Damon Mcknight
Beeswax wraps are a natural, plastic-free alternative to cling film. They are washable, reusable, and breathable, preventing food from 'sweating' and slowing down mould growth. Making beeswax wraps is an easy, cost-effective way to reduce plastic waste. In Australia, beeswax wraps can be made using 100% natural Australian beeswax, cotton fabric, and, optionally, jojoba oil, coconut oil, olive oil, and gum rosin or pine resin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To reduce plastic waste and provide a natural alternative to cling film |
| Materials | Beeswax, fabric, jojoba oil, coconut oil, natural pine resin, gum rosin, olive oil |
| Fabric type | Cotton |
| Fabric source | Old garments, pillowcases, school uniform fabric, t-shirts, fabric scraps |
| Beeswax source | Local beekeepers, farmers markets, hardware stores, online stores |
| Cost | A few dollars |
| Time | 10 minutes |
| Cleaning | Wash with mild soap and cool water |
| Reusability | Lasts for years |
| Refreshing | Grate and melt additional beeswax over the wrap |
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What You'll Learn
Beeswax wrap kits are available for purchase online
Beeutiful also offers a DIY beeswax wraps kit, which includes everything you need to make your own wraps. You can also find kits on websites such as Biome, which offers a DIY kit that includes beeswax, resin, and jojoba oil to create pliable wraps.
When buying a kit, it's important to consider the quality of the beeswax. Choose 100% natural Australian beeswax that has undergone minimal processing to ensure the quality and longevity of your wraps. You can also opt for ethically sourced beeswax and honey from local, trusted beekeepers.
In addition to buying a kit, you can also purchase the ingredients separately online. Beeswax blocks can be found at hardware stores or online, but make sure to buy pure beeswax without any additives. You can also try to find a local beekeeper to source your wax from. Other ingredients you may need include cotton fabric, jojoba oil, coconut oil, and natural pine resin.
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You can make wraps with an iron, using beeswax and cotton fabric
Beeswax wraps are a great alternative to plastic wrap and can be easily made at home with an iron, beeswax, and cotton fabric. Here's a step-by-step guide to making your own beeswax wraps:
Materials and Preparation:
Firstly, gather your materials. You will need:
- Pure beeswax: Ensure you use 100% natural Australian beeswax that has undergone minimal processing. You can find beeswax blocks or pellets at farmer's markets, local honey stores, hardware stores, or online.
- Cotton fabric: Use 100% woven cotton fabric in the colours and designs of your choice. Pre-wash and cut the fabric to your desired size, adding an extra 5 cm around each side to allow for shrinkage when coated with wax.
Creating the Beeswax Mixture:
There are two main methods for creating the beeswax mixture:
- Grating or melting beeswax over fabric: Grate beeswax over the fabric, using at least half a 30g block per wrap. Alternatively, melt the beeswax and drizzle it evenly over the fabric using a spoon.
- Melting beeswax with resin and oil: Combine beeswax, pine resin, and a small amount of olive oil or jojoba oil in a jar or saucepan over low heat. This method creates a stickier and slightly more challenging wrap to make, but it may be preferred for certain uses.
Applying the Mixture to the Fabric:
Once you have your beeswax mixture, it's time to apply it to the fabric:
- Preheat your oven to 160°C or 350°F.
- Place the fabric on a baking tray lined with baking paper, ensuring the fabric is face down.
- If you grated or melted beeswax directly onto the fabric, place the tray in the oven for 1-2 minutes to melt the wax.
- Remove the tray from the oven and use a basting brush or paintbrush to spread the wax evenly over the fabric, including the edges and corners.
- Return the tray to the oven for another minute to smooth out any bumps or clumps.
- Hang the coated fabric to dry and set. Allow at least 10 minutes before handling, and ensure it is completely dry before use.
Caring for Your Beeswax Wraps:
Beeswax wraps are washable and reusable, making them a sustainable and cost-effective choice. To care for your wraps:
- Wash gently by hand in mild soap and cool water. Avoid hot water, as it will remove the wax.
- Trim any rough edges with scissors to clean up the wraps and prevent fraying.
