DIY Home — April 27, 2020

Beeswax Cloth Wraps

DIY Home — April 27, 2020

Beeswax Cloth Wraps

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It seems that 2020 has given me a clearer view of what I can do to lower my own footprint. Plastic use in the grocery store is not always avoidable, but there are things I can do at home to make a difference. If you are interested in reducing the use of plastic and waste, one simple way is to start in your own home! I have been working to create a plastic-free kitchen, and a step I am taking this year is to replace my plastic wrap with some yummy-smelling DIY beeswax wrap.

Bee the change you want to see

I was reminded of these old-fashioned goodies when I visited my urban homestead store here in Portland. They were selling these wax-covered cloths for $8 a pop, and I knew this was a perfect DIY project. All you need is organic beeswax that you can grate or get in pellets and some cotton scraps. I picked up my cotton cloth in the quilter’s bin of pre-cut fat quarters. They were only a few dollars each. So for less than a latte, I have these pretty plastic wrap replacements!

I am loving this DIY beeswax wrap for my cheese and sandwiches and have made several for my favorite metal bowls that often go into the fridge. To form the wrap around the bowl, let the warmth of your hands soften the wax. You can also make bands from strips of elastic or tie your square bundles with twine. For cleaning, remember to not wash in the dishwasher, but use lukewarm water and some organic soap between uses. Check out my step-by-step tutorial below!

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Tools

Pinking Shears
Oven
Baking Sheets

Materials

Cotton Quilting Fabric — Herb Garden Navy, Amalfi Waves Coral, and Sienna Pebbles Stone
Beeswax Pellets
Baking Paper
Elastic (optional)

How to Make DIY Beeswax Wrap

Gather your craft tools and materials. Then download the full tutorial below.
Mark circles onto fabric larger than your bowls by using plates or round pizza pans as your templates.
Cut rounds and squares from your fabric with pinking shears to keep edges from fraying.
Cover baking pans with baking paper (not wax paper) or foil.

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Discussion

Ask Lia or the community!

100 Comments

Jo January 3, 2023 at 7:40pm

i can download the pattern

Reply
1. Lia January 4, 2023 at 9:36am
  
  @Jo
  
  Hi Jo. There isn’t a pattern for this project, just a tutorial and instructions.
  
  Reply
Angela May 16, 2020 at 8:41pm

I tried it but my cloth got so white after cool, and when i tried to wrap someting with it it wont hokd it. What im doing wrong?

Reply
1. Lia May 20, 2020 at 9:18am
  
  @Angela
  
  It could be the brand of beeswax you’re using. Make sure it’s fresh and melted completely before cooling.
  
  Reply
Jody August 23, 2018 at 7:03pm

Love this idea – I want to do this with kids for an activity. Do you think in can melt the wax in a crock pot and then let the kids dip a paint brush in and spread it on the fabric?

Reply
1. Lia August 24, 2018 at 8:59am
  
  @Jody
  
  Hi Jody! I haven’t tried anything like this, but from my experience beeswax hardens pretty quickly and don’t know if it would work to melt in a crock pot.
  
  Reply
Carla June 12, 2018 at 4:42pm

How do you let the beeswax cool without leaving it on the tray? I read that it cools quickly and if you leave it on the tray too long it is hard to remove.

Reply
1. Lia June 13, 2018 at 1:36pm
  
  @Carla
  
  I didn’t have trouble removing it from the foil-lined pan after it cooled. If the fabric is too thin, some of the wax may seep through and make it more difficult.
  
  Reply
Crystal May 27, 2018 at 8:29am

Mine didn’t come out very sticky…. I don’t know how they will work.

Reply
1. Lia May 29, 2018 at 10:37am
  
  @Crystal
  
  Try adding a bit more wax and reheating!
  
  Reply
Queenlm January 7, 2018 at 4:08pm

My beeswax wrap got soaked in water too long and now the wax is all flaky. Can it be saved?

