BEESWAX USES

Apiaries 8 sells pure 100% Australian beeswax as one of the ingredients used in many recipes to create your own DIY products for use around the home. 

Beeswax is used in lip balm, lip gloss, hand creams, salves, and moisturizers, and in cosmetics such as eye shadow, blush, and eye liner. Beeswax is also an important ingredient in moustache wax and some hair products, which makes hair look sleek and shiny.

Here are some suggestions for DIY beeswax applications.

Making Candles

Beeswax candles produce negative ions when burned, and those ions help to neutralise pollutants in the air. This helps eliminate dust, odours, and mould in the atmosphere, easing allergy and asthma symptoms and improving breathing for anyone nearby.

Beeswax candles have the brightest, purest light of any candles and are closest to natural sunlight. If the candles are to be used as a light source, this can help minimise eye strain and reduce headaches.

There are lots of online Australian candle companies that sell the cotton wicks, silicone moulds and candle making equipment. Beeswax candles have a natural honey aroma when burning or can be scented with your favourite fragrance. Simply melt, pour and you are on your way to non-toxic, homemade candles to purify the air and help you to relax.

The benefit of beeswax candles over other candles are less drip, no toxins, burn longer and brighter than other non-beeswax candles, unique air-purifying properties, environmentally friendly from a renewable resource and have a wonderful natural honey scent.

          

Beeswax Wraps / Plastic Wrap Alternative

You can make your own sustainable and reusable alternative to plastic wrap by using beeswax and cotton. When the beeswax is applied to the cotton, the cotton is no longer breathable which is why it is a great alternative to plastic wrap.

A carrier oil can also be added in small quantities to assist with flexibility of your beeswax wrap. Jojoba oil is plant based and will not oxidise or go rancid like other oils such as olive oil. Jojoba oil is also hypoallergenic, a natural antioxidant, has antibacterial properties, non-greasy and odourless.

You can use your beeswax wrap up to 1 year, even when used multiple times per week. A great zero-waste product for packing snacks for lunch boxes or take on a picnic. Once you’ve finished with your food, wash your wraps with cold soapy water, let them drip dry and they are ready to use again. Beeswax wraps aren’t suitable for storing raw meat or fish and aren’t suitable for the oven or microwave.

Simply using the warmth of your hands, your beeswax wrap will soften as you form the wrap over your food or bowl to create an air-tight seal.

      

Lip Balm and Beauty Products

Beeswax plays a huge role when making your own beauty and personal care products such as lip balm, moisturisers and soaps.  The beeswax acts as a setting and thickening agent in your beauty products.  It also protects your skin by locking in the moisture.

A quick internet search will reveal plenty of ideas and recipes to create your own lip balm.

      

Furniture Polish / Wood Treatment

You can polish your furniture when you mix equal parts beeswax to linseed oil and mineral spirits. Simply melt beeswax with oil, pour into suitable containers (either glass or tins) and let it set. You should end up with a spreadable polish to apply and buff with a soft cloth.

An alternative to linseed oil and mineral spirits would be Jojoba oil. Jojoba oil is plant based, odourless, non-greasy and will not oxidise or go rancid like some other carrier oils such as olive oil. Simply melt 35% beeswax to 65% Jojoba oil and pour into suitable containers (either glass or tins) and allow to set.

If the consistency of the paste is not right for your application, you can reheat the mixture and add more wax or oil to suit the application.

Lubricant in the Home

Do you have a sliding glass door, window runner or drawer that does not move freely? Just rub some beeswax on the area to lubricate and allow ease of opening. Beeswax can be put on nails or screws to help them move easier and prevent splitting timbers. Apply to zippers for ease of movement when they get a bit stuck.

You can wax your table saws to reduce friction and maximise performance.

Waterproofing

You can rub beeswax over leather shoes and other leather products to help protect against all types of weathering including water. You can even put beeswax on matches to help keep them dry if you are out fishing, boating or camping.

Rust Prevention

Coat things like hand tools, cast iron pieces and shovels to prevent them from rust. You can even rub beeswax on the wooden handle of your shovel to help protect against wear and tear and preserve the natural timber.

Sealing an Envelope

You can make a beeswax seal and apply it to the back of an envelope. This would make a great idea for an event invitation like an engagement, wedding or baby shower.