Beeswax wraps have become a popular replacement for plastic wrap and I am here for it! I’ve even seen them at my local bookshop for purchase. But the good news is you can easily make them yourself. Learn how to make them with this step-by-step tutorial and learn a little bit about why these beeswax wraps are so awesome!
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How to Make Beeswax Wraps
Time: 15-20 minutes
It took me about 15 minutes to make 5 beeswax wraps.
Difficulty: Easy
Materials
- Scrap cotton or linen fabric
- Beeswax pellets*
- Scissors
- Parchment paper (optional but highly recommended)
Parchment paper is compostable at home or commercial composting. This* is the parchment paper I used and it says it’s compostable right on the box! Wax also decomposes. Although wax does take longer to rot than paper.
I suggest using parchment paper to save you on clean up time! It’s easy to just compost the paper after you are finished. I used the same paper for all 5 wraps that I made. If you don’t use parchment paper, just use a standard baking sheet and scrap excess beeswax with a bamboo scraper before washing.
Also, set up a place to dry your wraps. I got a wire hanger with some wooden clothespins ready near the kitchen. I made the little crochet basket for my clothespins when I was living and teaching in Spain. I brought a set of crochet hooks abroad with me because I knew I would want to craft and they were small enough to pack! The great thing about living in Spain is that they line dry all their clothes! And yes, I bought wooden clothespins and brought them back with me haha.
Directions
1. Wash and dry your fabric. Iron if needed.
I used scraps of a cotton fabric I had from an upcycled book clutch project and extra linen from making my own drawstring bags for bulk shopping. The fabric colors go so well together and they are perfect for autumn!
2. Preheat oven to 180F and cut fabric into desired shapes.
I cut (2) 9.5″x9.5″ squares, (1) 9.5″x12.5″ rectangle, and (2) 8.5″x10.5″ rectangles. (Basically, the fabric I had was 1/4 yard wide.) You can also cut some into circles to form over specific bowls. Make sure the leave 0.5″ on the edges so you can trim the fabric once it’s coated with beeswax.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay a piece of fabric on the parchment paper and sprinkle with beeswax pellets.
Make sure to sprinkle it a bit heavier than this:
4. Put the tray in the oven for about 2-3 minutes.
After about a couple minutes, I give it a peek and see if there are any spots that are less “dark” aka not covered in wax. I sprinkle a bit more beeswax on the fabric and let them melt for another couple minutes.
5. Remove from oven and with your fingertips carefully grab a corner and hang the wrap to dry/harden.
Since the oven is not that hot, I’ve never had any trouble grabbing the corner of the fabric, pealing it off the parchment paper, and walking over to my hanger/clothespin set-up. Do not leave on the parchment paper or it will stick!
6. Once cool, trim the edge of your beeswax wraps to give your wrap a sharp edge and prevent fraying.
I trim about 1/4 of an inch all around. I compost the trimmings and also compost the parchment paper.
The beeswax wraps take almost no time to cool. And that’s it! Super easy and sustainable! Learn more about how to use them below.
About Beeswax Wraps: Why They Work and How to Use Them
I love these beeswax wraps because they are reusable, biodegradable, and have anti-bacterial properties. Beeswax is a natural and safe alternative to plastic that won’t leach any harmful toxins. If you are vegan, you could make these wraps using a soy-based wax instead.
I made these wraps completely zero waste! The fabric was scrap (upcycled) and the beeswax pellets are packaged in paper (recyclable or compostable).
To use, simply fold the beeswax wrap around your food and press with the warmth of your hands to seal. You can cover a bowl or dish by pressing around the edges with your hands.
I love to use these wraps to store fruit (like lemons halves), avocados, cheeses, sandwiches, cookies, bread, baked goods, and veggies.
For sandwiches, it’s best to fold the fabric, rolling it first in the center and then along the edges. Like I did in this picture below:
I would discourage you from wrapping meat (especially raw meat) in your beeswax wraps. Because the wraps cannot be cleaned with hot water this could lead to some serious cross-contamination. Although, deli meat (or cooked meat) in a sandwich is fine.
Beeswax wraps don’t work great in the freezer but it can be done. You could wrap dough or bread in a beeswax wrap and freeze it. Although, I mostly freeze in mason jars or glass containers.
Caring for your Beeswax Wraps
The number one thing to remember about your beeswax wraps is that the beeswax can melt. So avoid wrapping hot food and don’t put it in the microwave. Of course, it’s safe to eat but it wouldn’t be very tasty.
Washing
Wash with cool to warm water and a bit of liquid Castile soap or dishwashing soap. Lightly scrub away any food residue and leave to dry. I just stick my wraps in the dish drying rack before storing them in my kitchen drawer.
Wear and Tear: How to Revive or Dispose of your Beeswax Wraps
Beeswax wraps last about a year. Once they lose their stickiness you know it’s time to either try and revive them or dispose of them. You can easily revive your wraps by melting more beeswax onto the fabric, just like I explained above. Just make sure to wash and dry the wrap beforehand.
If you used 100% cotton or linen fabric, your beeswax wraps are compostable! Seriously, just toss them in your at-home compost bin or commercial composting. You could also use them as a fire starter!
I hope you enjoyed this little DIY! If you’re looking for a more complex project, check out my DIY reusable beeswax bags where I made beeswax wraps and sewed them into sandwich bags. I was quite ambitious at the beginning of my zero waste journey! This project is a lot easier and less time-consuming.
I love how inexpensive they are to make! Making these is a great way to help eliminate plastic pollution. It’s a natural alternative that can be reused over and over again. What zero waste food storage solutions do you love?
Happy Making-
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