Thriving
Hives
September 2024
Processing and using Beeswax: Candles and Cosmetics Brynn Meredith, Teresa Hunsaker, and Andree’ Walker Bravo
Introduction Beeswax is a substance produced by bees for constructing honeycomb in a hive. From any given hive, a beekeeper can usually harvest about 1-2 pounds of wax for every 100 pounds of honey harvested.1 When raw wax is harvested from the hive, it may be quite dirty and can have many different kinds of debris stuck in it. Because of this, it is important that you clean and process the wax before using it. This fact sheet will teach you how to process the wax that you harvest and provide some suggestions on how you can use it in your home. Tip: Remember that whenever you are working with beeswax, you should use clean equipment and work in a dedicated location. Consider using pots, pans, and other tools that you won’t need for cooking again, as wax is extremely difficult to clean out completely. 1. Harvesting Wax To harvest beeswax, first ensure that you have extracted as much honey from each frame as possible. Remove the wax caps by scraping them off or by poking holes into each capped cell. Allow the honey to drain out or use a honey extractor. Save the wax caps in a strainer and allow the honey to drain off of those as well. Once the honey has drained out of the cells, scrape the frame with a hive tool and transfer the collected wax into a container. 2. Initial Cleaning Typically, you will not have to do much during this initial cleaning. If you can see dead bees or bee parts or other large debris in the wax, you can use a cloth, a soft brush, or even your hands to remove the foreign substances. Rinse all the wax gently with cool water, being careful to not use too much pressure, as this will cause you to lose wax. 3. Melting Wax Begin the process of purifying or clarifying wax by melting. This should be done slowly over low heat, as it will help keep the wax in good condition. If the wax gets hotter than 180 degrees Fahrenheit, you will start to have problems with discoloration.