sustainability
Beeswax cloths: the clever alternative to aluminum foil and Co.
Beeswax wraps are the trend in households that value sustainable living. But how hygienic are the wipes and how do you make them yourself? Five questions and answers.
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Beeswax wraps are the new trend in households that value sustainability. But what are the wipes actually made of and how hygienic is this trend? The five most important questions and answers.
Packaging waste and supposedly practical disposable plastic gadgets are undoubtedly some of the greatest environmental evils of our time. Aluminum foil and cling film are just two household helpers that are so inexpensive that they are used in large quantities in many kitchens. The motto: aluminum instead of storage box. There is cut, wrapped and packed whatever the rolls produce. Half onions or lemons, the leftovers from the Sunday roast or the sandwiches for breakfast for the junior. There is practically nothing that cannot be wrapped in aluminum or cling film or at least covered. But what is the alternative? For some years now, beeswax wraps have been trying to at least curb the film craze. But what is actually behind the colorful wrinkled towels? The five most important questions and answers about beeswax cloth.
1. What are beeswax cloths made of?
The basis for beeswax cloths is usually an ordinary fabric made of 100 percent cotton. “Popeline”, “Cretonne” or “Cambric” are suitable as fabrics. The cotton cloth is then coated on both sides with a mixture of beeswax and tree resin. Some products also have a little jojoba or coconut oil. For vegan oilcloths, instead of beeswax, wax from the candelila bush, which is native to Mexico, is often used.
2. What do you do with beeswax cloth?
Depending on the size of the cut, beeswax cloths are used to cover open or cut foods or to wrap them completely. Fruit and vegetables are popular, as are sandwiches. Casserole dishes and bowls with leftover food or opened yoghurt pots can be covered and thus preserved for a while. The warmth of the hands makes the wax soft and flexible, so that the oilcloths easily adapt to any shape. Once packed or covered, the beeswax stiffeners again and reliably seal the food. For reasons of hygiene, fresh fish and raw meat should not be wrapped in beeswax wraps.
3. How long can beeswax cloth be used?
In contrast to aluminum or cling film, beeswax towels are reusable. On the one hand, they should be antibacterial and thus unattractive for bacteria and other harmful germs. In addition, wax has a dirt and water repellent effect. Once used, a lukewarm jet of water is enough to use the oilcloth again. For this, however, they should be dry. If leftover food sticks to the cloths, they can also be cleaned with a little mild detergent. Over time, the coating becomes visibly thinner. Especially at the kinks. If you put the cloths in an oven at around 70 degrees (the melting point of beeswax is just over 60 degrees) on baking paper, the wax will spread evenly after a few minutes and the beeswax cloth will shine as smoothly as before. Of course, the sustainable packaging alternative does not have eternal life either. But those who care for the cloths regularly can wrap or cover food for several months or even years for the sake of the environment.
4. Can you make beeswax wraps yourself?
If you don’t like the offered patterns and designs and if you like to do handicrafts and ironing anyway, you can Beeswax cloths can also be made at home. In addition to a little skill and time, you need a cotton cloth, Beeswax pills and some tree sap (for example Pine resin). In addition, an old pot, a brush and a kitchen scale to weigh the resin and the wax pills.
Make beeswax wraps yourself in 6 steps
- Crush pine resin (8-10 g) into powder in a mortar
- Melt resin powder and beeswax pills (approx. 100 g) in a saucepan over medium heat
- Cut the washed cotton cloth and place on a baking sheet (with baking paper)
- Apply a thin layer of wax-resin compound to the cotton cloth with a brush
- Put in the oven at approx. 90 degrees for 1-3 minutes
- Take out the beeswax cloth, let it dry, done!
5. How do you clean beeswax cloths?
As a rule, it is sufficient to rinse used beeswax cloths under a little lukewarm water and pat dry with a tea towel. They are then immediately ready for use again. A little washing-up liquid and a brush with soft bristles won’t do any harm either. But keep in mind that the wax on the cloth melts at a little more than 60 degrees Celsius. Hot water is so when cleaning not a good idea. For this reason, fresh fish and meat should also be stored in other containers, for example lockable stainless steel bowls. In the case of fish and meat, lukewarm water is not enough to completely remove bacteria or fungi from the cloth.
The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) is skeptical of the trend towards beeswax cloths, especially for this reason. According to the BfR, bacteria could settle on the cloths over time, which cannot be reliably removed by lukewarm water and washing-up liquid. In addition, the institute strongly advises against impregnating beeswax cloths with jojoba oil. Fatty foods could absorb a lot of it. This is particularly critical if the oil, wax or resin is contaminated, according to the BfR. Therefore, choose ready-made wipes, but also the ingredients you can make yourself, with particular care.
Tip: Beeswax cloth is disposed of on the compost or in organic waste.
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