How Long Do Beeswax Wraps Usually Last?
Beeswax wraps are reusable food wraps made from a material coated with food-grade beeswax, rosin, coconut oil, and jojoba oil. They are an excellent alternative to single-use plastic wraps and sandwich bags.
Most beeswax wraps usually last up to a year with proper care. Many can also be refreshed with rewax products or other methods, lengthening their lifespan.
And since beeswax wraps are sustainable, they can also be composted once they’re ready to be replaced.
How to clean beeswax wraps properly
Proper care is essential to the long life of your beeswax wraps, so it’s important to check what instructions come with your product.
Because of its ingredients, beeswax wraps should be kept away from sources of heat like warm and hot water, microwaves, hot cars, and hot food. Instead, make sure you’re only wrapping cool or cold food.
You don’t need to wash beeswax wraps when wrapping dry food (like crackers) or bowls – just brush away any crumbs and store them.
For wet food or any stains, fill your sink with cold or lukewarm water and add mild dish soap or low-alcohol washing up liquid. Submerge your beeswax wrap in the water and scrub with a sponge, cloth, or soft bristle brush. Rinse the wrap and then hang it to dry on a drying rack. Once fully dry, you can store your wraps either by hanging them, rolling them up, or folded.
How to refresh a beeswax wrap
When a beeswax wrap begins to change texture and becomes less sticky, there are ways to refresh them and reapply the wax.
It’s important to make sure you follow instructions from the company that make them, as different wraps may have different methods of refreshing.
The most common way to refresh a beeswax wrap is to buy a rewax bar, preferably from the same company. Wash your wrap in warm or hot water to clean it thoroughly – this may make some of the wax come off – and then apply the rewax bar once dry.
Some companies also recommend using an electric (not gas!) oven or iron to melt the wax to refresh a beeswax wrap. With an electric oven, you should:
- Preheat the oven to 60°C (140°F).
- Line a large oven tray with baking paper and put the wrap on top.
- Put in the oven for 3-4 minutes, keeping watch.
- Once the wax has melted and the wrap is soft, remove it from the oven and wait until cool.
Are beeswax wraps compostable?
Once you’ve had your beeswax wrap for some time and your refreshing efforts are starting to diminish, it’s okay to dispose of your wrap and buy a new one.
But before you chuck it in the bin, make sure you dispose of it properly. Beeswax currently isn’t widely recyclable, so instead you should either compost it or use it as a fire starter.
To compost your wrap, tear it into strips to help it degrade more easily and add to your compost pile or compost bin. Beeswax wraps are perfectly safe for composting and this finishes off its sustainable life!