Reply
1. Lia January 8, 2018 at 8:39am
  
  @Queenlm
  
  You could try to re-melt the wax by warming it up in the oven. Some brands of beeswax are more forgiving and last longer than others!
  
  Reply
Jess October 5, 2017 at 4:44am

I love this idea and was wondering if adding a couple drops of Melaluca (tee tree) essential oil would help even more to prevent bacteria issues. Has anyone tried it?

Reply
1. Lia October 5, 2017 at 2:50pm
  
  @Jess
  
  Great suggestion! We haven’t tried that but would love to know if others have.
  
  Reply
Sara July 4, 2017 at 3:13pm

Does this work kind of like glad’s press and seal?

Reply
1. Lia July 5, 2017 at 4:24pm
  
  @Sara
  
  Hi Sara, it’s not as tacky as that product.
  
  Reply
Katie June 19, 2017 at 8:51pm

Any experience using these in the freezer or something like some bread or any non meat product? Fruit maybe?

Reply
1. Lia June 20, 2017 at 8:13am
  
  @Katie
  
  No, I haven’t tried them in the freezer. Let us know if you try it!
  
  Reply
Julie May 26, 2017 at 6:46pm

Hi Lia.. I’ve tried making a few wraps but the colour seems to run on most of them? Any suggestions why? cheers, Juli

Reply
1. Lia May 30, 2017 at 12:03pm
  
  @Julie
  
  Hmm it’s likely the fabric. You could try washing it a few times then testing a small part, or try a different blend of cotton.
  
  Reply
sheena April 28, 2017 at 11:40am

Hello i love this idea and i’m planning on making them but i have seen some that use tree resin with the bees wax. do you know if that makes a difference or not? will it make it stickier? have you tried it before?
i’m just not sure if i should use just bees wax or if i should try and find tree resin as well.
thank you
Sheena Lange

Reply
1. Lia April 28, 2017 at 1:22pm
  
  @sheena
  
  I don’t have any experience using tree resin so I’m not sure how this would work. Please let us know if you end up trying it!
  
  Reply
2. michelle July 8, 2017 at 5:04am
  
  @sheena
  
  I’m a beekeeper and tree resin is what the bees use to make propolis. They use propolis to glue everything in the hive together and seal up cracks to keep out drafts. I use wax from my hives so there is some propolis in there too. Adding the tree resin/propolis makes the wraps less brittle and a bit more malleable. So that would be the benefit of adding it. Also all the beeswax and propolis are antibacterial and antifungal so it’s all great for food storage. Hope this answers your question!
  
  Reply
  1. Lia July 10, 2017 at 8:45am
    
    @michelle
    
    Thank you for weighing in, Michelle!
    
    Reply
Taylor April 16, 2017 at 10:36am

Can you use any cotton based fabric for the wraps? Do they have to be 100% cotton or is that the preferred fabric? (I have cotton linen fabric scraps on hand but every instructable I’m reading either says 100% cotton fabric or just non-specific cotton fabric)

Reply
1. Lia April 17, 2017 at 7:47am
  
  @Taylor
  
  I don’t think it HAS to be 100% cotton, but the material needs to be very thin. Some blended materials are just too thick for this to work properly.
  
  Reply
Shannon April 12, 2017 at 5:43pm

Do you think these would work if I lined my homemade market bag with a beeswax covered fabric (like your wraps) to make it waterproof? Would they last very long? Thanks. Shannon

Reply
1. Lia April 13, 2017 at 7:58am
  
  @Shannon
  
  I like your idea, but I’m not sure it will work unless the liner was removable. The wax does rub off some, and over time would need replacing or to be re-coated.
  
  Reply
Nikita February 4, 2017 at 3:31pm

If not using how to you store them?

Reply
1. Lia February 10, 2017 at 10:27am
  
  @Nikita
  
  I wipe them down clean with a lukewarm cloth, then once dry I simply roll them up and tuck them away 🙂
  
  Reply
Katie June 21, 2014 at 8:09pm

Thanks for the tutorial. Beautiful and will make some asap. Wondering if you only have to coat one side in bees wax? Does it seep through and coat both sides? Thanks.

