Quick answer: Are beeswax wraps hygienic?
Yes, beeswax wraps are hygienic when cleaned properly and used for suitable foods. Wash them after each use in cool water with a small amount of mild dish soap, allow them to dry completely and avoid using them for raw meat, raw fish or hot foods.
Are beeswax wraps hygienic? It's one of the most common questions people ask before making the switch from plastic wrap.
Although beeswax wraps can't be washed in hot water or put in the dishwasher, they're designed to be washed, reused and used again. With a little care, they're a hygienic way to store sandwiches, cheese, bread, fruit, vegetables and more.
Our favourite reusable beeswax wraps
Biome stocks reusable beeswax food wraps from SuperBee and Honeybee Wrap, along with beeswax bread bags for storing homemade and bakery-fresh loaves.
SuperBee beeswax wraps
Best for: Versatile everyday food storage
✔ Practical sizes for different foods
✔ Useful for sandwiches, cheese, produce and bowls
✔ Washable and reusable
✔ A simple alternative to disposable plastic wrap
Honeybee Wrap beeswax wraps
Best for: Australian-made reusable food wraps
✔ Handmade in Australia
✔ Available in a range of sizes and prints
✔ Ideal for lunchboxes, cheese, produce and bowls
✔ Reusable and easy to clean
Beeswax bread bags
Best for: Homemade and bakery-fresh bread
✔ Shaped to hold loaves and baked goods
✔ Reusable alternative to disposable bread bags
✔ Useful for homemade, sourdough and bakery bread
✔ Helps reduce single-use plastic in the kitchen
Why are beeswax wraps hygienic?
Beeswax wraps are generally made from cotton coated with beeswax, plant oils and tree resin. This creates a flexible surface that can be moulded around food, containers and bowls.
Beeswax has mild antimicrobial properties, but it should not replace normal food hygiene. Keeping a wrap fresh and hygienic still depends on washing it regularly, allowing it to dry completely and using it only for suitable foods.
Like reusable lunchboxes, containers and water bottles, beeswax wraps should be cleaned after use and replaced if they become mouldy, badly damaged or can no longer be cleaned effectively.
How to clean beeswax wraps
Beeswax wraps are easy to clean, but it is important to avoid hot water because heat can soften or remove the wax coating.
- Rinse the wrap in cool or lukewarm water.
- Add a small amount of mild dish soap if needed.
- Gently wipe it with your hands, a soft cloth or a non-abrasive sponge.
- Rinse away any soap and food residue.
- Hang or lay the wrap flat to air dry completely.
- Once dry, fold it and store it in a clean, dry place.
Avoid hot water, harsh cleaners, aggressive scrubbing, wringing and prolonged soaking, as these can wear away the coating.
Cleaning tip
Wash your beeswax wrap after each use, just as you would wash a reusable lunchbox or food container. Never place it in the dishwasher, microwave or oven.
How long do beeswax wraps stay hygienic?
Beeswax wraps can remain hygienic throughout their usable life when they are cleaned and dried correctly. How long they last will depend on how frequently they are used, what foods they are used with and how carefully they are washed.
As the coating wears down, the wrap may become less flexible, less water resistant or less able to hold its shape. This does not always mean it needs to be thrown away.
Top tip: If your beeswax wrap starts to lose its grip, do not throw it away. Many quality wraps can be refreshed to restore the coating and extend their useful life.
Learn how to refresh a beeswax wrap that has lost its coating.
What can and cannot be stored in beeswax wraps?
| Great for | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Sandwiches and lunchbox snacks | Raw meat |
| Hard and semi-hard cheese | Raw fish or seafood |
| Bread and baked goods | Hot food |
| Cut fruit and vegetables | Liquids and very wet foods |
| Fresh herbs and bowls of cooled food | Food that needs to be reheated in the wrap |
You can also shape a wrap around the cut end of a cucumber, pumpkin or piece of fruit, or use it to cover a bowl or plate.
Raw meat and fish are better stored in a glass or stainless steel container that can be thoroughly cleaned at a higher temperature.
What customers say about beeswax wraps
Biome customers use Honeybee beeswax wraps to keep bread, vegetables, cheese and leftovers fresh while replacing disposable plastic wrap. Here are a few favourites from verified customer reviews.
“Delighted with Honeybee food wraps. I'm using them to store purchased rye sourdough loaves and I've never experienced bread staying so fresh over a week. Back for more wraps soon.”
★★★★★ Felicity J.
“Biome wax wrapping is so much better for preserving vegetables than other cheaper brands I have tried.”
★★★★★ Annette O.
“Using these wraps has made eliminating plastic wrap so easy. Does a great job and so easy to use. No more plastic wrap in this household.”
★★★★★ Faye S.
“The wraps molds into the shape of the container or food I'm wrapping easily. I've used them with half cut cheese blocks, salad bowls and as a section divider in kids lunch box etc, they are very useful and easy to clean and reuse. And I love the beautiful colours and design.”
★★★★★ S.E.
“These wraps are fantastic. This is my second lot of wraps as the others had worn out after a long period of use. Will definitely purchase again.”
★★★★★ Allison D.
“Great alternative to single use plastic cling film. I use this to wrap sandwiches, cover bowls of food, wrap snacks like nuts or dried fruit in, and wrap cut fruit or vegetables when storing in the fridge. Great reusable option to preserve food.”
★★★★★ Margaret
Choosing the right size can make wraps easier to use and clean:
- Small wraps: cut fruit, vegetables, snacks and jars
- Medium wraps: cheese, sandwiches and bowls
- Large wraps: bread, platters and larger containers
- Beeswax bread bags: loaves, rolls and baked goods
Ready to reduce plastic wrap?
Whether you are packing lunches, storing cheese or keeping homemade bread fresh, reusable beeswax wraps are a simple way to reduce single-use plastic in your kitchen.
Explore beeswax food wraps and bread bags from Honeybee Wrap and SuperBee at Biome.
Shop beeswax wraps and bread bagsFrequently asked questions
Can you wash beeswax wraps with dish soap?
Yes. Use a small amount of mild dish soap with cool or lukewarm water. Avoid harsh cleaning products and abrasive brushes that may damage the coating.
Can beeswax wraps go in the dishwasher?
No. Dishwasher temperatures can melt or remove the beeswax coating. Beeswax wraps should always be washed by hand in cool water.
Can beeswax wraps be used in the freezer?
Some beeswax wraps can be used for short-term freezer storage, although the coating may become stiff in cold temperatures. Check the care instructions supplied by the manufacturer before freezing.
When should you replace a beeswax wrap?
Replace a wrap if it develops mould, tears beyond repair, smells unpleasant after cleaning or can no longer be cleaned effectively. A wrap that has simply lost some grip may be able to be refreshed instead.
Can beeswax wraps become mouldy?
Yes, if they aren't cleaned or dried properly. To help prevent mould, wash your beeswax wrap after each use, remove any food residue and allow it to dry completely before folding and storing it in a dry, well-ventilated place. If mould has grown into the fabric or the wrap can no longer be cleaned effectively, it's time to replace it.
Related reads from Biome
How to Refresh a Beeswax Wrap That Has Lost Its Coating
Restore the coating on a worn beeswax wrap and extend its useful life.
How Long Do Beeswax Wraps Last?
Learn what affects the lifespan of a beeswax wrap and when it may be time to refresh or replace it.
