Make Your Own Beeswax Food Wraps

Beeswax food wraps are a great, natural alternative to single-use plastic wrap. The beeswax coating creates a non-toxic seal and also has natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties to help keep food fresh longer. These reusable wraps can be easily cleaned with mild soap and cool to lukewarm water and can last for years and years. I purchased my first one a few years ago and have been wanting to try making my own ever since. If you are looking to make some sustainable swaps in your home, this project is so easy to do yourself! 

The benefit of making your own is that you get to choose the color/pattern, shape (square, rectangle or circle) and exact size. I ordered this adorable daisy print designed by my friend Kiley Bennett in 100% quilting cotton. I am making covers to fit all of my most used bowls and bakeware, along with some smaller sizes to cover a mason jar or half an avocado. If you are looking to make a basic starter set, I would recommend making squares in the following sizes: small - 8”, medium - 11”, large - 13”.

Supplies you’ll need

100% cotton fabric

Pinking shears (prevent fraying)

Beeswax pastilles

Baking sheet

Parchment paper

Basting brush 

Clotheline or string you can hang them from to dry

Instructions

Step 1:

After washing and drying your cotton fabric, use the pinking shears to cut to the desired shape and size. 

Step 2:

Preheat your oven to 200°F and prep your baking sheet by lining with parchment paper.

Step 3:

Place your cut fabric onto the lined baking sheet and sprinkle evenly with beeswax pastilles.

Step 4:

Place your baking sheet in the oven for 5 minutes, until the beeswax has melted and completely soaked the fabric. Remove and quickly use the brush to spread the melted beeswax, making sure the edges have good coverage.

Step 5:

Hang to dry then they are ready to use!

Care & Cleaning

To clean your beeswax food wraps, wash with mild soap and cool to lukewarm water, as hot water will melt the beeswax. I let mine dry completely, then fold them to store. If after a few years of use, your beeswax wraps are no longer sticking as well, they are very easy to refresh! Just repeat the process above and they will be as good as new! These DIY beeswax wraps will last you for years and save so much plastic from going in the trash. Because they are made from 100% natural materials, they are also completely biodegradable. So if they do become thin or torn from years of heavy use, you can compost them!

Note: If you want a more professional finish, you can also add jojoba oil or pine resin to make the beeswax more pliable. I went with the simple beeswax-only version and that works just fine too.