How to Render Beeswax with Less Mess
Beeswax is an incredible byproduct of beekeeping! I kept bees for years before I ever took advantage of the extra wax that I was throwing out and I kick myself often for not learning to render beeswax sooner!
How to Render Beeswax
The method that I use for rendering beeswax reduces the number of steps from dirty comb to clean golden wax. This simple process melts the wax and filters it at the same time.
You can also render beeswax in a double boiler and then run it through a filter, but I find that the method in this post is more efficient as it saves time and reduces the mess.
What Comb Can You Use When Rendering Beeswax?
You can use any old comb and wax caps leftover from a honey extraction. Burr comb that is removed from the hives is also great to use. It is fine for the honeycomb and cappings to have dirt, dead bees, and brood embedded. All of this debris will be caught during the rendering process.
Ingredients
- Honeycomb and Wax Cappings
- Filtered Water
Supplies
- Cheesecloth or flour sack towel
- Stockpot
- Chip Clamp
- Rubber band
- Tongs
**I recommend using equipment and supplies that are dedicated to beeswax rendering as the wax is very difficult to clean off.
Steps for Rendering Beeswax
STEP 1
Fill a stockpot ¾ of the way with filtered water.
STEP 2
Put the dirty honeycomb and wax cappings into a double layer of fine cheesecloth or flour sack towels.
STEP 3
Secure the top of the cheesecloth or flour sack towels with a rubber band and place it into the water. I like to clip the cloth to the top of the stockpot to keep it in one place.
STEP 4
Turn the heat up to a gentle simmer. Wait for the wax to start melting out of the cloth. The melting point for beeswax is 145 degrees F. I use a candy thermometer to see how close the water is and I adjust the heat as needed.
STEP 5
Once the rendered beeswax wax is all melted out, use a pair of tongs to squeeze every last bit of the melted wax out of the cloth.
STEP 6
Remove from heat and let the clean wax solidify. When it is solid, you can pop the chunk of beeswax right out of the pot. If there are some dirty bits on the bottom, simply scrape them off. Throw out the dirty water.
How to Store Beeswax
Storing beeswax is pretty simple. It can be stored in anything that will keep dust off of it… plastic bags, jars, food containers, storage bins, etc.
You will also want to consider that beeswax melts at 145 degrees F so you don’t want to store it in a place that can reach that temp. Most places in your home and even your garage should be safe. Keep it in a cooler place (below 80 degrees F) if you want it to keep its shape and not get soft.
Beeswax can store indefinitely when kept away from dust and high heat.
How to Use Rendered Beeswax
Pure beeswax can be melted down in a double boiler to make skin care and beauty products, candles, food wraps, and more! Here are some ideas
Salve
Melt beeswax in infused oil in a double boiler to make an herbal salve.
Beeswax can also be melted and combined with essential oils to make a homemade bag balm for dairy animals (also great for dry skin).
Lotion
Mix melted beeswax with skin safe oils to make an all natural hand & body lotion!
Lip Balm
Beeswax can be used to make a soothing homemade lip balm.
Beeswax Wraps
Use pure home rendered beeswax to make your own beeswax wraps for food! There is no need to pay $2-5 for ONE wrap when you can make your own for a fraction of that price!
Wood / Furniture Polish
Use beeswax to polish wood furniture, wooden utensils, cutting boards, and keepsakes.
Coat Hive Frames
Coat your beehive frames with beeswax to help the bees accept and work with the frames more easily.
Candles
Beeswax can make beautiful natural candles for your home. Here is an easy recipe for homemade beeswax candles.
How to Render Beeswax
Ingredients
- Honeycomb and Wax Cappings
- Filtered Water
- Cheesecloth or flour sack towel
- Stockpot
- Chip Clamp
- Rubber band
- Tongs
Instructions
STEP 1
Fill a stockpot ¾ of the way with filtered water.
STEP 2
Put the dirty honeycomb and wax cappings into a double layer of cheesecloth or flour sack towels.
STEP 3
Secure the top of the cheesecloth or flour sack towels with a rubber band and place it into the water. I like to clip the cloth to the top of the stockpot to keep it in one place.
STEP 4
Turn the heat up to a gentle simmer. Wait for the wax to start melting out of the cloth. The melting point for beeswax is 145 degrees F. I use a candy thermometer to see how close the water is and I adjust the heat as needed.
STEP 5
Once the rendered beeswax wax is all melted out, use a pair of tongs to squeeze every last bit out of the cloth.
STEP 6
Remove from heat and let the wax solidify. When it is solid, you can pop the chunk of beeswax right out of the pot. If there are some dirty bits on the bottom, simply scrape them off.
Notes
Dirty comb is fine to use.
Store in a spot that will generally be lower than 80 degrees F and where the wax won't be coated in dust.
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