Fluster Buster

Solving Everyday Problems

Image Map
  • Home
  • Homemaking
  • Recipes
  • Great Ideas
  • Beauty
You are here: Home / Save / Frugal Tips / 17 Paraffin Wax Uses: Easy Tips for a Smoother Life

17 Paraffin Wax Uses: Easy Tips for a Smoother Life

June 10, 2024 By Robin 8 Comments

This post may include affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more information.

Paraffin wax, a smooth, white wax from petroleum, is more versatile than many people realize. While it’s commonly associated with candles, paraffin wax uses extend far beyond that. Few know it can be found in beauty treatments, home cleaning tips, and DIY crafts. This simple item can make life easier in many clever ways.

PARAFFIN WAX USES: HOW THIS ONE ITEM CAN SOLVE A NUMBER OF PROBLEMS

Using paraffin wax for more than its intended use can save money and time. It reduces the need to buy many different products. For example, paraffin wax can polish furniture, soften skin, and waterproof items. During World War II, people used paraffin wax to seal jars of homemade preserves. This kept food fresh without the need for expensive equipment. By using this one item in various ways, you can simplify your life and cut down on costs.

DISCOVER THE MANY USES OF PARAFFIN WAX

Jams & Jellies

To preserve jams and jellies, fill a canning jar about half an inch from the top with your hot jam or jelly. While it’s still hot, pour melted food-grade paraffin wax over the top. The wax will form a seal as it cools. This helps keep your jams and jellies fresh for a longer time by blocking out air and contaminants.

Chocolate Making

To give your homemade chocolates a shiny coat, add a small amount of food-grade paraffin wax to the melted chocolate. The wax helps the chocolate harden with a glossy finish and makes it look more professional. Simply melt the wax with the chocolate and stir well. This trick can make your chocolates not only taste delicious but also look beautiful.

Hard Cheese

To keep hard cheese fresh, dip the exposed part of the cheese in melted food-grade paraffin wax. The wax forms a protective layer that seals out air and moisture, helping the cheese stay fresh for longer. This method prevents mold and keeps the cheese from drying out. Just melt the wax, dip the cheese, and let it cool to create a solid seal.

Fruits and Vegetables

To keep fruits and vegetables fresh for longer, dip them in melted food-grade paraffin wax. The wax creates a protective coating that slows down moisture loss. This helps prevent the produce from spoiling too quickly. By sealing in the natural moisture, the wax keeps your fruits and vegetables crisp and fresh for a longer time. Just melt the wax, dip the produce, and let it cool to form a solid layer of protection.

Bottles

To seal a bottle, dip the top in melted paraffin wax. The wax forms a tight seal that keeps air out and helps preserve the contents. This method is great for homemade sauces, syrups, or even decorative bottles. Just melt the wax, dip the bottle’s top into it, and let it cool. This creates a secure, airtight seal that protects what’s inside.

37+ Cornstarch Uses

For everyone who loves finding new ways to use things they already have, cornstarch is a hidden treasure. It’s more than just something to make your sauces thick.

Uses

Irons

To keep your iron smooth, rub it over a bar of wax wrapped in a cloth while the iron is hot. The wax helps the iron glide easily and prevents it from sticking to fabrics. Just heat the iron, then gently move it over the cloth-covered wax. This creates a thin, protective layer that keeps the iron’s surface slick and clean.

Drawers

To make drawers slide smoothly, rub a bar of wax over the sliders. The wax acts like a lubricant, reducing friction and making it easier to open and close the drawers. Simply take a bar of wax and run it along the tracks or edges where the drawer slides in and out. This simple trick can prevent sticking and ensure your drawers move effortlessly.

Windows

To keep windows opening and closing smoothly, rub a bar of wax over the tracks. The wax reduces friction, making it easier to slide the windows. Just take a bar of wax and run it along the tracks where the window moves. This simple step can prevent sticking and ensure your windows glide effortlessly.

