Learn how to use beeswax wraps to replace plastic wrap. Beeswax wraps are a healthy and easy replacement for plastic food wraps. They are fun to use with their pretty aesthetic and designs!
Are you interested in learning how to use beeswax wraps to replace plastic wrap?
Beeswax wraps have a variety of uses and purposes. There are so many fun and interesting ways to use beeswax wraps to replace plastic wrap.
Pretty much anything you would wrap or store in plastic bags can be covered or wrapped in a beeswax wrap.
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Some common uses are to cover bowls of leftover food, various food items, half a piece of fresh fruit or vegetable, wrap a sandwich in, etc. (we will go into more detail on uses in a little bit).
Why should you use beeswax wraps to replace plastic wrap?
There is so much plastic waste going on in the United States and around the world in general. We use plastic water bottles, plastic food storage containers, plastic bags and so much more!
When you use beeswax wraps to replace plastic wrap, you are eliminating harmful toxins from your food and house. The more ways we can reduce waste and provide a healthier environment for our bodies the better! These are much safer and healthier than common sandwich bags and plastic containers.
Beeswax wraps come in a variety of colorful prints and different sizes. A common size is the small round (or square) wraps that can be used to cover your jar of sourdough starter. Another common favorite is the large (about 14×14 inches). The large size works well for covering larger items like half a cabbage head, a loaf of bread, pie dish, glass containers, a large bowl, and much more.
Proper care for your beeswax wraps:
Overall, beeswax wraps are reusable, easy to use and will have a long life if you use gentle care and cleaning methods.
Beeswax wraps should be washed by hand.
It is recommended to wash lightly with a small amount of mild dish soap and cool or water. With a brush or cloth, gently scrub to remove any access food. (Avoid hot water – it will soften the oils and beeswax which is something you don’t want to do!)
After you are done cleaning it, hang on a drying rack, hanger, or even over a chair to allow it to dry. Do not put your reusable beeswax wraps in the washing machine.
Things to use your beeswax wraps for:
- bowls of leftovers
- homemade bread
- fresh foods
- sandwhiches
- sourdough starter
- and much more!
If you are struggling and unsure of where and how to start using reusable food wraps, then here are some of my personal favorite ways:
I love covering my jar of sourdough starter with a small wrap. Check out my round sourdough jar beeswax wrap cover here. My bowl of sourdough bread dough also gets covered with a wrap when it’s in the fermentation/rising phase. Here is the link for one of my best sellers!
I will also wrap my leftover raw vegetables in a wrap, like a zucchini half, cucumber etc. Sandwiches are also great in a wrap for school lunches or hubby’s lunch box.
How are Beeswax wraps made?
Beeswax wraps are made with non-toxic ingredients, by melting together a mixture containing beeswax, pine resin (resin from trees), and jojoba oil. Parchment paper is placed on a baking tray and the fabric piece laid on top of that. Then (using a paint brush) the beeswax mixture is spread evenly over the fabric of your choice (cotton fabrics are preferred). Next the pan is placed in a hot oven briefly. After a couple minutes it is removed from the oven and immediately hung to dry.
Organic beeswax is recommended but not necessary.
This is an easy DIY project to do with friends, a sister, or grandparent! If doing this with children be sure to follow safety precautions when working with a hot stove and hot beeswax mixture.
If you are making your own, I suggest researching the complete steps for the process.
Purchase your DIY beeswax mixture here.
Where to purchase your own reusable beeswax food wraps:
Beeswax wraps can be purchased at common online retailers, community craft shows, farmers markets, small businesses, Etsy shops and more. You can even make your own wraps as a fun DIY project.
Head over to my shop to select your favorite wrap for your own use!
Final tips:
The warmth of your hands will help the wrap to mold and form around the item you are covering to ensure a tight seal. The wraps are usually a little stiff at first and need to be “broken in” and handled. After several uses they will become more flexible. You can take the wrap and ball it up in your fist, then open adn spread it out again. This can help make it more workable.
Another tip is to use a rubber band to hold the wrap to the bowl or dish you are covering.
I hope that these tips will help you in your transition from conventional plastic wraps to a sustainable healthy, non-toxic alternative option like beeswax wraps.
Before you know it, your experience with them will be fun and have become a normal part of your kitchen routine!
Yes, they can be hand washed.
Do not wash beeswax wraps in a washing machine. They should be washed by hand under cool water.
No, do not wash beeswax wraps in hot water. If you do, the oil and beeswax mixture will melt.
Yes, they can be used over and over. Most beeswax wraps will remain in your kitchen and serve you several years.
Yes it can.
They can be rolled up, folded or laid flat. They are very easy to store and use.
If you are looking for beeswax bread bags then click here to pick one out!
What are beeswax bread bags?
Beeswax bread bags are very similar to beeswax wraps, with a few slight differences.
Bread bags have a drawstring closure making them very easy to use and slide your loaf of bread into.
They are made in a very similar way to beeswax wraps except there is the absence of pine resin in beeswax bread bags.
You can also store a variety of other items in the bread bags like produce, bagels, muffins, herbs and more!
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A little about me!
Hi! I’m Rebecca, wife and mother and I love homemaking and cooking on a daily basis.
Baking healthy desserts and cooking nutritious filled foods is a passion that I have and that is reflected in the recipes I post here!
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