How to Clean Beeswax Wraps (and Make Them Look like New!)

One of the most common questions we get asked about using eco-friendly beeswax wraps instead of disposable plastic wraps or bags is: how do you wash beeswax wraps, beeswax paper, bees wrap, and wax wraps?

It’s easy!

The short answer is that you can hand wash beeswax wraps just like you would a plate or bowl, except with lukewarm water instead of cold water or hot water. Hang to dry and done!

Here’s a slightly longer answer for those of you who want step-by-step instructions.

How to Clean Beeswax Wrap: Proper Care

Our secret blend of sustainably harvested beeswax, organic coconut oil, and tree resin that coats the cotton wraps allows the wraps to stick to themselves, not the food you’re protecting, so they rarely get too dirty. The beeswax also has natural antibacterial qualities which help make them a viable, reusable option for food storage.

To wash beeswax food wraps, rinse the wrap with a combination of cool or lukewarm water and eco-friendly dish soap to make your own mild dish detergent. Unlike disposable plastic wrap, you can use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe them down, then rinse off.

How to Dry Beeswax Wraps

Once washed, the beeswax food wraps need to air dry. We have a small clothing line in our kitchen to hang the wraps, but you can simply drape them over other drying dishes in your dish rack or even your faucet to dry.

You don’t need to wring out the wrap. Simply air dry it until dry and you’re ready to reuse it!

How to Store Beeswax Wraps

Once dry, gently fold the clean beeswax wraps and store them in a drawer, basket, or on a shelf. We know many people who keep them in the same drawer as their tea towels. You want to make sure they’ll stay dry and are in a handy spot for whenever you need to grab one next.

Taking care of your beeswax wraps this way, and avoiding any heat sources, will help your wraps last for up to two years of reuse – and you can use beeswax wraps in many different ways.

Over time, the wax will slowly start to break down or flake off a little. This is normal and you can still continue to use the wraps. If your beeswax wraps start looking tired, you can also refresh them by melting the wax slightly.

How to Clean & Revive Beeswax Wraps

You’ve learned to clean beeswax wraps. But now, after several cycles, you’re noticing it’s looking a bit worn.

If your wax wrap has been getting a lot of use and looking a little crumpled and tired, there’s an easy way to make it good as new.

We had some friends make this video for us so that people can see what our Wax Wraps look like after one year, and what you can do to make them bee-autiful again. Watch the video and read below for directions.

You’ll need:

An old cookie sheet (warm wax can be messy and difficult to clean up so use a pan you don’t care about)
A silicon baking mat
An oven
A place to hang your wax wrap
Grated beeswax (optional)

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 140°C.
Grab an old cookie sheet and put a silicon baking mat down on it. Then, lay your wax wrap on top of the mat.
Simply heat the pan in the oven keeping the door open and watch your wrap as the wax warms up – about two to three minutes.
Once the wax on the wrap has re-melted, carefully take the wrap out by its corners and hang it up quickly before the wax dries.
Once it’s cool – about one minute – your SuperBee wax wrap will be ready to use and look shiny and new!

If the wax has worn off in places, you can sparingly sprinkle some grated wax on the cotton before you heat the wrap in the oven.

Refreshing your wax wrap this way is really simple, and makes our product truly sustainable and reusable for a very long time.