Beeswax wraps are a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap. They are made with wax and cloth, and they can be used to cover food, store leftovers, and keep food fresh. But just like any other piece of cloth kitchenware, beeswax wraps need to be cleaned regularly in order to maintain their effectiveness. In this article, we’ll look at five simple steps for cleaning your beeswax wraps so that you can get the most out of them.
Step 1: Soaking the Wraps
The first step in cleaning your beeswax wraps is to submerge them in warm water for a few minutes. This helps remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on the wraps during use. Use only warm water – hot water could damage the wax coating on the wraps. If you want to add some extra cleaning power, you can add a small amount of mild detergent or vinegar to the soaking solution. After soaking for several minutes, rinse off the soap or vinegar with cold water before proceeding to step two.
Step 2: Washing by Hand
Once your beeswax wraps are soaked and rinsed off, it’s time to wash them by hand using warm soapy water. Gently massage each wrap with your fingers or use a soft brush if necessary to remove any remaining dirt or debris from the fabric surface. Be sure not to scrub too hard as this could damage the wax coating on the wraps and reduce their effectiveness over time. Once all of the dirt is removed, rinse off the soapy suds with cold water before proceeding to step three.
Step 3: Air Drying
After washing your beeswax wraps by hand it’s important that you air dry them rather than using a clothes dryer as this could damage the wax coating on each wrap. Simply lay each wrap flat on a clean towel and allow them to air dry naturally – this usually takes between one and two hours depending on how thick your towels are and how humid it is outside (humidity can slow down drying times). Once each wrap is completely dry proceed onto step four.
Step 4: Re-Waxing
Once your beeswax wraps are completely dry it’s time for re-waxing! To do this simply place each wrap onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and then preheat your oven (or use an electric skillet) set at low heat (no more than 120°C/250°F). Place another layer of parchment paper over top of each wrap before putting them into the oven/skillet – this will help ensure that no wax drips onto other surfaces during melting process! Allow each wrap to melt for approximately 30 seconds before removing from heat source – use an oven mitt if necessary when handling hot items! Allow wrapped items cool before using again – make sure they reach room temperature before storing away!
Step 5: Storing Away
The final step in cleaning your beeswax wraps is storing away correctly! It’s important that you store them in an area where they won’t be exposed directly sunlight or excessive heat – both of which can cause damage over time by melting away at their protective wax coating! You should also make sure that they stay clean while stored away – if there are any spills while stored away make sure you clean up promptly as otherwise these spills may leave permanent stains or marks!
Conclusion
By following these five simple steps for cleaning beeswax wraps you can ensure that they stay fresh and effective for many years of use – helping you save money while being kinder towards our environment too! Not only does proper care help extend their lifespan but it also ensures that every time you reach for one of these eco-friendly alternatives you know exactly what condition its in – making life just that little bit easier!
