Are Beeswax Wraps Really Worth It?

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We all want to reduce our plastic waste, don’t we? But with so many options now available to us, I know how tricky it can be to whittle out the good from the bad. As somebody who has used quite a few food coverings/storage over the last few years, I can definitely say that I have thoroughly tried and tested them so in this article I’m going to let you know whether or not beeswax wraps are really worth it.

What Are Beeswax Wraps?

A beeswax wrap is a plastic-free alternative to clingfilm. Made from a piece of organic cloth coated in beeswax they are natural, non-toxic, self-adhesive, compostable and breathable and the best part, they can be washed and reused.

How Do They Work?

The beeswax layer allows the cloth to be protective but also adhesive which means you can cover your food, plate, bowl etc and it will stick down without the need for anything else. All you need to do is warm it a little with your hands and it will mould into any shape you need. I found this great blog listing 78 ways of using a beeswax wrap which just goes to show how versatile they are.

How To Care For Them

In order to keep your beeswax wraps in good condition, you should wash them in cold water after each use adding a mild soap/washing up liquid (not much) and leaving them to air dry. Don’t ever use harsh chemicals on them.

How Long Do They Last?

Like all things, this will vary depending on what brand you go for, how well they have been made, how you use them and how well you care for them. Most companies will state that a beeswax wrap should give you a year or two of use but I have had some for a few years now which are still going strong. I do have quite a collection of them so they are also well rotated which has probably added to their lifespan.

Refreshing Them

To refresh your beeswax wraps you can either place them onto baking paper and then onto a baking tray and gently heat them in the oven on the lowest setting for around 2-3 minutes or you can lightly iron them by placing a tea towel or cloth between the wraps and the iron.

To give them a new lease of life you can purchase a block of beeswax, grate this onto the wraps and either oven heat it or again use the iron. When you order a block it will come with instructions for use.

Purchasing Beeswax Wraps

You can purchase ready-made beeswax wraps from a wide variety of eco shops, beeswax wrap companies, Etsy and so on. I bought these from SaveMoneyCutCarbon and they are really good. I’d say that beeswax wraps are mainly available online but if you have an eco shop near you they should stock them.

Alternatively, you could have a go at making your own. We did this a couple of years ago with Beeutiful’s DIY Beeswax Wrap Kit and they are still doing really well. Use Emma10 to get 10% off.

Are Beeswax Wraps Worth It?

Beeswax wraps in my opinion are a great alternative to plastic coverings such as clingfilm. Not only do they prevent needless waste but they will also save you money in the long run. I know people look at costs and think that trying to live more sustainably is expensive but when an item is reusable, once you have paid out for it, you won’t have to again for quite a while (sometimes never again). In terms of use, when you have a great brand or make your own well, you will enjoy using them. Like all things, there will be some wraps that aren’t great, that maybe don’t last and then others that are brilliant. Look for a reputable company/brand and always read the reviews before purchasing. There will be many cheap options out there which may not be made to such a high standard and these can often give beeswax wraps a bad rep. You do usually get what you pay for.

To help you to make your mind up here are a few pros and cons I have come across myself and from others:

Pros

Long-lasting

Reusable

Washable

Hygienic

Keeps a variety of foods fresh so prevents food waste

Plastic-free

Fold for easy storage

Compostable

Refreshable

Versatile

Available in a variety of sizes and designs

Cons

Upfront cost

You may not like the smell of the beeswax

Can stain

Can melt if they get too hot

Can leave a sticky residue as the beeswax wears down

Can mould if not cared for correctly

Can’t be used to cover hot food

Can’t be used on raw meat as they cannot be sterilised

Conclusion

For us, beeswax wraps have been a great eco-friendly swap that we use every day but if they aren’t quite for you why not check out my review of Stasher Bags? Another fab alternative to plastic and a good storage bag for a variety of foods.

*This post contains affiliate links. For further information please refer to my disclosure page.

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