Reply
1. Lia June 22, 2014 at 11:05am
  
  @Katie
  
  The warm wax just soaks through the fabric. 🙂
  
  Reply
Divine March 2, 2014 at 12:11am

Lia, do you find that these crack at all? Or is the wax such a thin coat that it doesn’t do that? I am seriously intrigued by this idea but I wondered about cracking. Also, can you store them folded? How do you store yours when not in use?

I see these as a really nice cover for bowls of bread dough, as I use the Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day approach and keep my dough in the fridge as I use it. Thank you for the tutorial!

Reply
1. Lia March 3, 2014 at 5:57pm
  
  @Divine
  
  I have not had mine crack. If they do, just pop them back in the warm oven for just a few minutes. I do think they are best if they are not over covered with wax. Thin is best. For storage, I roll mine together and place them in a drawer. That saves space and keeps them uncreased. I love these for those bowls that don’t have lids, or even something that does not need to be completely sealed. I think they will be perfect for your bread. YUM!
  
  Reply
Denise February 11, 2014 at 9:29pm

I do hate all the plastic in my kitchen and love this idea. I will be on the look out for some inexpensive fat quarters and get started. I will also have to source the beeswax. Thank you so much for sharing x

Reply
1. Lia February 14, 2014 at 9:14am
  
  @Denise
  
  You are welcome Denise! Enjoy!
  
  Reply
Karla January 26, 2014 at 1:04pm

This has been on my to-do list ever since I’ve read about the idea. Is it pretty good at keeping food fresh? Also, does the beeswax eventually wash off after repeated use? We’re getting bees this Spring and I love hearing about eco-friendly ways I can use honey and beeswax.

Reply
1. Lia January 29, 2014 at 12:52pm
  
  @Karla
  
  I thinks it works as well as plastic but I don’t leave things in my fridge for more than a few days. If you don’t use water that melts the wax it stays on pretty well, of course you can always rewax your cloth. My favorite is the smell. LOVE the bees wax smell.
  
  Reply
Heather January 23, 2014 at 1:22am

I am definitely going to give these a try! Some questions since I have never used wax wraps before…
Do you put the wax on the wrong or right side of the fabric?
How do you clean them?

Thanks again!

Reply
1. Lia January 25, 2014 at 7:33am
  
  @Heather
  
  When you melt the wax the fabric will get completely soaked, so it doesn’t really matter. These can be cleaned with cold water. A bit of natural soap used sparingly when really needed.
  
  Reply
Carolyn January 18, 2014 at 11:58am

I am so excited to do this! I have been wanting to buy some of these wraps but they are expensive and I always talk myself out of it. I can’t tell you how excited I was to see this post! Is there any concern about the chemicals or dyes in the fabric seeping into the food?

Reply
1. Lia January 25, 2014 at 8:25am
  
  @Carolyn
  
  Great Carolyn! You can certainly choose an unprinted, unbleached organic cotton instead of a print. I think a mix is perfect, the prints to go over bowls and the unprinted for wrapping items.
  
  Reply
Betsy January 18, 2014 at 8:45am

What a great post! I am thinking this would be a wonderful way to make my hubby and son’s lunches so fun and festive!, also for a those foodie gifts during the holidays 🙂

Reply
Betsy January 18, 2014 at 8:43am

What a great post! I am thinking this would be a wonderful way to make my hubby and son’s lunches so fun and festive! 🙂

Reply
1. Betsy January 18, 2014 at 8:47am
  
  @Betsy
  
  Sorry for the duplicate reply, my internet stalled and didn’t see it.
  
  Reply
  1. Lia January 25, 2014 at 8:16am
    
    @Betsy
    
    No worries. I loved them both.
    
    Reply
2. Lia January 25, 2014 at 8:15am
  
  @Betsy
  
  How fun Betsy!
  
