Beeswax wraps are a reusable stand-in for plastic wrap and foil, and making your own is an easy afternoon project. They’re biodegradable and compostable, and you can use them to wrap sandwiches, fruits, vegetables, and plenty more. When you’re done with a wrap, just wash it in cold water with mild soap and let it air dry. With proper care they last several months, and you can refresh them with another coat of beeswax whenever they start to wear.
What you’ll need
- 100% cotton fabric, preferably organic
- Grated beeswax (buy it, or grate down a block of your own)
- A paintbrush or foam brush
- Parchment paper or a silicone baking mat
- Scissors
- An iron
- Optional: pine resin, jojoba oil, or essential oils, for added flexibility and scent
The steps
- Cut your fabric into the size and shape you want. Make a few different sizes to fit different foods.
- Lay the fabric on a piece of parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Using your brush, lightly coat the fabric with grated beeswax. If you’re adding pine resin, jojoba oil, or essential oils for extra flexibility and scent, do it now.
- Place a second sheet of parchment paper or a silicone mat on top of the fabric, sandwiching it.
- Preheat your iron to its lowest setting (wool or silk).
- Press the iron down firmly on top of the parchment, moving it in a circular motion to spread the heat evenly and melt the beeswax into the fabric.
- Let the wrap cool for a few minutes, then carefully peel it off the parchment.
That’s it. Your wrap is ready to use. Wrap it around food or over a bowl, and the warmth of your hands will soften it just enough to form a seal.