DIY Beeswax Wraps
A couple of years ago, I found myself staring at another empty roll of plastic wrap and thinking, “There has to be a better way.” I had just started making more of my own herbal products, and learned more about being more resourceful when it comes to reusing things.
Zero waste was so intriguing to me so I began to look into it more. Then, I decided to try making DIY beeswax wraps, and honestly was so impressed by how they turned out, I had to share!
These homemade food wraps are surprisingly easy to make, endlessly reusable, and a sweet little step toward a more intentional, less wasteful kitchen.
Why Beeswax Wraps?
Beeswax wraps are an earth-friendly swap for plastic wrap, great for covering bowls, wrapping sandwiches, or storing snacks on the go. Here’s what I love about them:
- Natural & Safe: No chemicals or plastics near your food! Such a win for me and my family.
- Reusable: Just rinse with cool water and mild soap, and use again, and again and again!
- Customizable: Make them in any size or pattern to fit your needs and style. I loved how each one mine turned out!
- Compostable: Once they’re worn out, they break down naturally.
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DIY Beeswax Wraps Recipe
This recipe will make however much you want it to make!
Ingredients
- beeswax
- 100% cotton fabric
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Baking sheet
- Pinking shears for fabric
Instructions
Wash, dry, and cut fabric into desired sizes. A 10×10 inch square is great for sandwiches, and smaller ones work well for covering jars.
Set oven to 220°F.
Place fabric on your baking sheet. Sprinkle evenly with beeswax. Be generous but not too thick, a light, even coat is best.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until beeswax is melted. Add more wax to corners if needed and re-melt.
Use tongs or a fork to lift the fabric off the sheet. Hold it for a few seconds to let it firm up slightly, then place it on a cooling rack to dry completely.
Notes
- I got my fabric from the discount pile at my local Hobby Lobby. You don’t need much!
- If you don’t want to cut your own, Amazon has precut packs in cute patterns.
- You can also add a little jojoba oil or pine resin to your wax blend for added flexibility and stickiness, but it’s totally optional.
- These make great DIY gifts. Tie a few together with twine and add a handwritten tag for a homemade, useful present.
9 Ways to Use DIY Beeswax Wraps
Once you have a few beeswax wraps on hand, you’ll be amazed by how many little ways they come in handy around the kitchen (and even beyond).
Here are some of my favorite ways to use them:
- Cover bowls or leftovers: Perfect for covering rising dough, leftover soup, or a bowl of chopped veggies. Just press the wrap around the rim to create a seal.
- Wrap sandwiches for lunchboxes: A gentle, reusable alternative to plastic bags. My kids love unwrapping their sandwiches like little gifts.
- Keep cut fruits and veggies fresh: Wrap up a half-used apple, avocado, lemon, or cucumber to keep them from drying out.
- Wrap blocks of cheese: Beeswax wraps breathe a little, which helps cheese stay fresh without getting slimy.
- Create snack pouches: Fold a wrap into a little pocket and fill it with crackers, nuts, or dried fruit for an easy on-the-go snack.
- Cover jars without lids: Lost a jar lid? Just press a beeswax wrap over the top and it’ll do the job beautifully.
- Keep baked goods soft: Use a larger wrap to store muffins, scones, or bread to keep them fresh on the counter.
- Line the fridge drawer: Lay a wrap at the bottom of your veggie drawer to absorb moisture and keep things clean.
- Cover kombucha or sourdough starter jars: They allow a little airflow while still keeping dust and bugs out.
Beeswax Wraps
Materials
- beeswax
- 100% cotton fabric
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Baking sheet
- Pinking shears for fabric
Instructions
- Wash, dry, and cut fabric into desired sizes. A 10x10 inch square is great for sandwiches, and smaller ones work well for covering jars.
- Set oven to 220°F.
- Place fabric on your baking sheet. Sprinkle evenly with beeswax. Be generous but not too thick, a light, even coat is best.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until beeswax is melted. Add more wax to corners if needed and re-melt.
- Use tongs or a fork to lift the fabric off the sheet. Hold it for a few seconds to let it firm up slightly, then place it on a cooling rack to dry completely.
Notes
- I got my fabric from the discount pile at my local Hobby Lobby. You don't need much!
- If you don’t want to cut your own, Amazon has precut packs in cute patterns.
- You can also add a little jojoba oil or pine resin to your wax blend for added flexibility and stickiness, but it’s totally optional.
- These make great DIY gifts. Tie a few together with twine and add a handwritten tag for a homemade, useful present.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about making something you’ll use every day, and even more so when it helps reduce waste and brings a little beauty into your kitchen.
These beeswax wraps are such a simple, rewarding project for beginners and seasoned DIYers alike.
Let me know if you try this project, I’d love to hear what patterns you picked or how you like how they turned out!
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