  Reply
Amy January 17, 2014 at 6:24pm

Hi Lia, so happy to find this wonderful DIY! I will definitely do this tomorrow. So excited! Blessings~

Reply
1. Lia January 25, 2014 at 8:14am
  
  @Amy
  
  Thanks Kim!
  
  Reply
Kelly January 17, 2014 at 1:35pm

Would you use these to wrap up things in a kids lunch? Like my daughter’s sandwich or her carrot slices? I feel like I go through more zippered bags then any 3 people should. I would like something that is reusable for all those lunches.

Reply
1. Lia January 25, 2014 at 8:14am
  
  @Kelly
  
  I actually have a post idea to make some lunch bags with this material. You can also wrap the sandwich like I did the cheese in the photo. Stay tuned.
  
  Reply
Anna January 16, 2014 at 2:55pm

Hola Lia,
Quina pena avui quasi no entenc res brrrrrr, he traduït tot l’escrit però no entenc massa la traducció em sembla que diu algunes coses estranyes !! ha ha ha ,
És per cobrir el drap amb cera oi? i després embolicar aliments … posem un paper de alumini o de forn , el drap damunt i cera d’abelles per sobre , al forn a 350 graus uns minuts? És això?
Però si és així (vull provar-ho) son 350 graus centígrads o fahrenheit??
Gràcies i perdona per tanta pregunta, però avui lidioma se’m resisteix!!! Bbrr
Una abraçada

Reply
1. Lia January 16, 2014 at 5:08pm
  
  @Anna
  
  Vaig a tractar de traduir per a vostè aquí a google. Utilitza una tela de cotó i es va trobar a la safata de forn coberta amb paper d’alumini. Escampar-cera d’abella (no massa) i posar en un forn a 177 graus centígrads. Es fon ràpidament i la tela ha d’absorbir la cera. Deixar refredar i servir!
  
  Reply
  1. Anna January 17, 2014 at 5:34am
    
    @Lia
    
    Gràcies Lia
    Crec que ho he entès bé ara, de vegades les traduccions de google son una mica estranyes i amb paraules errònies, però penso que ara ho entenc i ho faré bé, quan jo pugui anar a fora compraré la cera , aquí on jo visc no hi han botigues (bé,hi han dos però només tenen lo bàsic i d’alimentació, aquest és un poble molt petit ),
    De retalls de roba cap problema , això si que en tinc un munt , a mi m’agrada cosir i …faig de tot una mica…no puc parar !!!
    També m’interessa molt la qüestió ecològica i vull fer tantes coses com pugui per no utilitzar plàstics i materials nocius,
    Gràcies bonica!!
    
    Reply
    1. Lia January 25, 2014 at 8:31am
      
      @Anna
      
      That is great Anna! Glad you can figure it out.
      
      Reply
      1. Anna January 25, 2014 at 10:20am
        
        @Lia
        
        Hello Lia,
        Finalment ho vaig fer la cera que vaig trobar no sé si la més ideal, però no en vaig trobar d’altra, , cera pura d’abelles, això em van dir, unes fulles molt primes i com a groga , que no és podia triturar perquè era com enganxosa, la vaig anar fent a trossos petits com vaig poder amb els dits (una feinada) però va anar bé(crec) he he he, però la roba va variar una mica el seu color de fons , és va tornar una mica groga, clar, la cera ho era, també et va passar a tu?
        Bé el cas és que em va molt bé, en vaig fer 4 de diferents mides.
        Kisses and thank you
      2. Lia February 3, 2014 at 10:47pm
        
        @Anna
        
        El meu cera era groga pel que va donar volta la tela una mica groc també. Crec que és bo recordar que sempre es pot escalfar i fondre la cera. La meva primera, poso massa cera a la tela, així que vaig haver escalfar i fregar una mica de la cera. Jo els estimo ara i l’ús d’ells per a tot.
Sandy January 16, 2014 at 1:40pm

Absolutely brilliant idea Lia! I love it.

