Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: Tracy on September 11, 2005, 02:57:03 PM

Title: cleaning wax
Post by: Tracy on September 11, 2005, 02:57:03 PM
morning all, i have all this beatiful wax and am unsure about the process of cleaning it and being able to use it for craft purposes such as lip balm.if anyone feels like enlightening me , i would be ever so grateful. thanks tracy
Title: cleaning wax
Post by: Michael Bush on September 11, 2005, 06:38:35 PM
Like any aspect of beekeeping there are many methods and in the end you'll have to arrive at one that works for you.

I melt mine with some water in the bottom and coarse strain it through a screen to get the big stuff out.  Then I put it back in the pot and heat it and fine strain it through some cloth.  After it hardens scrape off the crud on the bottom and you should have some nice clean wax.
Title: cleaning wax
Post by: Jay on September 12, 2005, 01:18:59 PM
Take a look at this, hope it helps! :D

http://beemaster.com/beebbs/viewtopic.php?t=1545&highlight=
Title: cleaning wax
Post by: Michael Bush on September 12, 2005, 02:26:16 PM
I suppose I should also point out that the taller the column of wax in proportion to the surface area, the more concentrated the sludge on the bottom is.  In other words, a 1/4" thick layer of wax over a 12" square 2" deep pan will waste more wax scraping the crud off the bottom than the same wax poured into a 4" by 4" by 10" tall paper milk carton.

I like the half gallon milk cartons.