- If the beeswax loses its tackiness over time, simply melt additional wax onto the wrap to refresh it.
Beeswax wraps are a fun and practical way to reduce plastic waste in your kitchen. With your iron, beeswax, and cotton fabric, you can create reusable wraps that keep your food fresh and sealed. Enjoy crafting your own beeswax wraps and exploring different fabrics and designs!
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Refresh old wraps with a refresher block or beeswax
Refreshing old beeswax wraps is a simple process that can be done in several ways. One method is to use an oven to remelt and redistribute the beeswax. Preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 150° F. Place the beeswax wrap on a baking sheet or tray lined with baking paper. Finely grate some beeswax or a ready-made refresher block onto the wrap. Put the tray into the oven for a short duration, allowing the beeswax to melt and redistribute evenly. Remove the wrap from the oven and let it cool and set. This process will help smooth out any creases and restore the wrap's coating.
Another approach is to use an iron to refresh your beeswax wraps. Set your iron to low heat and place the wrap between sheets of baking or wax paper. Iron over the paper to melt the wax, redistributing it evenly and smoothing out any folds. If desired, you can add extra shredded or beaded beeswax to areas that appear thin or less sticky. Be cautious when using an iron, as direct contact with wax paper may damage it.
Additionally, you can refresh your beeswax wraps by hand washing them with lukewarm water and eco-friendly dish soap. Avoid using hot water, as it may melt the wax. Gently wash the wraps, rinse them, and hang them to air dry. This method helps maintain the wraps and keeps them reusable for a long time.
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Melt the beeswax and spread it evenly over the fabric
To melt the beeswax, you can use an oven, a slow cooker, or a double boiler. If you are using a double boiler, place the beeswax, resin, and oil in a jar or saucepan within another saucepan of water. This method takes a few hours. If you are using an oven, preheat it to 160°C or 350°F. Place the beeswax pellets or grated beeswax on top of the fabric, which should be face down on a baking tray lined with baking paper. You will need at least half a 30g block of beeswax per wrap. Place the tray in the oven for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to ensure only the pellets melt.
Once the beeswax has melted, use a paintbrush to spread the wax evenly over the fabric. Make sure to cover the edges and corners. You can also use a basting brush to achieve a thicker coating. If there are any uneven bumps or clumps, place the tray back into the oven for a minute to melt them out.
After spreading the wax, hang the wrap up with pegs to allow it to set and dry. It should hang for at least 10 minutes before touching. If you prefer, you can leave the wrap lying flat or use a cookie sheet to dry. Once dry, cut the edges with pinking shears to prevent fraying.
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Wash wraps with mild soap and cool water
When it comes to washing beeswax wraps, it is important to remember to always use cool or lukewarm water. Using hot water may melt the surface of the beeswax, damaging the wrap. For a quick clean, wipe the wrap with a damp cloth or sponge and cool water. If the wrap needs a more thorough clean, rinse it with cool water and a mild, eco-friendly soap. Gently scrub the wrap to remove any food residue, then rinse off any remaining soap.
After washing, the beeswax wrap should be allowed to air dry. This can be done by hanging the wrap, draping it over a plate on a dish rack, or laying it flat on a towel. Avoid wringing out the wrap, and ensure it is fully dry before storing it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. By avoiding heat sources and properly caring for your beeswax wraps, they can last for up to two years of reuse.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need beeswax, fabric (100% cotton), and a few drops of jojoba oil. You can also add pine resin to make the wraps stickier.
You can buy blocks of beeswax at hardware stores like Bunnings, or from local beekeepers at farmer's markets.
Grate or melt the beeswax over the fabric, using at least half a 30g block per wrap. Add a few drops of jojoba oil and pine resin if desired. Place in the oven for 1-2 minutes, then use a paintbrush to spread the mixture evenly.
Wash your beeswax wraps with mild soap and cool water. Do not use hot water, as it will rinse away the wax.
Beeswax wraps are versatile and can be used to cover sandwiches, bowls of leftovers, or drinks bottles. They are ideal for picnics, school lunches, or busy kitchens.
