I’ve been using Beeswax wraps for a few years now. I bought a pack to begin with but then realised I needed different sizes when I discovered more and more uses for them, so I decided to make my own. I have tried a few different methods and this one has to be my fave so far as it’s so simple and least messy for me. This is also works if you’re trying to re-fresh and re-wax your used wraps too.
You’ll need:
- Beeswax – you can befriend a bee keeper or purchase a special refresher block which has added jojoba and tree resin to improve the wraps stretch and stickiness
- Cheese grater / sharp knife – pick up a second hand grater from a charity shop or make sure you clean your cheese grater thoroughly after use – (there plenty of advice online how to do this safely)
- Fabric scraps of 100% cotton, I used an old clean bedsheet, but old t-shirts, Pj’s etc will work too.
- An iron & Ironing board
- A Baking Sheet
- Baking paper
Method:
- Cut your fabric to sizes you think you’ll get most use from – smaller for wrapping cut veg or cheese, bigger for wrapping bread or large bowls
- I worked on a large metal baking sheet on top of my ironing board to contain any escaped wax which I lined with baking paper and then placed my cotton sheet on top.
- Cut chunks and sprinkle or grate the beeswax over your fabric. I just do this by eye in an even layer or if refreshing an old wrap just add to spots that have worn.
- Cover your fabric with another sheet of parchment and apply dry iron on medium heat ( no steam!) until all of the wax is melted. You can see through the paper when it’s melted enough and where there might be gaps.
- Peel the baking paper off, if there are gaps of non-waxed areas or a build up in other areas just add some more wax and/or heat. When you’re happy there’s enough coverage ( wax should be evenly distributed all over the cloth), peel off the parchment paper and wave the wrap in the air in celebration which also helps dry it out.