UPDATED DIY CLING WRAP HOW TO, PROCESS, FAQS, ETC ON TJSTASTE.COM HERE.
I’ve recently noticed some new products put out there by several green retailers. Essentially, it’s cloth with wax on it. And, unfortunately, a majority of these companies WAY overcharge to sell their cloth with wax on it–as super neat as they may be.
Well, since I had some beeswax on hand, and some spare pieces of fabric, I decided why not try to make my own cling wrap utilizing this same wax-on-cloth concept? So I did.
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The result? AWESOME! The wax-covered pieces of fabric are beautiful, easy to use, easy to wash, and work like a charm. I am very happy with how my experiment turned out!
Now, on to the tutorial. Here’s how I did it.
UPDATED DIY CLING WRAP HOW TO, PROCESS, FAQS, ETC ON TJSTASTE.COM HERE.
What You’ll Need
- fabric (I used cotton; other types of absorbable fabric might work, but I can only guarantee cotton as that’s what I used)
- pinking shears
- beeswax (either pellets or bars that have been shredded)
- a glass container
- heat-resistant tongs
What You Do
Pick out some pretty fabric. I had some leftover from a previous project. I like the pattern on it, not just because it’s pretty, but also because it’s easy to cut out without needing to measure.
Next, using pinking shears, cut out some pieces of fabric. They can be any size or shape. I made a couple of basic rectangles.
Melt an ounce or two of wax in a glass container. You can melt them over water on the stove (making a double boiler), in the oven, or in the microwave. I just used the microwave. Be careful when you pull it out–it’ll be HOT.
Now, using heat resistant tongs, dunk the fabric in the hot, melted wax. Get every last bit of the fabric wet with wax. Once it’s soaked, pull it out and hold it up for a minute or two to let the wax dry (I don’t even think it took a full minute for mine). Be careful not to let any of the fabric overlap onto itself while its drying.
If there are any lumps or clumps of wax on the surface, use a credit card or some other straight-edged object and carefully scrape the excess wax off.
Voila! You now officially have reusable cling wrap!
To put your cling wrap piece to use, press it semi-firmly around the edges of leftover containers. It molds around the container, partially melting with the help of your hands’ warmth, and forms an airtight seal. You can also use them to wrap food directly–they mold to the shape of whatever you’re covering.
To wash the reusable cling wrap, use cold water and mild dish soap. Be careful not to scrub it else the wax might scrub off and avoid using warm or hot water as they can melt the wax off. And, obviously, don’t run it through the dishwasher or the washing machine.
To store the cling wrap, fold it up and tuck it away in a drawer.
Here’s a sheet used to wrap up a block of cheese.
If the wax ever starts to wear off, just melt some more and dunk the bare spots of fabric.
UPDATED DIY CLING WRAP HOW TO, PROCESS, FAQS, ETC ON TJSTASTE.COM HERE.
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Awesome! I love DIY projects and hate using plastic wrap. We’ve got some commercial reusable sandwich bag that we use every day, but they aren’t useful for covering bowls.
I am going to be sharing this post with my friends. This is absolutely amazing!!!!
Thank You! This is brilliant.
So clever!!
Oh my goodness, I love this idea!!!
You are a flippin’ genius!
I *LOVE* this idea – and I know I have beeswax somewhere in my craft stash…. thanks!!
How do you clean the glass container after you’re done?
I actually keep a glass dish especially for things like melting wax or lotions so I don’t have to worry about that, lol. But to clean it, I keep melting it in the microwave and wiping it out with an old rag/washcloth then any excess that remains I scrape it off. It is a bit of pain. 🙂
ok, thanks : )
This is a great idea! I bet you could use it for wax paper, too.
I absolutely love this idea! I’m making covers with bandanas with elastic so I want to try these, what I’m wondering about is does the wax leave a film or residue in the bowl your covering? Thanks
Hi, Barbara. If the dish your putting it on is hot enough to melt the wax, then, yes, the wax will transfer. But if it’s cooled off (as it should be before covering anyway), then nope. 🙂
What “weight” of fabric works best for these?
I used just regular cotton. I wouldn’t do anything heavier as it probably wouldn’t be as “bendy.”
This is amazing! How do you keep it from melting in summer months or when the kitchen becomes humid?
It doesn’t melt that much in high heat in my experience, so long as it’s in the house {haven’t really tried it outside yet}. And humidity doesn’t bother it either. 🙂
I Am worried about how clean it would come. How many times can you use it before it has bacteria? I Love the idea but wonder.