Have you seen those beeswax wraps for leftover food storage? They are used as an alternative to plastic wrap for storing leftover food. These kitchen pantry staples come in various sizes and come with a hefty price tag, considering how inexpensive they are to make yourself.
We’ve been using them for years in my household, but I purchased my first set. I didn’t realize how easy and inexpensive it would be to make my own. I’ve since made many sets for homemade gifts through the years. It’s fun to play with different patterns for different seasons throughout the year.
I developed my method by testing other methods online. The best combination of ingredients includes pine resin and jojoba oil. The addition of pine resin and jojoba oil is what makes the wraps sticky for the cling to hold. Plain beeswax wraps tend to not last as long, crack easier and not stick as well.
How to Make Beeswax Food Storage Wraps
Supplies
1.5 yards of 100 percent cotton fabric – Organic cotton is my go-to choice, but non-organic 100 percent non-organic cotton works just fine as well – it’s up to you. Consider checking your local “Buy Nothing” Facebook page for cotton fabric scraps or check for options at your area thrift shops.\
1 cup beeswax -We use organic beeswax pellets. They are easy to measure and I use them for making beeswax candles and beeswax salves and balms as well, so we always have some on hand.
2 tbsp. organic jojoba oil
6 tbsp. food-grade pine rosin
Scissors/Pinking Shears – Regular scissors work as well but pinking sheers reduce fraying on the edges of your fabric. If you use regular scissors, you can cut away any fraying thread from the fabric after they’ve been waxed.
A full-sized baking sheet
Double boiler set up or saucepan with a heat-safe dish or measuring cup for melting wax (a set that you’ll dedicate to crafts after this project)
A wooden skewer or other utensil to stir the melting wax
Paint brush – For brushing the wax on the cotton fabric. Use a brand new one and reserve it for making these wraps in the future.
Parchment paper or foil
Directions
Cut your fabric to the sizes and shapes you desire. We make a variety of sizes so that we have wraps that fit our large storage containers as well as smaller ones for fruits and vegetables. Cut enough to fit on a full-sized baking sheet, as that’s how much wax you’ll have made to cover the cotton.
Wash and dry the fabric.
Using a double boiler, over medium/high heat, warm your beeswax, jojoba oil and pine rosin until it’s liquid. This will take 20+ minutes. Stir often.
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Heat the oven to 300°F.
Lay the cut fabric onto a lined baking sheet and brush the melted wax in a thin layer onto one side of the cotton fabric. Try not to saturate any one spot too much. Once your fabric is coated and the baking sheet is full, place the baking sheet into the oven for 3 minutes, until the fabric looks wet. We are doing this step so that you can evenly brush the wax on all parts of the fabric since it hardens quickly as you brush it on the fabric. Flip the fabric over, brush any bare spots with the wax mixture and bake for an additional 2 minutes.
Remove the waxed fabric from the baking sheet and allow it to cool in the air while holding it. It will harden quickly.
That’s it!
How Long Will Beeswax Wraps Last?
The life of the wrap will depend on how often it’s used. Once it begins to lose its wrapping ability or if the wax wears off, it’s time to make more. Generally, you’ll be able to use the wraps for six-plus months before making more or re-waxing them.
How Do You Use Beeswax Wraps?
Just apply the size needed to cover your dish and use the warmth of your hands to press the wrap around the container to create a seal. The wax wrap sticks to itself and the container you’re using for food storage.
It’s safe to touch the wraps directly on the food you’re storing as well, such as cheese, a sandwich or leftover fruits and vegetables.
Never put the wrap in the microwave or over hot food as it would cause the wax to melt.
It is not recommended to use the beeswax wraps for storing raw meat.
How to wash and store beeswax food storage wraps
Wash with a soft sponge or cloth (not abrasive) and cool, soapy water. You do not want to use really hot water as it could melt the wax. Allow the beeswax wraps to fully air dry before storing.
You can store the cleaned and dried wraps in a bag or in a drawer. Just remember to keep them away from heat sources and direct sunlight so they do not melt.
Beeswax Food Storage Notes:
It’s recommended to line your entire workspace with paper as the wax mixture can become very sticky because of the pine rosin. Wear an apron to avoid ruining your clothing.
If you have any wax left over, you can save it and reheat it for future use. For more healthy home project ideas, check out Small-Scale Homesteading by Stephanie Thurow and Michelle Bruhn.
This article about making beeswax food storage wraps was written for Hobby Farms magazine. Click here to subscribe.
