Beeswax cloth
You should pay attention to this when buying
© Fevziie / Shutterstock
The beeswax cloth is a welcome alternative for everyone who values sustainability. Not all beeswax cloths are recommended, however. We’ll tell you what to look out for.
For a few years now, they have become more and more popular: beeswax cloths are reusable and therefore a good one ecological alternative for aluminum and plastic foil. They are now available in different colors, patterns and sizes. When buying a beeswax you should, however, look carefully, because not all towels are free from harmful substances.
What is a beeswax cloth?
A beeswax cloth is a cloth covered with a water-repellent layer that is used for Packing of groceries can be used. It is therefore an alternative to other packaging materials such as aluminum or cling film, which have long been criticized due to ecological and health aspects. The warmth of the hands makes the oilcloth soft and easy to adapt to any shape.
What to look for when buying beeswax
The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) pointed out that substances from the beeswax can migrate into the packaged food. The wax used to manufacture the cloths should therefore not be contaminated with mineral oil components or pesticides. When buying, it is best to look for organic certification.
Some also contain beeswax cloth Jojoba oil, which is used to make the cloth more pliable and less brittle. If it comes into contact with fatty foods, the oil can migrate into the packaged foods. You should therefore make sure to buy a beeswax cloth that does not contain this oil, as jojoba oil can build up in the intestines. Wipes with coconut oil or without additives are the better alternative.
Which beeswax cloths are recommended?
Beegut beeswax cloths made of cotton
In these Beegut beeswax cloths you can pack your groceries without hesitation. The organic cotton towels that are used for production are certified with the GOTS seal and the organic beeswax is extensively checked for residues. The set includes towels in three sizes with decorative prints.
Beegut beeswax cloths made of linen
These beeswax towels from Beegut are made of linen that is grown without the use of pesticides and organic beeswax. Beeswax sheets made of linen are a little thicker and firmer than cotton towels, but become more and more supple over time. The cloths are produced in the Allgäu. The set includes three sizes.
Ecolly beeswax towels
the Beeswax from Ecolly are also made from organic cotton and pure beeswax and the new generation of beeswax towels no longer contain jojoba oil. The scarves are available in different designs from floral to dotted.
Tip: You can also easily make beeswax wraps yourself. All you need is a few scraps of fabric, beeswax pellets and, if necessary, some coconut oil. The self-made towels are also a nice gift. In our Green Tricks you will find instructions on how to make beeswax yourself.
How do I use a beeswax cloth?
You can wrap or cover opened or cut food with a beeswax cloth. According to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), however, you should no fatty foods such as pastries, cakes, sausage or cheese in it, as wax components can migrate into these foods.
You should too no raw fish or raw meat Pack in beeswax cloths, as the cloths are not hot-washed and therefore germs cannot be completely removed. Here you can, for example Food storage containers made of glass To fall back on. On the other hand, beeswax cloth is well suited for fruit and vegetables or for covering bowls.
How do I clean the beeswax cloth?
At high temperatures, the wax melts and separates from the cloth. Therefore, you should only take the beeswax with you lukewarm water rinse off with a little washing-up liquid and dry with a tea towel. Since the cloths cannot be hygienically cleaned, you shouldn’t pack raw fish or meat in them, as lukewarm water is not enough to completely remove the animal germs and these could be transferred to other foods when the cloth is reused.
How long can I use a beeswax cloth?
In contrast to aluminum or cling film, you can use a beeswax cloth several months (or even years) use. So that you have some of the cloths for a long time, you should always clean them carefully after use with lukewarm water and a little washing-up liquid and then dry them well.
Tip: If small cracks form in the wax layer, you can put the beeswax cloth in the oven at around 70 degrees for a few minutes. This will melt the wax and distribute it evenly on the cloth again.