How to Keep Plastic Wrap From Sticking to Itself Once and For All

While we love sustainable alternatives, sometimes plastic wrap has uses that are hard to replicate. But if you use plastic wrap, you know its challenges: You rip off a sheet, the slightest breeze comes along, and your perfect piece of plastic wrap instantly folds in on itself, creating a stuck-together mess. It's one of life's little frustrations—and you might just end up tossing the entire tangled ball of plastic wrap, creating even more waste and costing you money.

As it turns out, pros use a few tips and tricks to prevent their plastic wrap from sticking to itself. We spoke to a professional chef about the plastic wrap conundrum and got expert tips on how to use plastic wrap without frustration and waste.  

Invest in a Dispenser

Investing in a dedicated plastic wrap dispenser can significantly improve your luck with plastic wrap. “In many kitchens, the staff uses industrial-sized dispensers for plastic wrap, foil, and wax paper since we use so much of each. There are home kitchen versions of these available that I highly recommend,” explains executive chef Jeanne Strout. 

These dispensers come in various styles and typically feature built-in cutting mechanisms designed to hold the roll securely, keeping the plastic wrap flat and preventing it from sticking to itself. Some models even have non-slip bases to prevent the dispenser from sliding around on your countertop.

To set you up for success, Chef Jeanne also recommends choosing a brand of plastic wrap that utilizes a slide cutter instead of a serrated edge. This will ensure a smoother and more controlled dispensing experience.

Place the Plastic Wrap on the Bowl Before Cutting

Rather than bringing a piece of plastic wrap to the bowl, bring the bowl to the box of wrap. Pull the edge of the plastic out a few inches and drape it over the container, allowing it to cling to the far edge of the bowl or container before pulling out the length you need. You'll cut down on opportunity for the wrap to tangle.

Utilize Gordon Ramsay's Trick

Strout uses a tip she picked up while watching a famous chef on television. "I once saw Gordon Ramsay demonstrate that before applying plastic wrap to his beef Wellingtons, he lightly moistens the cutting board so the cling film will stick, giving him a nice, flat surface to work with." Strout recommends similarly moistening the rim of the container you're covering to help it stick to the surface and not itself.

Freeze Your Plastic Wrap

Here's a handy trick that's been going viral on social media as of late: Instead of storing plastic wrap in a drawer, keep it in the freezer. The cold wrap will remain pliable and usable while being less likely to stick to itself.

If you have already created a ball of crumpled plastic wrap, try freezing it overnight. In the morning, you should be able to straighten it back out and use it, eliminating the need to simply throw away unused plastic wrap. 

Consider Plastic Wrap Alternatives

If you still find plastic wrap difficult to use, consider switching to an alternative food wrap. "I rarely use plastic wrap at home," reveals Strout, who prefers beeswax food wraps. "They’re made of cloth dipped in melted beeswax and they use the heat from my hands to stick to whatever I’m wrapping. They last a long time, are sustainable, and can be washed with just a little dish soap and cool water."