I just love beeswax covers. What a great alternative to disposable, land-filling, single-use cling film! I bought one set which lasted me over 12 months (so you really do get value for money) however, I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t try to ‘DIY’ and write up a recipe now, would I?
I have seen recipes for beeswax covers/wraps that require pine resin and jojoba oil. If you feel like giving these go, go for it. But they do get a little fiddly and while my version isn’tquite as sticky, it still works well.
They makes the perfect ‘green’ kitchen companion and also make a gorgeous gift to give! So, here it is in all its simple, cost-effective and empowering glory.
Note:Make sure you read the ENTIRE recipe before starting, as well as the notes. I have done the hard yards (you should see how much beeswax I had to get off my ironing board, iron and floor!!) so if you prepare yourself properly, you should have 100% success the first time!
Reusable Beeswax Covers
Makes: enough for 1 wrap Prep time: < 10 min.
Ingredients
- tight-weave fabric of choice (approx. 30 x 30 cm)
- 2 tbsp beeswax (approx., plus additional if required)
Extra Equipment Required
- pinking shears
- baking paper – 2 large pieces
- iron
Method
1.Measure fabric and cut using pinking shears – this minimises fraying of edges.
2.Lay down a large sheet of baking paper and place fabric on top. Add beeswax to the centre of the fabric.
3. Place a second sheet of baking paper on top, and iron (on low setting) with gentle pressure, pushing melted wax towards the outer edges.
4. Continue until all of the fabric has been saturated with beeswax.
5. If required, lift paper and sprinkle on more beeswax, and continue ironing.
6. Before removing the baking paper, it is important to make sure the entire piece of fabric is evenly coated with beeswax and still hot.Quickly lift the top piece of baking paper off, then grab two corners of fabric and remove from the bottom sheet of baking paper.
7. Hold up the coated fabric for 5-10 seconds, or until dry.
To Use
Wrap gifts and secure with ribbon or twine. For food use, warm wrap between hands and mould over bowls of leftover food, sandwiches or cut fruit. Avoid using with raw meat, fish and chicken products. Wash in warm, soapy water and hang until completely dry, then store flat, rolled or gently folded, in a cool, dry place.
Recipe Notes
Make sure your baking paper is larger than your fabric square. The amount of beeswax in this recipe should cover fabric approximately 30 x 30 cm in size.
These covers are not watertight or airtight. They are perfect for covering leftovers or pieces of cut fruit and veg.
DO NOT cover raw meat.
What do you do with your beeswax wraps at the end of their lifespan?Properly cared for, these wraps will last 6-12 months. When the beeswax looks like it is starting to flake and crease, you can pop them in the oven on a very low temp (best done on some baking paper), until you see the wax start to soften – usually a few minutes. You could also repeat the recipe process and iron on some beeswax to re-coat. When you feel like it isreally the end, so long as you used natural fabrics (cotton, bamboo, hemp etc.), you can compost them.
Krissy Ballinger
author and passionate advocate for natural living and wellness
Krissy Ballinger is an accomplished author and passionate advocate for natural living and wellness. Her mission is to gently guide individuals towards holistic wellbeing by providing a wealth of resources and services, ranging from natural living guidance and DIY recipes, to healing therapies that nurture the mind, body, spirit and space. She envisions a world where conscious choices are made that honour the self, humanity and the environment.
With her roots in education and health promotion, Krissy continually expands her expertise. Recently, she obtained certifications in Zone Healing Technique and NeurOptimal Neurofeedback (brain training), qualified as a Reiki Healer, and completed an Undergraduate Certificate in Lifestyle Coaching from Endeavour College of Natural Health.
Krissy dedicates her time to managing her wellness room, offering services in Zone and Reiki Healing, Neurofeedback brain training, and Chemical Awareness Consulting. Additionally, she educates individuals about common and avoidable toxins through her various social platforms. Krissy’s books have collectively sold over 100,000 copies, including the award-winning Naturally Inspired – Simple DIY Recipes for Body Care and Cleaning, as well as Make & Play – Natural DIY Recipes for Kids, and The Lifestyle Edit.
4 Comments
Hey krissy! You mentioned to me at the event in Esperance where to get ethical beeswax from. Can you remind me please?
Reply
Hi Carly, I sure can – Northern Light Beeswax. I share all of my ingredient suggestions here > https://krissyballinger.com.au/blog/my-favourite-suppliers-of-natural-ingredients-packaging-accessories/
Reply
Krissy have you ever used your thermo to blitz some chunks of beeswax into more manageable pellet sized bits? I’ve been gifted a 500g block
Reply
I wouldn’t recommend it! It’s very difficult to clean. Best idea, if you can’t access pellets, is to dedicate a hand grater to beeswax. Good luck 🙂
Reply
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