If you’re trying to reduce your use of single-use plastics, beeswax wraps are hard to recommend. I’ve been using beeswax wraps for about 6 weeks now and my first reaction was “Why haven’t I used this before!?’
What are beeswax wraps?
Beeswax wraps are cotton sheets infused with beeswax to create reusable food wraps. A beautiful and colorful alternative to using single-use plastic or plastic Tupperware to store food.
When cotton is impregnated with beeswax, the wrap becomes sticky and moldable, so it can be used in the same way as cling film. To preserve food, wrap it around food or use it as an airtight cover over dishes.
It’s durable and strong, so it won’t tear like cling film. Because plastic wrap is sticky, you can stick pieces together to create a sticker, similar to folding aluminum foil.
What I want to emphasize is the fact that it is “sticky” but not greasy. It sticks together to create a perfect airtight seal, but doesn’t leave any sticky residue on your hands, food, or utensils.
Why use beeswax wraps?
Beeswax wrap is a great alternative to cling film and plastic Tupperware for a variety of reasons:
- It’s so beautiful! My fridge has never looked so colorful with food covered in such gorgeous wrap.
- You can reduce the amount of single-use plastic sent to landfills.
- Creates an airtight seal around your food so it lasts longer and creates less food waste
- There’s no need to use plastic picnic lunch boxes or lunch bags. It’s fine when you’re packing a sandwich, but it takes up unnecessary space after you’ve eaten your lunch. With beeswax wrap, all you have to do is fold it up.
- Beeswax wraps last about a year, so you might actually save money if you use them
- It sticks better than cling film! (Is anyone really annoyed by adhesive films that aren’t very sticky!)
- Kids love to put it in their lunchboxes
- I love putting it in my lunchbox!
- Perfect for covering leftovers. I used to store leftovers in plastic tubs in the fridge, but that just meant more washing up. Now all you have to do is cover the dish with the food in it.
- Easy to clean and keep clean using just cold water and a little detergent.
Beeswax Fabric Wraps review
All of my beeswax wraps are from Beeswax Fabric Wraps, a local lady based in Anglesey, North Wales. I love her design and her wraps are really sticky! I especially like the sandwich wraps. It has a button and laces so you can fold it up neatly and stay closed all day long. To be honest, it doesn’t actually come undone, but it’s held together neatly with string and cute buttons, so it looks super cute!
I like to support local businesses whenever possible. Sally is very nice and looks like she is passionate about her amazing products. She even managed to wear a wrap on this year’s I’m a Celebrity, and you might even see contestants using her wraps for food!
She also has some DIY kits for making your own beeswax wraps, one of which I’m really looking forward to. (If Alba isn’t around, you’ll just have to wait a few hours!)
How to clean beeswax wraps
Beeswax wraps are very easy to clean. Wipe with a damp cloth or sponge using cold water and a mild detergent.
To be honest, when I wash it I wash it right away in regular warm water and it’s fine, but it’s important not to use hot water as it can melt the wax.
What to do if your wrap loses its stickiness
Several people messaged me on Instagram saying they liked the idea of reusable wrap, but noticed that it loses its stickiness quickly. I didn’t find this at all in my lap. They are still very sticky.
If I just put something dry inside the plastic wrap, like a biscuit or a sandwich, I don’t scrub them clean. Simply rinse or brush away crumbs. The only time I clean it properly is when I use it to hide things like dinner leftovers or smelly cheese.
However, if your plastic wrap starts to lose its stickiness, simply place it in a low-temperature oven to remelt the wax and your plastic wrap will be usable again. Be sure to place the plastic wrap on greaseproof paper and place it on the baking tray and watch carefully as the wax melts.
Sally from Beeswax Fabric Wraps has more information about refreshing beeswax wraps here.
Read more about my ideas and blog posts on reducing single-use plastics.
A month without plastic: how did we survive?
How to reduce plastic use while traveling
Simple and sustainable ways to help the environment and your wallet
Get started with natural beauty products and homemade facial oils
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