Are you tired of seeing your bin fill up with single-use plastic wrap and aluminum foil? Here at WiseHomist, we are always searching for simple, sustainable swaps that make a big impact on both our homes and the planet. That’s why we absolutely love homemade beeswax food wraps.
These reusable, washable wraps are not only eco-friendly, but they’re also fantastic at keeping your food fresh using the natural properties of beeswax. Making them yourself is surprisingly easy, much cheaper than buying them, and a wonderfully satisfying craft.
It’s the perfect project for a mindful afternoon, whether you’re in a bustling city like Cairo or a quiet town in the countryside. Let’s get started on this plastic-free food storage solution!
What You’ll Need:
- 100% Cotton Fabric Scraps: Lightweight cotton (like quilting cotton) works best. Wash, dry, and iron them first.
- Pinking Shears (Recommended): To cut your fabric and prevent fraying. Regular scissors work too.
- Beeswax Pellets: Food-grade is essential.
- Pine Resin (Optional, but recommended): This adds the “stickiness” that helps the wrap cling to bowls.
- Jojoba Oil (Optional, but recommended): This adds flexibility and prevents the wax from cracking.
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- An Old Paintbrush: Designate this as your “wax brush” – it won’t be good for painting afterward!
- Oven: Set to a low temperature (around 200°F / 95°C).
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Prepare Your Fabric & Workspace
First, pre-wash, dry, and iron your cotton fabric to ensure it’s clean and smooth. Using pinking shears, cut your fabric into desired sizes. Good starter sizes are:
- Small (7″x7″) – For an avocado, a small piece of cheese, or covering a jar.
- Medium (10″x10″) – For a sandwich, a bowl, or larger cheese blocks.
- Large (13″x13″) – For a large bowl, bread, or leafy greens.
Preheat your oven to 200°F (or 95°C). Line your baking sheet with a sheet of parchment paper. Place one piece of fabric flat on the parchment.
Step 2: Sprinkle on the Wax Mixture
Evenly sprinkle the beeswax pellets over the entire surface of your fabric. If you are using the optional ingredients, add a sprinkle of pine resin and a few drops of jojoba oil. Don’t overdo it—you can always add more, but it’s messy to remove excess.
A good starting ratio is 4 parts beeswax, 1 part pine resin, and a few drops of jojoba oil.
Step 3: Melt the Wax
Carefully place the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Watch it like a hawk! The mixture will melt very quickly, usually within 3-5 minutes. You’re looking for the entire fabric to look “wet” and saturated as the wax melts and soaks in.
Step 4: Spread Evenly & Dry
Once melted, remove the tray from the oven. Use your dedicated paintbrush to quickly brush the melted wax, ensuring it covers the entire piece of fabric evenly, especially the corners and edges.
- If you see dry spots: Add a few more beeswax pellets and pop it back in the oven for 1-2 minutes.
- If it’s too thick: You can place another piece of fabric on top to soak up the excess, making two wraps at once!
Once fully coated, carefully peel the warm (not hot!) wrap off the parchment paper. It will be pliable. Hold it by the corners and gently “wave” it in the air for 30-60 seconds. It will cool and stiffen almost immediately. You can then hang it on a clothesline or drying rack to cure completely.
Your wraps are now ready to use! Just use the warmth of your hands to mold the wrap over bowls, cheese, fruit, or sandwiches. To clean, wash in cool water with mild soap and air dry.
