Glossary
A step-by-step guide to creating reusable food wraps from cotton fabric infused with a mixture of beeswax, pine resin, and jojoba oil. Beeswax wraps are a sustainable, plastic-free alternative to cling wrap that can be used, washed, and reused for up to a year.
The standard beeswax wrap formula uses three ingredients: beeswax (for adhesion and water resistance), pine resin or tree rosin (for tackiness, this is what makes the wrap cling to bowls and food), and jojoba oil (for flexibility, preventing the wrap from becoming too stiff). The ratio is approximately 1 part wax, 1 part resin, and a few drops of jojoba oil per wrap.
Without pine resin, the wraps will not stick to themselves or to bowl edges. This is the most commonly missed ingredient in DIY attempts. Food-grade pine resin (also called colophony or rosin) is available from craft suppliers and beekeeping suppliers.
Cut cotton fabric (natural fiber, not synthetic) to desired sizes. Place fabric on parchment-lined baking sheet. Grate or sprinkle the beeswax-resin mixture evenly across the fabric. Place in a 185-degree Fahrenheit oven for 3-5 minutes until the mixture melts and saturates the fabric.
Remove from oven, lift the fabric with tongs, and wave in the air for 10-15 seconds until the coating sets. The finished wrap should feel slightly tacky (the resin) and pliable (the jojoba oil). If too stiff, add more oil. If not sticky enough, add more resin.
With proper care (washing in cool water with mild soap, air drying), beeswax wraps last 6-12 months of regular use. When the coating wears thin, you can refresh the wrap by adding more wax mixture and reheating.
Beeswax wraps are excellent for cheese, bread, fruits, vegetables, and covering bowls. Avoid wrapping raw meat, raw fish, or hot foods. The wraps mold to container shapes using the warmth of your hands and the tackiness of the resin.
Yes. Wash in cool water with a mild dish soap. Never use hot water, which melts the wax. Air dry. Do not put in a dishwasher, microwave, or oven (after initial creation). Some people add a few drops of tea tree oil to the wash water for antimicrobial benefit.
Keep Learning
Browse hundreds of terms covering honey, beekeeping, and natural skincare.