Why You Should Be Putting Wax Paper Inside Of Your Fridge

No matter how hard you try, fridges get dirty. Even though everything seems to be contained inside of cartons, Tupperware, and to-go boxes, things still spill. Milk dribbles onto the shelf, crumbs fall off of plastic-wrapped plates, maple syrup leaks, and rogue lettuce bits get stuck to the bottom of the crisper. It's inevitable, and it usually requires you to deep clean your fridge every few weeks. But what if you could make cleaning the appliance a little easier? It turns out that putting wax paper in your fridge can help.

You can use wax paper to line your fridge shelves and drawers, acting as a barrier between your groceries and the appliance. At the end of the week, if something spills or begins to look grimy, you can simply remove the wax paper, toss it into the trash, and replace it with a new sheet. Here's how to do it.

Prior to lining your fridge, make sure to wipe down the shelves of any crumbs or spills. This will ensure you are working with a clean slate. Then, grab your roll of wax paper, measure out the exact length of your shelf or drawer, and cut out a sheet. Put it in its corresponding area, laying it flat. Depending on how deep your shelves are, you might need to layer two or three sheets. You can then put your fridge contents back in, but if you want to ensure your paper doesn't move around as you move your groceries, you can consider adding double-sided tape or museum gel to each corner. 

This hack works great due to the waxy nature of the paper. Unlike cling wrap or parchment paper, the tacky surface of wax paper helps attract dirt and grime. It acts like a magnet, keeping the dirty contents on the paper rather than shuffling off to other areas. Plus, wax paper is relatively affordable, clocking in under $3 a roll. This makes it budget-friendly, even though you have to continuously scrap it. It's also a great way to keep your fridge clean if you're trying to lower your plastic intake. Most wax paper is biodegradable, and can even be added to your compost pile. It's a win, win!