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How to make beeswax wraps (D.I.Y. reusable food wraps)

Beeswax wraps on a sandwich, apple and bowl.

Overview

If you’re looking to reduce your plastic waste, beeswax wraps are a handy addition to the pantry. You can use (and reuse) them to wrap a sandwich for a work lunch or a picnic, or to cover a bowl of leftovers. Making them yourself is easy and more cost-effective than buying them. It’s also a great way to use up leftover scraps of fabric (100 percent cotton only) from other projects, as well. To look after the wraps, simply wash them with mild soap and cool water – don’t use hot water, which will rinse away the wax.

Tools and materials

Materials

  • 100% cotton fabric
  • Beeswax
  • Jojoba or coconut oil

Steps

1Measure and cut the fabric

Measure and cut the fabric into a variety of sizes (common dimensions are 17cm x 17cm, 25cm x 30cm and 34cm x 34cm).
Green Bunnings hammer
Tip: Add an extra 5cm around each side to allow for the fabric shrinking with the wax.
A pair of scissors, beeswax, fabric, jojoba oil, and a hand grater on a table.

2Grate the beeswax

Preheat oven to 160ºC. Grate the beeswax over the fabric – you will need at least half a 30g block per wrap.
A hand grating a block of beeswax over a rectangle of patterned fabric.

3Spread the wax over the fabric

Line a baking tray with baking paper and lay the fabric on top. Spread the grated wax over the fabric and then add a few drops of jojoba or coconut oil (this is optional, but it makes the wraps more malleable).

4Melt wax and brush over the wrap

Place in the oven until the wax softens – keep an eye on the wraps, as the wax melts quickly. Remove from the oven and use the paintbrush to gently brush the melted wax over the entire wrap, quickly flipping the fabric over to brush the wax on the underside, as well.
Green Bunnings hammer
Tip: The melted wax will stick to the fibres on your paintbrush, so use one you’re happy to discard or keep for the next time you make more wraps.

5Dry and cut the wax

Hang to dry and set for at least 10 minutes before touching. Once dry, cut the edge with pinking shears to help prevent fraying.

6Looking for more environmentally friendly ideas?

Check out our composting advice and reduce your waste even further.

 

Photo Credit: Cath Muscat

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.