Zippers

To keep zippers from sticking, rub a bar of wax on the teeth. The wax acts as a lubricant, helping the zipper move smoothly. Simply take a bar of wax and run it along both sides of the zipper teeth. This will make zipping up clothes, bags, or any other items much easier. The wax prevents the zipper from catching and ensures it glides effortlessly.

Trash Cans

To keep things from sticking inside trash cans, coat the interior with melted wax. The wax creates a smooth, slippery surface that prevents garbage from clinging to the sides. Just melt some wax and carefully spread it around the inside of the trash can. This simple coating helps make cleaning easier and keeps the trash can smelling fresher by preventing residue buildup.

Handrails

To make handrails smoother and easier to grip, rub them with a bar of wax. The wax acts as a lubricant, reducing friction and preventing the handrail from feeling sticky or rough. Just take a bar of wax and run it along the entire length of the handrail. This simple step ensures a comfortable and smooth surface for your hands, making it easier to use.

Steel or Iron

To prevent steel or iron from rusting, rub the surface with a bar of wax. The wax creates a protective layer that keeps out moisture and air, which cause rust. Simply take a bar of wax and apply it evenly over the metal. This easy step will help your steel or iron items last longer and stay in good condition.

What is Paraffin Wax?

Paraffin wax is a white or colorless soft solid derived from petroleum. It’s often used in candle-making, but its uses extend far beyond that. Paraffin wax is known for its smooth texture and ability to melt easily, making it ideal for various applications. These include beauty treatments like hand and foot softening, DIY crafts, and even home cleaning tips. Its versatility makes it a handy item to have around the house.

Snow Shovels

To help snow slide off a shovel more easily, rub a bar of wax over the dry shovel. The wax creates a slippery surface that prevents snow from sticking. Just take a bar of wax and coat the entire blade of the shovel. This simple trick makes shoveling snow faster and easier since the snow won’t cling to the shovel.

Toboggans

To make a toboggan slide better, rub a bar of wax on the skis. The wax reduces friction, helping the toboggan glide smoothly over the snow. Just take a bar of wax and coat the bottom of the skis evenly. This simple step makes the ride faster and more enjoyable by preventing the skis from sticking to the snow.

Hands & Feet

To soften hands and feet, dip them into a low-temperature wax bath. The warm wax helps to moisturize and relax the skin. After dipping, leave the wax on for 10-15 minutes. Then, gently peel off the wax. This simple treatment leaves your hands and feet feeling soft and smooth.

Candles

To make your own candles, you can find many tutorials on the web. These guides show you the steps to create candles at home. They often include lists of materials, like wax, wicks, and molds. By following the instructions, you can customize candles with different shapes, colors, and scents. Making your own candles can be a fun and creative activity.

Crayons

To make your own crayons, you just need paraffin wax and some pigments. Melt the paraffin wax in a safe container. Then, mix in the pigments to add color. Pour the mixture into mold shapes and let it cool until solid. This simple process allows you to create custom crayons with different colors and shapes. Making your own crayons can be a fun project and a great way to personalize your art supplies.

Safety Tips for Handling Paraffin Wax

Here are some helpful tips for handling paraffin wax safely and effectively:

  • Melting Safety – Always melt paraffin wax in a double boiler to avoid direct heat, which can cause it to catch fire.
  • Temperature Monitoring – Use a thermometer to monitor the wax’s temperature. The ideal melting point is between 120-160°F (49-71°C). Never let it exceed 200°F (93°C).
  • Storage – Store paraffin wax in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain its quality.
  • Disposal – Dispose of any unused wax properly. Do not pour it down the drain as it can solidify and cause blockages.
  • Safety – Have a fire extinguisher or baking soda nearby in case of a wax fire. Never use water to extinguish a wax fire.

Paraffin wax is incredibly useful for many things. It can stop metal from rusting, make snow shoveling easier, and help toboggans glide smoothly. It also softens your hands and feet, helps you make homemade candles, and even lets you create custom crayons. This one item solves a variety of problems and adds some fun to different activities. Thanks to paraffin wax, life becomes a bit simpler and more enjoyable!

