How to Make a Reusable DIY Beeswax Wrap

Beeswax wraps are an eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap for covering leftovers and food storage. These reusable wraps are made from cotton infused with beeswax, allowing you to wrap sandwiches, fruits, vegetables, bread, cheese, and more. Making your own DIY beeswax wrap at home is easy, inexpensive, and reduces plastic waste. This guide will teach you how to make a reusable DIY beeswax wrap with just a few simple ingredients and steps.

What You’ll Need to Make Beeswax Wraps

Making DIY beeswax wraps requires only a few basic ingredients and materials readily available at craft and hardware stores:

100% Cotton Fabric – Choose an undyed, prewashed natural fiber such as cotton or hemp. Lightweight cotton, muslin, and flannel all work well. You’ll need 1/2 yard of fabric.
Beeswax – Look for pure, unprocessed block beeswax. You’ll need approximately 1 ounce per wrap.
Resin – Pine resin helps the wraps remain sticky and sealed. Use 1 teaspoon per wrap.
Jojoba or Coconut Oil – This softens the wraps. Use 1 teaspoon per wrap.
Parchment Paper – To prevent sticking as the wax melts.
Paint Brush – For brushing the wax mixture onto the fabric. A silicon brush works best.
Baking Sheet – Line with parchment to hold the fabric.
Pinking Shears – Cutting tool to prevent frayed edges.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make your own reusable, food-safe DIY beeswax wrap at home:

1. Cut the Fabric into Wrapping Sizes

Wash, dry, and iron your fabric first to pre-shrink it before cutting.
Decide what sizes you want your finished wraps to be. For versatility, cut a range – 7×7 inches, 9×9 inches, 10×12 inches work well.
Use pinking shears to cut the fabric, which will prevent fraying edges.

2. Make the Beeswax Mixture

Break the beeswax into small chunks. Use 1 ounce per wrap.
Add 1 teaspoon each of pine resin and jojoba/coconut oil per wrap.
Melt the ingredients together in a glass jar or tin can placed inside a pot of boiling water.
Stir frequently until smooth and well blended.

3. Apply Beeswax Mixture to Fabric

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Lay your pre-cut fabric pieces flat on the lined baking sheet.
Use a silicon brush to apply the melted beeswax mixture evenly over the surface of the fabric.
Fully saturate the fabric, covering all edges and corners.
Allow it to dry completely.

4. Fold and Seal the Wraps

Once hardened, peel the fabric pieces off the parchment.
Fold them in half and press with your hands to seal the beeswax.
Smooth any creases or wrinkles with your fingers.
Allow to cure for 24 hours before use for maximum seal.
You can overlap two halves for a larger wrap.

And that’s it – you now have reusable,food-safe DIY beeswax wraps to replace plastic wrap! With this simple tutorial, you can make these eco-friendly wraps endlessly.

Tips for Using Beeswax Wraps

Here are some helpful tips for using your homemade reusable wraps:

To Seal: Press the edges together firmly with your fingers until the beeswax adheres. Use your hands to mold and stick it to containers.
To Store: Keep wraps sealed in a container or bag. The wax can melt in heat.
To Clean: Use cool water and mild soap if needed. Avoid hot water to prevent melting.
To Refresh: Re-coat in beeswax mixture every few months when wraps lose stickiness.
In fridge: Wraps form a good seal for storing cut fruits, vegetables, cheeses, etc. Press tightly to edges of bowls and plates.
Freezer: Extra-thick double wrapped pieces can cover food in the freezer. Don’t completely seal air-tight.

With the proper care, your beeswax wraps can be reused for up to a year before needing to be replaced!

The Benefits of Beeswax Wraps

Switching from plastic wrap to reusable DIY beeswax wraps offers many advantages:

Sustainable – Completely eliminates single-use plastics. Beeswax is a natural, renewable resource.

Food-Safe – Beeswax has anti-bacterial properties and wraps are non-toxic. Safe for direct food contact.

Plastic-Free – Provides safe food storage without any chemicals found in plastic wrap.

Versatile – Wraps seal well and conform to shape of food. Use to cover bowls, plates, food containers, etc.

Economical – Very affordable homemade alternative to repeatedly buying plastic wrap. Last for months with proper care.

