47. Working With Beeswax:
- Kanna Das
- Jun 16, 2025
- 2 min read
Working With Beeswax.
Beeswax is a valuable byproduct of beekeeping, especially for hobbyists who use natural comb or harvest honey using the crush-and-strain method. Wax is most commonly collected from capping (the wax seals bees make over honeycomb) and from old comb, broken frames, or burr comb removed during inspections.
To process it, start by melting the wax gently in a double boiler or a pot inside a larger pot of simmering water. Never place wax directly on a flame—it’s highly flammable. Once melted, pour it through a fine strainer or cheesecloth to remove debris like bee parts, propolis, and dirt. Allow the wax to cool and solidify in a container; impurities will either float to the top or settle at the bottom.
For cleaner wax, you can repeat the melting and straining process. Once purified, beeswax can be poured into moulds or stored as blocks for future use. Hobbyists use it for candles, balms, lip products, or to coat foundation sheets and wood.
Store cleaned beeswax in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight. With basic tools and care, processing beeswax at home is safe, sustainable, and adds extra value to your beekeeping practice.
Beeswax Products and Crafts
Beeswax is a natural, versatile substance that offers hobby beekeepers the opportunity to create a wide range of useful and marketable products. Once cleaned and filtered, beeswax can be used in handcrafted candles, which burn cleaner and longer than paraffin alternatives and emit a pleasant, honey-like aroma. Rolled beeswax candles, made from wax sheets, are easy for beginners and popular at local markets.
Beeswax is also a key ingredient in lip balms, hand salves, and body butters, thanks to its moisturising and protective qualities. Blending beeswax with natural oils (like coconut or olive oil) and essential oils creates nourishing skincare products ideal for personal use or small-scale sale.
For practical household uses, beeswax can be used to make furniture polish and leather conditioner, often mixed with oils like linseed or mineral oil. It’s also the base for beeswax food wraps, a sustainable alternative to plastic wrap.
These crafts not only reduce waste but also help hobbyists make full use of their hives. With simple tools and creativity, a beekeeper can turn excess wax into beautiful, eco-friendly items—adding joy, utility, and income to their beekeeping hobby.
Beeswax - video https://youtu.be/2sq0-GGvgt4?si=UBVsKbozTLnKsf1h
Beeswax candle making - video
Comments