How to Melt and Repurpose Your Extra Beeswax

Leftover beeswax from your candles never has to go to waste. Beeswax boasts a remarkable array of properties that contribute to its diverse uses. At Big Dipper, we have a lot of fun finding ways to repurpose our leftover wax. We always want to make the most of this wonderful gift from our pollinating friends. Here's a closer look at some  key beeswax characteristics, how to utilize them, and how to melt it down for a second life.

Waterproofing and Moisture Barrier

Due to its hydrophobic nature, beeswax repels water. This is ideal for:

• Waterproofing fabrics for outdoor gear or tents.
• Protecting outdoor tools from rust.
• Helping to seal shoes and boots from rain and snow.
• Sealing wooden surfaces to protect furniture or cutting boards. We like to use it to fill existing cracks.
• Coating seeds to prevent moisture loss during germination.

Molding and Shaping

Beeswax softens when heated and hardens upon cooling, allowing it to be molded. Here's a few ideas:

• Crafting new candles in various shapes and sizes. Trust us, candle making is fun!
• Crayons are easy to make with a little bit of natural pigment and some cocoa butter and/or other natural oils.
• Try mixing your wax with coconut oil to keep it pliant and use it as modeling clay. We guarantee it will smell better than any store bought clay.
• You can shape beeswax into any home or office decoration you like. We make Christmas ornaments to give to family and friends.
• Some people even use it to style hair. Beards and mustaches too!

Potential Antibacterial Properties and Humectant Qualities

Some studies suggest beeswax may have antibacterial properties. Try these out:

• Lip balms and salves that may help protect against minor skin irritations and keep lips hydrated.
• DIY salves for your skin with potential wound-healing properties. Combine liquid beeswax with jojoba, coconut or shea butter and some essential oils for a spreadable salve you can use anywhere.
• Protect and heal your four-legged friend’s feet with beeswax. It’s great for cracked human feet as well.
• Beeswax can be used in soap making. Although this is a more advanced project, it yields great rewards. Try this recipe.

Natural Lubricant

The only limit is your imagination! Use for zippers, door hinges, or to unstick stuck drawers. Tough to fasten nails and screws, bicycle chains, saws or anything metal, wood or plastic where you need to reduce friction are all fair game.

Is Your Wax Stuck?

If you are having trouble freeing your wax from its container, the easiest way to salvage it is to freeze it. Read more here!

Melting Beeswax for DIY Projects

Read further to discover the best method to melt your wax. (Although we prefer the double boiler method, it is possible to microwave small amounts in 30 second intervals that are very closely watched. This can have messy or possibly dangerous effects if the wax is heated too much, too quickly, so we do not recommend the microwave method.)

Gather your tools: You'll need a double boiler (a pot with simmering water and a heat-resistant bowl placed on top), beeswax scraps, heat-resistant utensils and a fine mesh strainer.

Prepare a ventilated workspace: Ensure good ventilation to avoid inhaling beeswax fumes.

Break down the beeswax: Cut or grate your beeswax scraps into smaller pieces for easier melting.

Gently melt the beeswax: Place the beeswax in the heat-resistant bowl set over simmering water in the double boiler. Avoid direct heat, as it can scorch the beeswax.

Monitor and adjust: The beeswax should melt slowly and evenly. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent overheating.

Strain: Carefully strain any unwanted debris through a fine mesh container or bag. For larger objects, you can use a slotted spoon.

Add ingredients (optional): Once melted, you can add essential oils for fragrance in candles or carrier oils for salves, depending on your project.

Pour and cool: Carefully pour the melted beeswax into your chosen mold or container. Allow it to cool completely and solidify before use.

With a little creativity and these basic steps, you can transform leftover beeswax into a variety of useful and sustainable products!

If you can't wait for your candles to burn down, we do sell beeswax blocks that are perfect for experimentation.