Waste-Reducing – Reusable many times over, cutting down on waste significantly. Fully compostable when worn out.

Natural – Made from cotton and beeswax, more environmentally-friendly than synthetic materials.

Non-Stick – Beeswax coating lets you wrap smoothly without food sticking or tearing the wrap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about making and using DIY beeswax wraps:

What can I wrap with beeswax wraps?

You can wrap a wide variety of foods, including sandwiches, cheese, fruit, vegetables, bread, crackers, leftovers, and more. Avoid raw meats and very juicy foods.

How do you wrap food tightly with them?

Press down firmly along the edges of the wrap to mold it around the food and adhere the beeswax together. Use your hands to shape it tightly.

Can you wrap hot food in beeswax wraps?

It’s best to let hot foods cool slightly before wrapping so the beeswax doesn’t melt. Wraps can withstand lukewarm and room temperature foods.

How do you clean beeswax wraps?

Use cool water, mild soap if needed, and your hands to gently wash. Avoid hot water that can melt the wax. Let air dry before re-using.

Why use cotton for making the wraps?

Cotton is natural, breathable, compostable, and absorbs the beeswax nicely. It’s durable and can be washed repeatedly without fraying.

Can I use the microwave with a beeswax wrap?

No, you should not microwave food wrapped in beeswax. It can damage the wax or fabric. Unwrap food before microwaving.

How long will homemade beeswax wraps last?

With proper care, homemade beeswax wraps typically last 8-12 months. Refreshing the wax coating every few months extends usage.

What’s the best way to store beeswax wraps?

Keep them layered between sheets of parchment or folded inside a beeswax wrap “tin” to prevent sticking. Don’t let them sit in heat.

Can I reuse beeswax wraps?

Yes! That’s the benefit of beeswax wraps. With care, they can be washed, dried, and reused dozens of times before needing to be replaced.

Creative Ways to Use Beeswax Wraps

Beyond basic food wrapping, here are some creative ways to utilize your DIY beeswax wraps:

Wrap gifts or presents instead of single-use paper and tape.
Cover bowls, jars, cans, and glass to preserve freshness.
Replace plastic baggies for snacks, lunches, and sandwiches on the go.
Protect produce from bruising in lunch boxes or backpacks.
Create headphone or tech wraps for gadgets to travel.
Use as placemats for kids or messy eaters. Easily washable surface.
Cover toiletries like bars of soap to prevent melting or getting wet in the shower.
Line baking pans for easy lift-out and clean-up of cookies, bars, and breads.
Wrap compost scraps to contain smells before tossing in bins.
Protect breakable items while moving, packing, or traveling.

Let your imagination run wild for ways to reduce plastics and incorporate beeswax wraps into daily life! The possibilities are endless.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Having trouble getting your beeswax wraps to work properly? Here are some tips to troubleshoot:

Not Sticking – If the wrap won’t seal or stick to itself, the wax likely needs to be remelted and reapplied. Refresh the wax coating.

Tears Easily – Thin or frayed fabric can lead to tears. Use tightly woven cotton. Patch holes with extra pieces of fabric and wax.

Too Stiff – Adjust wax to oil/resin ratio if wraps are too hard. Add more oil for flexibility.

Won’t Mold to Food – Ensure wraps are fully saturated in wax so they are pliable. Gently warm with hands.

Melts in Heat – Don’t leave wraps touching hot surfaces. Store properly to avoid melting.

Food Sticks – Pre-wrap in parchment first if wrapping especially sticky or moist foods.

Smells Bad – Wash in mild soap and replace if wraps absorb food odors over time.

Discolored – Sun exposure and certain foods can discolor the fabric over time. Aesthetic only – still safe to use.

Make Eco-Friendly Wrapping a Lifestyle

With this comprehensive guide, you have all the knowledge needed to start crafting reusable beeswax wraps for your home. Not only are they inexpensive to make, but this eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap can make a huge difference in reducing waste and chemicals in food storage and preparation.

Getting started with beeswax wraps is easy and fun. Customize yours with different fabrics, patterns, oils, and sizes. Make batches to share with family and friends and spread the plastic-free lifestyle. The more people make small, sustainable switches in their daily habits, the better it is for the health of our planet.