How to Properly Care for Beeswax Wraps

What are Beeswax Wraps?

Beeswax Wraps are an eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap for food storage. They are made with cotton material, beeswax, tree resin, coconut oil and jojoba oil. These wraps are washable and reusable. The beeswax blend allows the wrap to stick over a dish or over a food item. Some high quality beeswax wraps, like Meli Wraps, can even be folded into an envelope for snacks. Beeswax food wraps are perfect for covering half avocados, cheese, half a lemon, herbs or greens, a sandwich, or leftovers. If you have a large dish or food item to cover, you can even stick two wraps together! If you use small wraps often you can always use scissors to cut a larger wrap in half, so you have 2 smaller wraps!

How Long Do Beeswax Wraps Last?

Depending on how they are made, and the quality of materials used beeswax food wraps may last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years! (Think about how much plastic wrap you will save from going into our landfills!) The difference in life span depends on the quality of the materials used when making the beeswax wraps. Meli Wraps Beeswax Wraps are made with the highest quality materials we could find; certified organic cotton (in a variety of original prints!), pure Hawaiian beeswax, organic oils, and natural plant oils. Choosing the best possible wrap at the start of your plastic-free journey can make a huge difference in how you can use them, how long they last, and whether you can compost them at the end of their life. Meli Wraps Beeswax Wraps last up to two years or 150+ washes.

How Do You Wash or Clean Beeswax Wraps?

Washing beeswax wraps is simple! Wash the wrap with dish soap and a sponge under cool running water. The beeswax infused cotton is waterproof and easy to wipe clean. Lay the wrap over a dish rack to dry. Avoid hot water or other heat sources like the dishwasher or microwave as this will melt the wax and ruin the wrap. Please don’t use beeswax wraps to cover hot food or dishes, let the food cool before using wraps to cover. Remember to teach the other members of your household how to wash them and remind them not to throw them away! 

Where Should You Store Beeswax Wraps?

After your wrap is dry simply fold or roll it up and store it in a drawer or cabinet that’s easy to access. Another great way to store them is to roll them up and place them in a jar on the counter so you will remember to use them! This storage option gives your countertop a bright pop of color and really helps remind you to use your wraps! Remember to store your beeswax wraps away from heat, including direct sunlight. 

How Can You Refresh Beeswax Wraps?

If you’re willing to take some time, you can refresh your beeswax wraps when they are near the end of their life. The best way to do this is to find some high quality beeswax and grate it onto your wrap using a cheese grater. Evenly spread the grated beeswax on the wrap. Place the wrap between two pieces of parchment paper and iron to melt the wax back onto the fabric.  If this sounds like too much work, you can replace them instead from meliwraps.com. We even offer a roll so you can customize your sizes!

When Should You Replace Beeswax Wraps?

When your beeswax wrap can no longer stick to itself or other things, it’s time to replace them. You will know a wrap is at the end of its life when it begins to look a bit like a cotton rag with some wax on it. At this point you can either refresh your wrap (see above for how!) or you can compost it as long as it’s made with all natural materials. Be sure to choose wraps that are made with certified organic cotton and all natural ingredients so you can safely compost your old wraps. If you prefer to repurpose your wrap, you can use old wraps as fire starters! Just cut it into strips and use them to light fires, the beeswax and cotton burn cleanly and stay lit long enough to get your kindling going.

Beeswax Wraps, The Healthy Alternative

Beeswax food wraps like Meli Wraps Beeswax Wraps are healthy, safe, and planet-friendly alternatives to plastic wrap, plastic bags, and plastic containers. Beeswax wraps can last up to 2 years and are easy to clean and reuse. When you’ve used them up, they can be refreshed, composted, or even repurposed. These colorful, fun wraps can help you develop healthy habits for you, your family, and future generations!