Reduce waste and have some fun with your family by making these eco-friendly reusable wraps!
You will need:
- 6 x 30g blocks of beeswax (available at Bunnings)
- 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
- Thin, tight weave fabric, cut to any size (8×8-inches and 12×12-inches work well)
- Stainless steel bowl
- Cheese grater
- Silicone pastry brush (or use a paintbrush)
- Tongs
How to make it
1. Preheat oven to 180 C and line a baking tray with baking paper. Lay your fabric on the tray, pattern side up (if using patterned fabric). Place in the oven while you prepare the wax.
2. Grate the beeswax into a stainless-steel bowl (or heatproof container). Add 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.
3. Fill a large pan with water and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and place the stainless-steel bowl in the pan to melt the beeswax. Stir occasionally until it has completely melted.
4. Remove the tray of fabric from the oven but leave the oven on. Use a spoon to drizzle the melted wax onto the fabric and use the silicone pastry brush to spread evenly.
5. Place tray back in the oven for 6 minutes.
6. Remove tray from the oven and use tongs to lift the fabric off the tray. Hold the fabric in the air for a minute or two and then place on a clean, flat surface to dry. Repeat the above process if you want a thicker layer of wax.
Tip:
You’ll need to use boiling water to clean your equipment. The wraps are great for wrapping sandwiches and other snacks on the go, covering cheese and other food to place in the fridge and wrapping bread to leave on the counter or in the freezer. Don’t use wraps on hot or highly acidic foods. Wiping them down or brushing them off will usually suffice but if you need to wash them do so in cold or lukewarm water. If your wraps begin to crack, you can refresh them by placing them in a low oven or warming them with a hairdryer. This will soften the wax and allow it to soak into the fabric again.
