Do-it-yourself wax wraps

instruction for reusable cling film

Wax wraps are great for everyday use - they are an environmentally friendly alternative to cling film and help to make the household plastic-free. Here is a step-by-step guide to making your own wax wraps, it's quick and easy:

What you need:

  • Cotton fabric (preferably light and thin), you can also use an old T-shirt
  • Beeswax (alternatively: soya wax for vegan wax wraps), preferably directly as pastilles
  • Baking paper
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Ruler
  • Scissors
  • Tailor's chalk or pencil

And that's how it works:

  1. Preparation
    • Iron your fabric smooth
    • Cut it to the desired size and shape
    • We made wax cloths about 25×25 cm or 30×30 cm in size
    • Grate the beeswax into fine pieces using a grater if it is not already in pastille form
    • Place a piece of baking paper on your ironing board or work surface
  2. Instructions
    • Place your cut fabric on the baking paper
    • Spread the beeswax evenly over the fabric
    • Make sure that it is also in the corners and don't use too much
    • Place another piece of baking paper on the fabric
    • Iron over the top baking paper with the iron - the wax melts and spreads evenly in the fabric
    • Sprinkle more wax on if it doesn't spread completely
    • Remove the upper baking paper
    • Now leave the wax wraps to cool a little

Done!

  • After cooling, your oilcloth is ready
  • Simply clean it after use with cold water and mild washing-up liquid
  • Hot water melts the wax
  • If the wax comes off after several uses, you can repeat the process at these points