Ruqayyah Snyder
Wax wraps are an excellent alternative to plastic cling wrap and can be used to wrap up cut fruit and vegetables, sandwiches, and bowls. They are also a fun kitchen chemistry activity. In this article, we will be discussing how to make wax wraps in Australia, the benefits of using beeswax, and the best type of beeswax to use. We will also provide a step-by-step guide to making your own wax wraps at home, as well as some tips and tricks for a vegan alternative.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax | Beeswax, Candelilla wax, Carnauba wax |
| Fabric | Cotton squares, Reclaimed school uniform fabric, Old t-shirts |
| Other ingredients | Gum rosin, Pine resin, Jojoba oil, Coconut oil |
| Oven temperature | 150°C-160°C |
| Uses | Sealing food in the fridge, lunchbox, or picnic basket |
| Benefits | Antibacterial, Antifungal, Natural, Reusable, Plastic-free, Airtight |
| Cleaning | Wipe with a damp cloth, Wash with mild detergent in tepid water, Air dry |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right wax
When making wax wraps, the type of wax you choose is important. Firstly, you may want to consider using beeswax, which is a natural substance with antibacterial and antifungal properties, providing protection against contamination. It is also both waterproof and breathable, so it will protect your food without making it 'sweat'. Beeswax also has the advantage of not imparting any flavours onto the food, keeping your food fresher for longer.
If you opt for beeswax, you should choose 100% natural Australian beeswax that has undergone minimal processing to ensure the quality and longevity of your wraps. It is also important to source your beeswax ethically, from local, trusted beekeepers, to ensure that bees are treated with care.
For those wanting a vegan alternative, candelilla wax or carnauba wax can be used as a substitute for beeswax. However, the amount of wax used may take some experimentation, and the wraps may have a slightly oilier feel and leave more residue.
Pine resin is often added to wax wraps to provide stickiness, as without it, the surface of the wrap will be too smooth. The amount of resin added is important, as too much can make the wraps overly sticky.
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Preparing the fabric
To prepare the fabric for your beeswax wraps, start by cutting your thin cotton fabric into your desired size. Remember that when you use your wax wrap, you will be overlapping the fabric, so cut your cotton fabric slightly larger than you think you'll need. A good size for a standard wrap is a square with dimensions of around 20cm by 20cm. If you want to make larger wraps, you can cut your fabric into squares of 14 inches or try a size in between with 10-inch squares.
You can also get creative with the fabric you choose. Opt for colours and designs that appeal to you, or even recycle old clothing items or school uniforms to give them a new purpose.
Once you have your fabric cut to size, you can begin preparing it for the wax application. If you plan to sew your wraps, such as creating snack bags, it is best to sew them before waxing. You can also use pinking shears to cut your fabric, which will help prevent fraying.
Now that your fabric is ready, it's time to move on to the next step of creating your beeswax wraps.
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Melting the wax
Preparation
Before you begin melting the wax, it's important to gather the necessary materials and prepare your workspace. Cut your chosen fabric, such as thin cotton, into the desired size, keeping in mind that you will need to allow for overlap when using the wrap. You can experiment with different shapes, such as squares or circles, depending on your intended use.
Grating or Shaving the Wax
The type of wax you choose is important. Beeswax is a popular choice due to its natural antibacterial properties and minimal impact on food flavour. Ensure you select high-quality ethically sourced beeswax with minimal processing. You can also opt for vegan alternatives like Candelilla or Carnauba wax. Grate or shave the wax into small pieces or use wax beads. This step will make it easier to melt the wax evenly.
Melting Methods
There are two common methods for melting the wax:
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 150-160°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper and place your fabric on top. Sprinkle grated wax evenly over the fabric. Place the tray in the oven, keeping a close eye on it, as wax melts quickly. Remove from the oven when the wax has softened or melted.
- Double Boiler Method: This method involves using a mason jar placed in a saucepan filled with simmering water. Add beeswax, resin, and jojoba oil to the jar and stir occasionally until the ingredients are completely melted. This method is suitable for more complex mixtures and allows for easier adjustment of the recipe.
Application
Once the wax is melted, use a paintbrush to gently brush the melted wax over the entire fabric, quickly coating both sides. Work quickly to prevent the wax from solidifying. You can also drizzle or spread the melted wax mixture over the fabric, ensuring it reaches the edges.
Remember to use a dedicated paintbrush as the wax will stick to the bristles. Alternatively, you can use a spoon or brush specifically designed for wax application.
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Applying the wax
Preparing the Wax Mixture
Before applying the wax to your fabric, you need to prepare the wax mixture. For this, you will require beeswax, which can be in the form of beads or grated from a beeswax block. You will also need gum rosin or pine resin, which gives the wraps their sticky property, and jojoba oil, which makes the wraps more pliable.
Place the beeswax, rosin, and jojoba oil into a mason jar and set that jar into a saucepan filled with about 5 cm of water. Turn the heat to medium so the water simmers and melt the ingredients, stirring occasionally. Resin takes longer to melt than beeswax, so keep the heat medium to high initially.
Line a baking tray with baking paper and place your fabric of choice on top. Once the wax mixture has completely melted, use a spoon to drizzle it evenly over the fabric. You can also use a paintbrush to gently brush the melted wax over the fabric, ensuring you cover the entire surface, including the edges.
Baking the Fabric
Place the tray with the wax-coated fabric into the preheated oven (150-160 degrees Celsius) for about 1-2 minutes. This helps the wax absorb into the fabric. After removing the tray from the oven, be careful not to burn yourself. Gently swing the fabric in the air until it cools down and sets, which only takes a few moments.
Drying and Finalising
Once the fabric has cooled and the wax has set, hang the wrap to dry for at least 10 minutes. After drying, use pinking shears to cut the edges, which will help prevent fraying.
Your wax wrap is now ready to use! You can create multiple wraps by repeating the process with additional pieces of fabric.
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Drying and storing
If you're reusing a wrap that has lost its coating, lay it on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Grate beeswax over the wrap, then place it in the oven to melt the wax. Once the wax has melted, remove the tray from the oven and hang the wrap to dry.
To store your wax wraps, fold them neatly and keep them in a cool, dry place, such as a kitchen drawer. Avoid storing them in warm or hot conditions, as the wax will melt.
To clean your wraps, wipe them down with a damp cloth after each use and allow them to air dry. If necessary, you can also wash them with a mild natural detergent in tepid water. Pat them dry with a clean tea towel and let them air dry.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need wax, fabric, gum rosin, and jojoba oil. For the wax, it is best to use 100% natural Australian beeswax. You can also use Candelilla wax for a vegan option. For the fabric, cut thin cotton into squares of around 20cm by 20cm.
First, grate the wax over the fabric. Place the fabric on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Spread the wax over the fabric and add a few drops of oil. Put the tray in the oven at 150-160°C for 1-2 minutes until the wax softens. Remove the tray from the oven and use a paintbrush to gently brush the melted wax over the entire wrap. Hang the wrap to dry for at least 10 minutes.
Wax wraps are a natural, homemade alternative to plastic cling film. They do not contain PVC or LDPE and have antibacterial properties. They are also waterproof and breathable, keeping food fresh for longer.
To store, fold neatly and keep in a cool, dry place. To clean, wipe the wrap with a damp cloth and allow it to air dry. Do not use warm or hot water as it will melt the wax.
