How to Clean Beeswax Food Wraps, a Reusable Alternative to Plastic Wrap

Properly cleaning and storing beeswax food wraps will extend their lifespan.

Made from organic cotton, beeswax, plant oil, and resin, beeswax food wraps are a sustainable alternative to plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Plus, they come in an array of beautiful colors and patterns, so you'll look forward to wrapping your leftovers in them.

While these wraps are naturally antibacterial, they should be cleaned after each use. If cleaned and stored properly, beeswax wraps can last up to one year, after which they can be composted and returned to the earth. We asked cleaning experts how to clean and care for beeswax food wraps to maximize their effectiveness and durability.

Meet the Expert

• Morgan Eberhard , senior scientist at Dawn
• Sarah McAllister , cleaning expert and founder and CEO of GoCleanCo
• Katie Berry , cleaning and organizing expert

Related: How to Clean Your Pantry in 5 Simple Steps—and Keep It That Way

How Often To Clean Beeswax Food Wraps

Before using beeswax food wraps for the first time, rinse them in cold water to remove dust or residue. Following that, aim to clean beeswax food wraps after each use to keep them fresh and free from bacteria or odors, says residential cleaning expert Katie Berry.

Materials You'll Need

Keep these materials on hand when cleaning beeswax food wraps.

• Mild dish soap
• Cool water
• Soft cloth or sponge
• Towel

How to Clean Beeswax Food Wraps

Keep your beeswax food wraps clean to ensure their longevity and freshness. To do so, follow these steps from Morgan Eberhard, senior scientist at Dawn.

1. Lay the beeswax food wrap flat on a clean surface.
2. Use cool water to wet the wrap. Avoid using hot water, as it can melt the beeswax coating.
3. Apply a small amount of dish soap onto the wrap.
4. Using a soft cloth or sponge, gently scrub the wrap. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as it can damage the beeswax coating.
5. Rinse the wrap thoroughly under cool water to remove all soap residue.

How to Dry Beeswax Food Wraps

After cleaning, beeswax food wraps need to be thoroughly dried before using or storing them. To do so, shake the wraps off to remove excess moisture and lay them on a drying rack. Berry recommends drying them away from direct sunlight to avoid damaging the wax. "Make sure they are fully dry before you use them again, as moisture, such as oil and water, will hinder their stickiness," says Sarah McAllister, cleaning expert and founder and CEO of GoCleanCo. Additionally, any moisture left in the wrap can create an environment conducive to microbial growth, which could lead to food contamination and a shorter lifespan of the wrap, says Eberhard.

Related: Plastic, Glass, or Stainless-Steel: What Material Is Best When It Comes to Food Storage Containers?

How to Store Beeswax Food Wraps

To store, lay the wrap flat in a cool, dry place like a kitchen drawer to help maintain its shape and prevent the coating from softening or becoming brittle, says McCallister. Store your food wraps away from heat sources like the stove or oven, as heat can melt the beeswax coating, says Eberhard. If storing in a container, make sure it's breathable to allow for air circulation.

Related: 11 Freezer Storage Mistakes That Are Ruining Your Frozen Food

Read the original article on Martha Stewart .