Beeswax Wraps 101: The Ultimate Guide to Usage and Care

Welcome to the Goldilocks family! Whether this is your first set of beeswax wraps or you’ve stocked up on more, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to use, clean, store, and care for your wraps — so they last as long as possible and save you from using plastic wrap ever again.

👇 Scroll down to watch quick tutorials, read care tips, and discover pro hacks for keeping your food fresh.

What Are Beeswax Wraps? 

Beeswax wraps are reusable, eco-friendly alternatives to plastic wrap made from cotton infused with a blend of beeswax, tree resin, and jojoba oil. They’re naturally adhesive, breathable, and antibacterial — making them perfect for keeping food fresh while reducing waste.

When You First Get Your Wraps Home

You're probably wondering — how do I use these things?

First, remove the packaging and unfold. Next, you can give them a gentle wash with soap and cold water and air dry. Just like that they're ready to use! 

Keep reading for tips on getting the best seal choosing the correct size 👇

How to Use Beeswax Wraps

Use the warmth of your hands to mold the wrap around bowls, fruit, veggies, cheese, sandwiches, and more. Once it cools, it holds its shape.

✅ Do:

• Wrap half-cut produce (like avocado, lemon, cucumber)
• Fold into snack pouches or sandwich wraps
• Cover bowls, plates, or casserole dishes
• Wrap bread, herbs, or cheese blocks

🚫 Don't:

• Use on raw meat or fish
• Microwave or expose to high heat

Hot Tip 🔥: For the best seal, scrunch the wrap into a ball in your hands 2-3 times to activate the stick factor.

Which Size Should I Use?

Our beeswax wraps come in a variety of sizes, and each one is designed with versatility in mind. Here's a quick guide to help you choose the right size for the right job:

Small  6 x 9 inches

• Half lemons, onions, or avocados
• Small snack portions like crackers or trail mix
• Covering jars or small bowls

Medium 10 x 10 inches

• Storing cheese blocks
• Wrapping cut fruits & veggies 
• Covering bowls, plates, or leftovers

Large 11 x 14 inches

• Wrapping sandwiches and wraps
• Covering large bowls or casserole dishes
• Keeping herbs, or leafy greens fresh

Extra Large 14 x 18 inches

• Cover casserole dishes and salad bowls
• Store loaves of bread (for optimal freshness, use with our Bread Bags)

Try each one with different foods to see what fits your lifestyle best.

Hot Tip 🔥: Once you get the hang of it, you can even fold your wraps into pouches or snack bags.

How to Wash Beeswax Wraps

Yes — they’re reusable! Here’s how to clean them to ensure they last as long as possible.

• By Hand 🤚: Wash in the sink as wraps are NOT dishwasher or washing machine safe
• Cold Water 💧 : Wax and heat are not friends. Use cold water only
• Soap 🧼 : Any dish soap will do but alcohol free will be best, as alcohol has a tendency to dry them out (if it bothers your hands, it will bother the wraps)
• Scrub 🧽 : For mild residue use a soft cloth, like our Swedish Dishcloths. For more soiled wraps use a bristled brush.

Storing Your Wraps 

Once your wraps are clean and dry, store them somewhere cool and dry. Here are some options:

• Roll or fold and store in a drawer. 
  Hot Tip 🔥 - keep them in the same location you keep your plastic wrap, this way you and your family will naturally reach for them to use in place of plastic.
  
• Roll and keep them in a vase or jar on the counter (preferably out of direct sunlight).

When to Replace Your Beeswax Wraps

With proper care, wraps last up to 1 year or longer. Signs it's time to retire your wrap:

• Cracking or flaking wax
  
• Loss of stickiness
  
• Tearing or thin spots
  

Hot Tip: Not quite ready to dispose of your wraps but need a little TLC? Try our Refresher Bars to breathe a little life back into them. Everything you need to know about refreshing your wraps here.

How to Dispose of Beeswax Wraps

One of the best things about beeswax wraps? They leave no trace behind — even at the end of their life.

When they’re no longer sticking, feel thin, or have worn patches, it’s time to retire them — but don’t toss them in the trash! Here's how to give them a second life:

🌱 Compost Them
If your wrap is made from 100% cotton and coated in beeswax, tree resin, and jojoba oil (like ours), it’s fully compostable.

• Cut into small strips or pieces to speed up the composting process
  
  
• Add to your backyard compost or green bin (check your city guidelines)

🔥 Use as Fire Starters
Your old wrap makes an excellent fire starter for:

• Campfires
• Wood stoves
• Fireplaces

Just cut into strips and twist into little fire-ready bundles. The wax coating helps them ignite quickly — no chemicals needed.

🎨 Creative Reuse
Let your imagination fly! Here's a few ideas to get you started:

• Cut and use as twist tie replacements (in the house or in the garden)
• Wrap soap for travelling or camping
• Use in crafts or art projects

Ready to Stock Up?

Looking to expand your stash or gift a set to someone else?

Shop our beeswax wraps here.