Reply
1. Lia January 16, 2014 at 5:04pm
  
  @Sandy
  
  Thanks Sandy!
  
  Reply
Nicole January 16, 2014 at 1:34pm

I love this craft! Been trying to find a way around using plastic wrap over my leftovers–mostly I’ve been using tons of tupperware for a single meal.

Reply
1. Lia January 16, 2014 at 5:04pm
  
  @Nicole
  
  Since I grew up with Tupperware (and despise it) I am using all glass containers with the blue or red lids. This works for most, but sometimes this beeswax wrap is just what I need. 🙂
  
  Reply
Jessica January 16, 2014 at 9:42am

What an excellent idea! Thanks for sharing. Just wondering if you have any tips for washing beeswax off of a grater or knife? Whenever I use beeswax it seems impossible to clean off my kitchen utensils.

Reply
1. Lia January 16, 2014 at 5:02pm
  
  @Jessica
  
  I have had the best luck with really hot water (wax melting temp), a scratch pad and soap. If you can put the item in the oven for just enough time for it to melt then use a paper towel to clean the liquid wax, that works too. I hear you about it being a sticky one.
  
  Reply
Liz21 January 16, 2014 at 9:24am

I love this idea! I have been trying to cut plastic out of my life as well. Some of the best ideas are some of the oldest ideas and this rocks my world! These would make the cutest gifts too for my friends. 🙂

Reply
1. Lia January 16, 2014 at 5:00pm
  
  @Liz21
  
  I love the old fashioned ideas. We have a shop in my area called the Portland Homestead Supply. I am in heaven when I step in the door.
  
  Reply
Tracy January 16, 2014 at 9:00am

i love this idea. what a great way to make taking a lunch to work or on a picnic look speacial

Reply
1. Lia January 16, 2014 at 4:56pm
  
  @Tracy
  
  I know! I now want to get an office job just so I can pack a lunch. Okay maybe not. haha.
  
  Reply
Nadia January 16, 2014 at 8:40am

What a wonderful DIY ! Je suis vraiment impressionnée je ne connaissais pas cette technique, mais c’est merveilleux ! Merci pour ton DIY j’adore tout ce que tu fais.

Reply
1. Lia January 16, 2014 at 4:55pm
  
  @Nadia
  
  Thanks Nadia!
  
  Reply
Angie January 16, 2014 at 7:46am

I love this idea! I have a love/hate relationship with plastic wrap…

Reply
1. Lia January 16, 2014 at 4:55pm
  
  @Angie
  
  I always have a twinge of guilt with I get it out of the drawer. 🙂
  
  Reply
Claudia January 16, 2014 at 2:41am

Great idea. I’ll have to try it.

Reply
1. Lia January 16, 2014 at 4:51pm
  
  @Claudia
  
  Let me know what you think!
  
  Reply
Tanya January 15, 2014 at 11:32pm

This is such a wonderful idea, I hate to use foil or plastic wrap, and just throw it away. Pinning, and thank you for an amazing giveaway too!!

xo, Tanya

Reply
1. Lia January 16, 2014 at 4:51pm
  
  @Tanya
  
  Thanks Tanya! I am so excited to try these for packing a lunch too. My cheese is loving them!
  
  Reply
JaneEllen January 15, 2014 at 10:35pm

Yes that would make a great blog post about filling a picnic basket with containers covered with these bees wax cloths.
Do you have an old fashioned picnic basket? I have a few thankfully I bought in KY, even have one of the metal ones which is actually my favorite, smaller than others but has the wood look paint and metal handles.
My husband made a great craft supply container out of one of other baskets, put a board on bottom and wheels so I can roll it around the house where I need it. I painted it aqua and yellow and stenciled branches and birds on top. I was really surprised when a guy that was here fixing some thing commented how pretty it looked. I love it. Happy days Lia
Loved your project with the cloths.

