7 unusual uses for parchment paper around the home – from ironing to gardening and reshaping shoes

Parchment paper is usually destined for lining trays filled with cake and cookies, but it's also a handy material with many uses around the home.

Our pros share seven ways to reuse this kitchen staple, including cleaning, laundry, craft hacks and more. Plus, they'll help save you money and cut down on waste .

Make use of your leftover parchments paper with these tips from our cleaning pros and sustainability experts and get more bang for your buck whilst also being more sustainable at home.

Unusual uses for parchment paper around the house

These seven cleaning tips and home hacks save you money on single-use gadgets and ‘savior products’ that would otherwise cause clutter in your home.

1. Stopping furniture scratching floors

Moving heavy furniture by yourself? Offcuts of parchment paper can help furniture slide along floors more easily without leaving scratches, begins Jade Piper, cleaning expert and operations manager at BetterCleans.

She says, ‘Want zero scratches on floors? If you dread that scraping sound when moving furniture, slip a piece of parchment paper that’s a bit bigger for each leg. If you’re worried they’re too thin for your big and heavy couch, fold them up so there are layers.’

It is far more affordable than buying casters that you might only use once before tossing them in a drawer.

2. Reshaping shoes

Sometimes we can’t help but squash footwear when organizing shoes in a small space. If there are certain pairs that need to be protected, however, Jade suggests using parchment paper to stuff them.

‘If you don’t have boot shapers [available at Amazon] but do have extra parchment paper lying around, scrunch them up and stuff them into boots. Aside from helping with structure, it deals with any moisture too,’ she explains.

3. Starting seeds

If you have a green thumb, consider stocking up on parchment paper to prepare for seed sowing suggests Adria Marshall, founder of Ecoslay.

‘When gardening, we can use parchment paper to help start seeds. Fold some used parchment paper into small pots and cover them with soil. Once the seedlings are ready, you can plant them directly on the ground because the parchment will break down over time.’

It is better to use unbleached parchment paper (available at Amazon) for this if you are planning on leaving it in the ground so it does not harm your soil or the wildlife.

4. Freshening up drawers

One thing people with nice-smelling closets always do is add fragranced liners, and you can do the same for your drawers.

Adria Marshall, sustainability expert, explains, ‘You can reuse parchment paper to freshen up small spaces by placing some in your shoes or drawers with a few drops of essential oils [available in great value sets at Walmart]. The paper will help diffuse the scent and freshen up small spaces.’

It is a quick and affordable way to make your home smell nice.

5. Ironing delicate materials

While there are certain things you should never iron, you can often carefully press delicate fabrics with the help of parchment paper.

Placing a sheet or two between the fabric and the base of your iron allows you to smooth out wrinkles while protecting the fabric from direct heat. It is particularly used for fabrics like silk and satin, or on fabrics with printed designs, which should always be turned inside out before washing and ironing.

6. Crafting templates

If you love a DIY project, parchment paper is your best friend, says Adria Marshall, sustainability expert. ‘Parchment paper’s non-stick surface makes it perfect for crafting. Use it as a template for tracing shapes onto fabric or as a base for working with glue, paint, or other sticky materials during DIY projects.’

It is a simple and affordable DIY tip to make your projects easier.

7. Protecting trim when painting

If you are anything like me, then painting a room ends up looking a little like you have been to battle with a roller. Parchment paper is a quick and easy way to extend the coverage of your painter's tape (from Walmart) when preparing a room for painting.

Sticking a little under your tape and letting it hang down over your trim will prevent splashes, but it can also be used to paint trim with carpet, giving you a larger floor covering to protect from brush marks.

Parchment paper isn’t the only household staple that has some weird and wacky uses elsewhere in the home. There are some unusual household uses for petroleum jelly, and you can even clean rust with aluminum foil.

Next, delve into unusual uses for your vacuum cleaner to get the most out of your appliance.