Do you have some old clothes lying around that you need help with? Why not turn them into something practical and eco-friendly?
As someone who loves cooking and trying out new recipes, I’m aware that the number of plastic wraps people use to store and preserve food is staggering. I’d always been uncomfortable with the amount of plastic waste people’s kitchens were generating.
So I created this DIY project. I’ll show you how to make soy wax food wraps using used clothing and fabric scraps. Not only is this a fun and creative way to spend an afternoon with your loved ones, but it also helps to decrease waste and produce a long-lasting alternative to plastic wrap. This is so simple to prepare that I even made some for my family and friends.
I still remember being amazed the first time I used my new food wraps to cover a bowl of leftover salad. The salad remained fresh, and the wraps added a bit of rustic beauty to my refrigerator.
The process of making these wraps is as easy as pie. All you need is some cloth, soy wax, and a willing heart. It’s not just about being eco-friendly. It’s about being economical too. Instead of buying rolls and rolls of plastic wrap, why not use what you already have at home? This project is a fantastic way to breathe a second life into those clothes that have been neglected for far too long! Now, isn’t that the perfect fusion of nostalgia and sustainability?
Let’s get started!
Materials Needed:
-Old clothing or 100% cotton fabric
-Soy wax pellets (or bees wax/vegetable wax)
-Baking paper sheet
-Scissors
-Brushes
-Laundry pegs


The Process: Turning Old to Gold
- Prep the Fabric: Begin by washing, drying, and ironing your fabric. Then cut it into your desired sizes using scissors.
- Melt the wax: Use a double boiler to melt your wax on low heat until the solids are completely dissolved
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This will protect the baking sheet and make cleanup easier.
- Coat the fabric: Place a piece of cut fabric on the parchment paper and evenly coat your melted soy wax pellets over the fabric.
- Iron it: Set your iron to the lowest temperature and iron your fabric covered by parchment paper for about 30 seconds.
- Remove and Dry: Carefully remove the baking sheet from the top. Lift the fabric by two corners and wave it gently in the air for a few seconds to help it cool and harden. The wax will set quickly.
- Repeat: If the wrap seems too thin or not fully saturated, you can repeat the process by adding more melted wax.
- Cool and Store: Allow the wraps to cool completely before using them. Store them flat, folded, or rolled in a drawer or a basket for easy access.
How to Clean Your DIY Soy Food Wraps:
Cleaning your DIY soy food wraps is similar to caring for store-bought beeswax wraps, but there are some significant differences due to the wax type.
Cool water only: Soy wax melts dissolve more easily than beeswax, so use cool water instead of warm or hot, and add a moderate, environmentally friendly dish soap.
Wipe or rinse: For minor spills, simply clean the wrap with a moist cloth and cool, soapy water. Rinse well with cool water. For larger messes, carefully rinse the wrap under the faucet.
Stubborn residue: f the residue lingers, use a soft sponge or dishcloth to gently clean it with cool, soapy water. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers, which could damage the cloth.
Air dry: Place the wrap flat on a drying rack or hang it to dry completely. Do not use a dryer or microwave since they will melt the wax.
Additional Tips:
After you use your DIY soy food wraps for a long time, you may notice some tears or damage. Don’t worry because there is a solution to that.
Small Tears
Try re-sealing: Melted soy wax flakes can be used to re-seal minor tears on the edges. Melt the wax flakes with a double boiler, then carefully dip a brush or toothpick in the wax and dab it along the tear edges. Gently press the fabrics together to seal. Allow it to cool and firm entirely before use.
Reinforce with fabric: If there are little tears in the middle of the wrap, consider using a fabric patch. Cut a tiny piece of the same fabric as the wrap and lay it over the tear. To adhere the patch from the back, use a fabric-safe heat transfer glue. You may need to re-wax the area around the patch for improved sealing.
Large Tears or Holes
Repurpose: If the damage is extensive, consider cutting the wrap into smaller pieces. You can cut it into various sizes to wrap smaller objects such as cheese, fruits, and snacks.
Start anew: If the damage is severe, you may need to reconstruct the wrap. This entails re-waxing a new piece of fabric with soy wax flakes using your original technique.
Benefits of Soy Wax Food Wraps:
Soy wax food wraps provide several advantages, making them a popular choice among environmentally aware consumers (like us!). They are environmentally friendly, helping to reduce plastic waste and battle pollution. In addition, they are environmentally friendly because they may be produced from old clothing and fabric scraps, reusing resources that would otherwise be thrown. Soy wax wraps are also less expensive than pre-made plastic wrap over time. They are adjustable, allowing you to make wraps in a variety of forms, sizes, and patterns to meet your specific needs. Also, they are a healthier option because they are natural, non-toxic, and suitable for food packaging.
When you’re searching for a unique approach to cut waste and create something helpful, consider making your own soy wax food wraps. It’s a simple and satisfying DIY project that’s both environmentally friendly and cost-effective!