s pot, poking some holes for airflow, and placing it on top of the soil. “This creates a barrier that prevents pests from laying eggs in the soil while also reducing evaporation, which is perfect for moisture-loving plants,” he says. This is a simple, low-cost solution compared to buying chemical pest control or moisture-retaining products. Plus, it’s more eco-friendly.
