Filtration helps remove all residue trapped inside this well-known and versatile gift of nature, thus if you filter your beeswax, you will obtain a purer form of this amazing natural product.
You can filtrate beeswax in different ways. For instance, you can utilize coffee filters or cheesecloth. And when filtering beeswax, stay cautious of the hot wax. Wear rubber gloves and goggles.
In today’s article, I will share a few methods on how to filter beeswax properly as well as useful filtration tips. Without any further ado, let’s learn how to get the most out of your beeswax.
How To Filter Beeswax: 5 Quick & Easy Methods
The best way to filter beeswax includes a cheesecloth because these products trap excess particles. You can also utilize t-shirts or cotton rags to clean beeswax in place of cheesecloths.
Utilizing a cloth to clean beeswax makes filtering any residue easier. I prefer cloth filters because they’re environmentally friendly. They’re recycled and reusable, so you can reuse cloth filters.
Utilize the cloth filter to siphon out excess particles. However, stay cautious of the melting point of your wax (70 degrees). If it burns, you should start over with a new beeswax and cloth filter.
Filtering beeswax plays a key role in the quality of your final product. Thus, failing to clean your beeswax properly can be underwhelming. It can also go against health standards in some cases.
If you’re making beeswax candles, allow your beeswax to settle overnight. This will let impurities drop to the bottom of your wax. Filtering your beeswax for candle-making isn’t rocket science.
Just heat your wax in a pot. Then, strain your beeswax and let it cool for a day. Remove the beeswax and add water outside. Finally, scrape the bottom of your beeswax and repeat if necessary.
Now, let’s learn about the different types of filters and methods you can use for straining your beeswax. In the end, I will also share some extra useful tips, so stick around till the very end.
Cheesecloth
Cheesecloth makes a perfect tool for straining residue from hot wax. The material contains all chunks or particles in one dense spot. Therefore, put your wax inside your cheesecloth. Then, tie your cheesecloth securely at the sop with a rubber band or string and put it inside a pot full of water.
The pot should contain about 3-4 inches of water. Take your pot to a boil slowly. Observe the wax filter out of it. After a couple of minutes, let it sit for a while and set before you remove the debris from inside your cheesecloth. If there’s a lot of residue in your wax, use a few layers of cheesecloth.
Coffee filters
You can easily filter beeswax with eco-friendly coffee filters. You will need clean glass jars, unused coffee filters, clothespins or rubber bands, and melted beeswax. First of all, secure your filter around the rim of your jar with a rubber band or clothespins. Then, pour the melted beeswax inside!
I highly suggest that you utilize new coffee filters only because used ones may contain coffee grounds on them that can easily contaminate your beeswax. It’s a very easy, effective method.
Clean t-shirts
First and foremost, melt your beeswax. Then, pour it into a bowl lined with a scent-free and clean t-shirt. These fabrics deliver greater versatility because of their size.
For example, shirts can filter a larger amount of beeswax than eco-friendly coffee filters, so they’re more convenient for people who make larger batches of beeswax.
However, keep in mind that this type of fabric will affect how your beeswax drips and since some fabrics provide more breathability than others, opt for something airy and light that can help your beeswax drip with ease and properly without letting particles drip through.
Gravity
The gravity filtration method utilizes gravity to purify beeswax. It’s one of the most popular and effective methods utilized to clean beeswax and remove all the impurities.
Add about 3-4 inches of water along with your beeswax in a stainless steel pot. Then, bring your pot to a boil slowly until your beeswax fully melts. This filtration method assumes that all the particles will lower to the bottom of the stainless steel pot while your beeswax will rise to the top.
Once the beeswax cools, utilize a knife along the inside of your stainless steel pot and remove your wax. Then, pour out the water outside and clean the base of your wax.
Multiple filters
If you’re dealing with very dirty beeswax, utilize multiple filters. The extra filters will help block residue and particles from slipping through. For instance, utilize double the amount of coffee filters. Then, pour your beeswax through those filters as usual as many times as needed.
Filtering beeswax a couple of times can help remove impurities and provide a purer form of this amazing product. You can clean your beeswax a few times when you notice discoloration that’s smaller than your filters can withstand. Now, let’s wrap this guide with some useful tips.
Final Tips
As you can notice, filtering beeswax isn’t a complex task. On the contrary, it’s a walk in the park and you can utilize different filtration methods including coffee filters, cheesecloths, etc.
What I like to remind you before I end this article is to never melt your beeswax directly on an open fire. It can catch on fire the same way as grease. Instead, stay safe and utilize a water bath.
Additionally, if you want to keep the organic anti-microbial properties in the beeswax, don’t pass 175°F. The melting point ranges between 140°F and 145°F. Therefore, 170°F is more than suitable for melting it. Water boils at 212°F. Thus, don’t allow the liquid to boil. The tools you use also matter.
I would suggest that you utilize utensils and pots made with beeswax uses in mind. Cleaning cooled wax can be a nightmare, so utilize cheaper and older pots instead of your favorite costly pots.
However, if you happen to utilize a new pot and you can’t remove the cooled wax, the following trick can help. Simply preheat your oven to 200°F. Then, shut it down and put the bowl inside.
Within minutes, your wax will fully melt and you can remove any residue with paper towels. Then, scrub your cooking pot with some soap and water as usual, and voila! Your pot is good as new.
Was this helpful? If so, don’t forget to share it with your loved ones. Also, if you have some questions or suggestions, feel free to drop a comment. Let’s continue the discussion below!
I started Scents and Aroma as a way to share my knowledge from owning a candle, wax melt, diffuser and bath bomb business so that you can make your home smell lovely too.
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