written by:

Megan Johnson

_{This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, you can read my full disclaimer here.}

Searching for the perfect eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap? Learn how to make these simple DIY beeswax wraps. These wraps can be reused over and over again. Beeswax wraps can store bread, sandwiches, fresh fruits and veggies, cheese, cover bowls or dishes and so much more!

Homemade beeswax wrap with sliced apple and homemade beeswax wrap no sew bread bag

Making the switch to beeswax wraps is a great eco-friendly decision. If you’re wanting to create a more sustainable and less-waste lifestyle, then you’ll want to make these super simple DIY beeswax wraps.

I love using them for wrapping sandwiches for picnic lunch adventures with my kiddos, covering glass bowls for an almost air-tight seal and I even use a smaller square piece to cover the end of my banana bunches to keep them fresh, among many other sustainable uses.

Benefits of Switching to Reusable Food Wraps

Eco-friendly: Reusable food wraps help reduce the waste of the typical single-use plastic bags, which can take hundreds of years to decompose. I enjoy finding ways to reduce my use of single-use items!
Compostable: Another eco-friendly benefit, but important enough to have its own bullet on the list. When it is time to replace your beeswax wraps, instead of tossing them in the trash just toss them into your compost pile.
Safe and non-toxic: Many commercial plastic wraps and bags contain chemicals such as phthalates and BPA that can be harmful to your health. These homemade beeswax wraps, on the other hand, are made with natural materials making them a safe and non-toxic alternative for storing food.
Cost-effective: These reusable food wraps are cost-effective, especially if using fabric scraps you already have on hand. What’s more, you’re also saving money by not purchasing single-use plastic wrap and bags. Plus, with proper care, reusable wraps can last for up to a year or more. Any way to save money and the planet is a win-win!
Versatile: Reusable food wraps can be used to wrap a variety of foods, from sandwiches and snacks to fruits and vegetables. They can also be used to cover bowls or plates, making them a versatile alternative to plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Aesthetically pleasing: 100% not necessary, but I love finding fabric that coordinates with my kitchen style. I especially loved the little vintage-inspired floral print I stumbled upon. Something about it reminded me of something my great-grandma would have used. Finding a color or pattern that you love helps to make them a fun and attractive way to store and transport food or make as gifts.

FAQs for How to Make Homemade Beeswax Wraps

Is it cheaper to make your own beeswax wraps?

Definitely! Making your own beeswax wraps is cheaper than buying them premade. You could even reuse fabric you already have on hand to make them that much more cheaper.

To break it down, premium premade beeswax wraps are $16 for a pack of three, which is $8 more than a 1 lb bag of organic beeswax pellets.

Do I need to prewash my fabric beforehand?

The short answer is; yes. Long answer; prewashing your fabric helps remove any chemicals added to make the fabric stiff and prevent wrinkling. Prewashing also helps with any shrinkage that may occur later on, causing the wax to crack or flake off. Last but not least, prewashing the fabric also improves absorbency, allowing it to hold more wax, thus make a more effective beeswax wrap.

Do I need to use pine resin to make these DIY beeswax wraps?

Nope! I find that using just beeswax for my wraps works best. Although some how to’s suggest using pine resin, it is not necessary

How long will beeswax wraps last?

Beeswax wraps can last up to a year. It is important to properly clean and care for them. It also is not uncommon to reapply beeswax to your fabric to make them last even longer!

How much beeswax is needed for making beeswax wraps?

For this DIY, I used approximately 8oz of beeswax pellets for 1/2 yard plus a fat quarter.

What foods can I not wrap with beeswax wraps?

There are a few foods you do not want to wrap with beeswax wraps; raw meat, hot food, highly pigmented foods and highly acidic foods.

Why has my beeswax wrap discolored after coming in contact with food?

This is totally normal. It happens due to a food’s acidity and/or pigmentation. Foods that are very acidic should not be stored using beeswax wrap because the acid can break down the beeswax.
Likewise, you may want to use another form of food storage for highly pigmented food, as well.
However, if the discoloration is severe or accompanied by an unpleasant odor, it may be time to replace the wrap.

Materials You’ll Need:

Beeswax pellets or grated beeswax
100% cotton fabric or linen
Scissors and pinking shears
Parchment paper
Iron (Make sure to use an old or thrifted iron. This DIY can get a little messy but I have found that ironing is the BEST way to make your own homemade beeswax wraps.)

How to Make Beeswax Wraps Using an Iron

Prewash your 100% cotton fabric.
Cut the cotton fabric to the desired size for your wrap. I used pinking shears to prevent the fabric from fraying.
Preheat iron to cotton setting. (I used a cast iron heated on my stove at medium-high heat until hot. Use caution if using a cast iron.)
Place a sheet of baking parchment paper on your ironing board or a heat-safe surface. I used a folded drop cloth on my dining table. (Use caution when doing this. My dining table is antique solid oak and it tolerated the heat. I don’t recommend doing this and especially not if you have a veneer table.)
Place your fabric on top of the parchment paper. Make sure the parchment paper is larger than the fabric. (For my 25×18 piece of fabric I used for the no-sew beeswax bag, I used two pieces of parchment paper overlapping to cover the fabric.)
Sprinkle beeswax pellets or grated beeswax over the fabric, spreading it evenly.
Place another sheet of parchment paper over the fabric and beeswax. Again, making sure the parchment paper is larger than the fabric. (For my 25×18 piece of fabric I used for the no-sew beeswax bag, I used two pieces of parchment paper overlapping to cover the fabric.)
Gently press down on the parchment paper with your iron, moving in a circular motion. You will notice the heat melting the beeswax, which will be absorbed into your fabric. You can also use the iron to push around the melted beeswax, as well.
Check for any areas where the beeswax is not evenly over the fabric. Add more beeswax to those areas and repeat the process.
Once the fabric is evenly coated with melted beeswax, carefully remove the top sheet of parchment paper and lift the fabric off the bottom sheet of parchment paper
Lift the fabric off the bottom sheet of parchment paper and hold it up or hang it for a few minutes to allow the beeswax to cool and set.

Optional: How to Make No-Sew Beeswax Wrap Bag

I love this simple no-sew bag! It’s easier to clean than a sewn bag. Simply unfold and clean with a damp, mild soapy cloth, wipe to rinse and allow to air dry.

I used a 25 inch x 18 inch piece of fabric for my no-sew beeswax bag. I wanted it this big to easy fit my sourdough loaves. However, you could make a no-sew bag any size you want!

It’s simple! Just fold the edges twice, leaving the top open. Insert your contents, and fold over the top twice to create a bag. The beeswax is just tacky enough to hold the folded fabric to a perfect bag form.

How to Use Homemade Beeswax Wraps

To use beeswax wraps, you simply warm it up in your hands and mold it around the item you want to wrap. The warmth of your hands will soften the wax and allow it to adhere to the food or container, creating a seal that will help keep food fresh.

How to Care for Homemade Beeswax Wraps

Beeswax wrap can be washed with mild soap and cool water, and reused for up to a year or more. After its lifespan, it can be composted or repurposed as fire starters or cleaning rags.