⬇️MORE INSPIRATION⬇️

42 Hydrogen Peroxide Uses
Hydrogen Peroxide can do so much more than clean cuts and scrapes. It’s actually an inexpensive way to take care of a lot of little things around the house.

22 Club Soda Uses
Club Soda is not something most people have on hand, but they really should. It’s inexpensive and can do so many things to make life easier around the house.

36 Cooking Spray Uses
Cooking spray makes cooking a little easier. It can also do some amazing things around that house to make life a little easier.

22 Turmeric Uses
Turmeric is traditionally used as a spice in some of your favorite recipes, but it can do so much more than just flavor your food.

RECENT POSTS

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a commission. I only recommend products or services that I personally believe will add value to my readers. All opinions stated are strictly my own. Read our full disclosure policy for more information. 

 This post has been updated!!

It seems like yesterday when we first hit “publish” on many of our blog posts, but in reality, it has been years. Time flies, and it’s amazing how fast things can change. New technologies, trends, and events are constantly emerging, and it’s our responsibility to keep our content up-to-date and relevant for our readers.

At Fluster Buster, our goal is to provide our readers with the most updated, relevant, and easy-to-read content possible. As we make upgrades to our content, we hope you will enjoy the changes we have made. We are excited to bring fresh content and perspectives to our blog and to continue providing valuable insights and information for our readers.

So stay tuned, as we continue to update and upgrade our blog posts, and if you have any topics you would like to see covered, please let us know. We want our content to be insightful and useful for our readers, and we’re always open to feedback. We appreciate your continued support of our blog and our company.

Originally posted on: 06/10/2013

Filed Under: Frugal Tips, Save, WWII Series Tagged With: frugal living, how to

Comments

  1. Organized Island says

    June 11, 2013 at 3:38 pm

    Oh I remember making candles with this years ago. I really should give it another go soon – it has been too long. Love your WWII complilation posts!

    Reply
  2. Isobel Morrell says

    June 13, 2013 at 4:32 pm

    Sorry to be such a bad attendee – computer problems, being away from base etc. have all compounded the absence(s). Hope to be better soon. Isobel

    Reply
  3. jamie @ [kreyv] says

    June 15, 2013 at 12:41 am

    Geez, I had no idea you could you this for so many things! Thanks for sharing and thanks for linking up with me and Lish for Loves on a Thursday!

    Reply
  4. Kathy Shea Mormino says

    June 16, 2013 at 6:11 pm

    What a great post on all the ways to use paraffin Wax…….There were a few things I knew like sealing jelly, iron, drawers, candy making and candles. This was a very information post. Thank you for sharing with the Clever Chicks Blog Hop this week; I hope you’ll join us again!

    Cheers,
    Kathy Shea Mormino

    The Chicken Chick

    Reply
  5. Jamie Sherman says

    June 17, 2013 at 6:30 pm

    Who knew? I learned something new today 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing at All my Bloggy Friends – I can't wait to see what you share this week!

    Reply
  6. Mel Lockcuff says

    June 18, 2013 at 3:07 am

    Definitely pinned this; I love this series.:) Thanks so much for linking up to Inspire Me Wednesday. I learn something new every single week.

    Reply
  7. Kathy A Delightsome Life says

    June 19, 2013 at 5:38 pm

    having read all your previous posts and the marvelous mulitiple uses of these household items you share, I wonder how over time we've almost lost all this amazing knowledge – I appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

    Reply
  8. Peggy Hale says

    June 21, 2013 at 12:09 am

    Great uses for wax Robin. I'm so glad you joined us at Transformed Tuesday.

    Hugs,
    Peggy~PJH Designs

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Image Map
Featured Blog (Sidebar) simple recipe how to budget meal budget meal
Featured Blog (Sidebar) budget meal budget meal simple recipe how to how to how to
Featured Blog (Sidebar) budget meal simple recipe
Sponsors (Sidebar Header)
The Network Niche

Copyright © 2025 · Fluster Buster · Log in · Privacy Policy