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The Ultimate Guide to Beeswax Food Wraps
The average household goes through 24 rolls of cling film and up to 1,000 plastic sandwich bags peryear. This equates to 1.2 billion metres (745,000 miles) of cling film that ends up in landfill — that’s enough to go around the Earth 30 times! Indeed, general plastic production is responsible for around a sixth of the world's industrial carbon dioxide emissions, making it a large contributor to climate change.
To help reduce this harmful plastic waste and better protect the planet from climate change, lots of us have made the decision to switch to reusable beeswax food wraps. If you’re thinking of doing the same, but perhaps have some unanswered questions before you commit to the switch, we’re here to help! Find answers to your FAQs on all things beeswax food wraps below.
What Are Beeswax Food Wraps?
Beeswax food wraps are a plastic-free cling film alternative made from organic cotton, beeswax, jojoba oil, tree resin, and, sometimes, organic dyes. You can use beeswax wraps on most food, with the exception of raw meat and fish, and excessively wet or hot items.
As well as being better for the environment, beeswax wraps are more breathable than cling film. This means that you’re less likely to have soggy, sweaty, or otherwise not fresh food.
How to Use Beeswax Food Wraps
To use beeswax wraps, use the warmth of your hands to mould the wraps around the item you want it to contain. The wrap’s “stickiness” will help it to be moulded around the food, item, or container that you want to wrap. You should make sure the wrap is on tight, in order for it to be effective.
Beeswax food wraps have a wide range of uses. These include,
- Wrapping sandwiches.
- Covering leftovers.
- Keeping bread, cheese, open bottles, and jars fresh.
- Wrapping salad leaves, greens and herbs.
- Protecting fruit and vegetables.
You can also use your wraps for non-perishable items; wrap your toothbrush and soap bars when you travel, create a pouch to store items in your bathroom, or use as an alternative gift wrap. Get creative, and the possibilities are endless!
How Long Do Beeswax Food Wraps Last? How Many Times Can You Reuse Beeswax Wraps?
Beeswax wraps should last for up to a year with regular use, but can last longer if well looked after. You can rejuvenate your beeswax wraps by re-melting the wraps in the oven. Place on a baking tray in the oven and set to a low temperature for five minutes to make them good as new again.
Please note that beeswax food wraps aren’t suited for frequent oven use, or to store hot items, as the wax will melt into whatever it has wrapped.
How to Care For Beeswax Food Wraps
To care for your beeswax food wraps, make sure you give them a thorough clean after each use, and avoid using them for incompatible items (i.e. raw meat and fish).
You might also want to re-wax your wraps on occasion. Get a wax refresher block and add a small amount of wax to your wraps when they need it to help them last longer.
How to Clean Beeswax Food Wraps
To clean beeswax food wraps,
- Hand wash in cold water with alcohol-free soap or detergent.
- Wash, like a plate, with a gentle dishcloth or sponge.
- Refresh wraps by re-melting wax, if needs be. *
*You should avoid putting your beeswax food wraps in the microwave or near naked flames, as they are highly flammable.
Are Beeswax Wraps Hygienic?
As long as your beeswax wraps are washed often, and moulded close to the food that they contain, they are hygienic. In fact, beeswax wraps contain properties that make them naturally antibacterial.
We would still advise that you avoid wrapping them in bacteria-high foods like raw meat, or when storing food for the immunocompromised.
Can You Compost Beeswax Wraps?
Due to their ingredients, beeswax wraps are both compostable and biodegradable. Once your beeswax wrap loses its stickiness, has a lingering bad smell, or otherwise has excessive damage or tears, you can compost it.
Can You Freeze Beeswax Wraps?
Yes, you can freeze beeswax wraps. Ensure the food is well covered to prevent “freezer burn”, and try to freeze them for less than three weeks at a time.
And there you have it! All you need to know about beeswax food wraps. Shop our full collection of beeswax food wraps on our website, available in a wide range of styles and sizes.
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Wild & Stone's mission is to create stylish, easy to adopt and usable alternatives to common plastic products around the home. We source all our products sustainably, from raw material to final delivery. Shop our wide range today.
Share your plastic-free swaps with us at hello@wildandstone.com or tag us on Instagram #wildandstone.
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