Reply
1. Lia January 16, 2014 at 4:49pm
  
  @JaneEllen
  
  I have TWO old wooden baskets that I have picked up for a few dollars at garage sales. LOVE them. What a great idea for using them for everyday. What a sweet hubby you have. 🙂
  
  Reply
nadinebd January 15, 2014 at 8:15pm

great idea & nice gifts to take to friends house.

Reply
1. Lia January 15, 2014 at 8:17pm
  
  @nadinebd
  
  It would be.
  
  Reply
maria January 15, 2014 at 7:32pm

I’ve seen these but just plain boring (but useful) ones for sale. I can’t wait to find some bees wax! As a quilter, I have lots of great fabrics to use. Thanks so much!

Reply
1. Lia January 15, 2014 at 8:20pm
  
  @maria
  
  I loved picking my own fabrics. Yes, the ones at the store were pretty ugly. These make me smile.
  
  Reply
Cathy January 15, 2014 at 7:29pm

Awesome post! I just finished packing my lunch for tomorrow and felt pangs of guilt as I wrapped my bowl of salad with plastic wrap. This will be a fun project for the upcoming 3 day weekend, and I have plenty of pretty fabric scraps to use. Thank you so much! : )

Reply
1. Lia January 15, 2014 at 8:19pm
  
  @Cathy
  
  Haha. Oh dear! Well just enjoy that salad anyway. The bees wax isn’t sticky so you could make an elastic band to hold it in place if you are taking it to the office.
  
  Reply
Homemade January 15, 2014 at 6:46pm

What a fabulous idea Lia! I’m going to try this for some of those little food gifts I love to give away…it’s like a pretty wrapping paper for food 🙂
~ Melissa

Reply
1. Lia January 15, 2014 at 6:53pm
  
  @Homemade
  
  Do! I can’t wait to see what you put it with. I just made your lentil soup for dinner and am eating that yummy cheese in the photos with it. Heaven!!
  
  Reply
  1. Homemade January 15, 2014 at 7:03pm
    
    @Lia
    
    I will definitely be making this reusable wrap idea! And your dinner sounds pretty awesome – too bad we aren’t neighbors or I would have brought you over some scallion gougères (wrapped in beeswax cloth of course!) to go with everything 🙂
    
    Reply
    1. Lia January 15, 2014 at 8:21pm
      
      @Homemade
      
      That would have been so awesome. 🙂
      
      Reply
Jay January 15, 2014 at 6:24pm

Great tip! Do you sprinkle the foil covered sheet pan and the top or just the top?

Reply
1. Lia January 15, 2014 at 6:54pm
  
  @Jay
  
  I just sprinkled the top. You really don’t need much and you can add more and melt again it need be.
  
  Reply
Danielle January 15, 2014 at 6:13pm

Great idea! I don’t know if we’d cut out plastic wrap completely but these would sure help cut down a lot of use and make one roll last longer! I’d love to see what you do to replace Tupperware containers!

Reply
1. Lia January 15, 2014 at 6:56pm
  
  @Danielle
  
  It is hard to ditch the zippy plastic bags for me. I am working on it though. I use glass bowls with plastic lids rather than Tupperware. My daughter grew up knowing how not to break glass since I didn’t have any plastic dishes. I did it because it looked prettier, but now I do it for the eco impact.
  
  Reply
lisa January 15, 2014 at 6:05pm

I want to win!!!

Reply
1. Lia January 15, 2014 at 6:57pm
  
  @lisa
  
  Enter, enter!!
  
  Reply
Tasha January 15, 2014 at 5:56pm

Great tip! I never quite considered replacing plastic wrap, yet when I think about it, its silly I haven’t. It is bad for landfills, plus it can be harmful to aanimals that might get ahold of it. Thanks, Lia!

Reply
1. Lia January 15, 2014 at 5:59pm
  
  @Tasha
  
  Thanks Tasha! I really love the smell of these too. I want to make a whole picnic basket filled with adorable eco containers including these. Ooohh. That is a blog post. 😉
  
  Reply