Can Wax Paper Help Unstick Your Kitchen Drawers? The Reviews Are Mixed

There are few things more annoying than a stuck kitchen drawer. You're just trying to grab a spatula or a roll of foil, and suddenly the drawer refuses to budge. Sometimes you tug a little too hard, and it jerks open with a squeak. Or worse, it won't open at all. Over time, crumbs, moisture, old fittings, and everyday wear can make even the best-built wooden drawers start sticking. While it might be tempting to start sanding, oiling, or replacing hardware, there's an easier fix you can try before pulling out the toolbox: wax paper.  Yes, the same stuff you use to line baking sheets or wrap up leftovers might help your drawers glide again. Notice the emphasis on might? Some online testers have found the technique ineffective.

This kitchen staple is surprisingly versatile. There are a lot of smart ways to repurpose wax paper around the house. Wax paper is coated in a thin layer of paraffin wax, which makes it smooth to the touch — and that slick coating acts as a lubricant for sticky wooden drawers. It's cheap, quick, and doesn't require any special tools or chemicals. The best part is that it should only take a few minutes and won't leave behind any mess or strong odors. So before you give up all hope, grab a roll from your kitchen drawer. It's time to give this clever wax paper trick you should be using when cleaning your kitchen a try.

If you want to try this wax paper trick, start by removing the drawer completely from its slot. Cut a sheet of wax paper and fold it into fourths so that the waxy side faces out. Then, rub it along the edges, sides, and runners of the drawer — really anywhere it makes contact with the cabinet frame. Once you've covered all the contact points, slide the drawer back into place and test it. The friction helps deposit a thin layer of wax as a lubricant. If it moves more smoothly, you've found yourself a simple fix that costs next to nothing. Be careful of splinters when working with older wooden drawers, and make sure to clean away dust and debris before applying the wax. You can also use this hack on window frames that you're having a hard time opening.

As for the results, the reviews are mixed. Some people swear by wax paper for freeing up their sticky drawers, especially those with wooden slides. This demonstrates how important it is to make sure you're choosing the right lubricant to unstick your drawers. Others say wax paper doesn't actually work — or, at best, that it's the least effective method. For one, wax isn't a permanent fix for sticky drawers because it will wear off eventually — you'll have to reapply every so often. What's more, dust can get stuck in petroleum-based lubricants (like the paraffin wax coating on wax paper), making the problem worse over time. Put simply, if you have other lubricants handy, you're probably better off with them.