ecofriend.com

How to make reusable food wraps at home

How to make reusable food wraps at home

Food wraps are a savior, we agree, but plastic food wraps come with so many problems. Not only does it cling to itself when you use it, you run out of it so quickly that you have to run to the store every now and then to buy it, which feels like throwing away money. And, on top of everything, plastic- as we already know- is toxic to our health. Sure, plastic wraps can wrap our sandwiches well, but plastic contains a harmful chemical called BPA, which could get leached in the food.

But, you might be wondering, what is the alternative then? Instead of purchasing plastic food wraps, why don’t you make your own reusable food wrap? Yes, you can make your very own reusable food wraps using few ingredients. They are durable and easy to make. They can easily replace the plastic food wraps in your kitchen and once you get the hang of it, you will want to make more of them.

Food Wrap
Food Wrap

What are the benefits of making reusable food wraps?

  • The first benefit is definitely the fact that they can be reused which means it will save your money. You can wash them with mild soap to reuse them.
  • Since plastic is toxic, reusable wraps are a healthier alternative.
  • They work just as good as plastic wraps and cling to dishes nicely.
  • They can be folded and can also be used as snack bags.

To make your own reusable food wraps, follow the instructions below.

    Things you will need:
  • Beeswax pellets or bars
  • Fabric
  • Pinking shears or scissors
  • A pair of tongs
  • A pot
  • A drying rack

How to make beeswax food wraps

  1. The first thing you need to do is to cut your fabric into pieces. You can either use pinking shears or scissors to cut your fabric; however, pinking shears would be a better choice as they will prevent fraying edges.

Depending on how many and how large you want your food wraps to be, cut your fabric into squares, rectangles,                      circles. To get a better estimate of your needs, cut your fabric according to the measurements of your bowls, pans,                     and other dishes.

  1. Next, take beeswax pellets or bars and put it in a small pot. Fill a bigger pot with water and place it on your stove. Then, place your small pot containing beeswax in the bigger pot that has water in it. Now, light up your stove to create a double boiler system. It will melt the wax.
Or you can melt the beeswax in a microwave.
  1. After your wax has fully melted, take your food wraps and dip them completely in the wax. Use your tongs to take them out.
  2. Be careful while taking out the sheets to avoid any burns. Let the extra wax drip in the pot and spread them on a hanging rack to dry.
  3. Once they are dry, they are ready to use. Simply use your fingers to stick the edges of the food wrap to your dishes. The warmth of your finger will melt a little wax which will help it to cling to the dish.
  4. By adding buttons to them and folding them, they can make great food packets.
Few tips and notes
  • While washing your reusable food wraps, use cold water instead of hot water to avoid the wax from melting. Also, use a mild soap to wash it and let them air dry.
  • The food wraps are not completely waterproof which means they are not suitable for leaky food items. Avoid using them for food that tends to be juicy. They are ideal to cover fruits, vegetables, sandwiches, and other dry food items.
  • Use the food wraps to store things for not more than a day or the food will start to decompose. They are not meant for storing food for a long term.
  • Although these wraps can be used for a long time if the wax starts to wear off, dip them in the beeswax again to renew them. They can last for months and if you renew them, they can last for as long as a year.

Today's Top Articles:

Scroll to Top