Uses of Beeswax

Beeswax is actually a very versatile product and can be used for wide range of purposes. Here is a guide to the top 5 uses of beeswax.

As a lip balm

Beeswax is the perfect base to make moisturising lip balm. There are plenty of recipes to choose from, but generally speaking the way to make lip balm this way is to melt some beeswax over a pan of boiling water and then add in one or more essential oils of your choice. Stir thoroughly and once the mixture has melted, pour it into a container using a funnel.

As a leather protector

Beeswax mixed with resin makes the perfect leather protector. It even makes it waterproof. This substance can be used on shoes, belts, briefcases or any other leather product you want to keep looking as new.

Ingredients: 4 ounces beeswax, 1 pint vegetable oil and 4 ounces rosin/resin (can be purchased at a music shop)

The beeswax should be melted over a pan of boiling water. Then add the vegetable oil and resin and stir until mixed thoroughly. Ideally this mixture should be applied to leather while it is still warm for ease.

Wax crayons

Children love wax crayons to draw and colour with. They are totally safe as they are non-toxic so are perfect for use by kids.

Ingredients: 1 ounce beeswax, 1 ounce grated soap, concentrated food coloring

Heat the beeswax in a bowl over a pan of hot water. Add the grated soap and stir until it has all melted. Add the food colouring drop by drop until it has reached the desired colour. Pour the mixture into moulds made from tin foil. Once cooled they are ready to be used.

Furniture Polish

Beeswax makes an effective furniture polish. Simply mix equal parts of beeswax, linseed oil and turpentine whilst gently heating them in a bowl of hot water. When the mixture is cool put a little on a soft rag and use to polish all your wooden furniture.

Copper preservative

Beeswax stops the oxidation of copper which can look unsightly when it appears. When sealing a copper item, simply soften some beeswax and then apply it to the item on a soft cloth or rag. This will remove any oxidation residue and prevent further from appearing.

Beeswax can of course also be used to make candles and a variety of other beauty and cosmetics further to the uses listed above.

5 Reasons to Make your own Soap

You are in control of what goes in

If you don’t want to expose you or your family to harsh chemicals then making your own soap can guarantee they won’t be. You can control the ingredients used, the colour, the texture and smell as well as the ingredients that are included.

It makes a wonderful present

Homemade soap is a very thoughtful and nice present to give someone. Not only are they relatively cheap to make, they can be beautiful to look at and of course are a pleasure to use. They are a great item to fill your present drawer with too so if you are ever stuck without a gift for someone, you can head straight for your soap!

There are no chemicals included

The ingredient list on the back of a soap packet can display all sorts of unrecognizable chemicals. If you make your own soap you can guarantee it is chemical free. Furthermore, you can add your own ideas and turn soap into a nice, healthy product by including all sorts of additional essential oils and essences.

It saves you money

Making soap is definitely a cheaper alternative to buying it. Also, once you’ve been bitten by the soap making bug, the chances are you will want to start making other natural products like washing powder, floor cleaner and maybe even other cosmetics. It is possible to save a bundle when you make all cleaning products and cosmetics yourself.

It’s fun

There is no doubt about it, making soap is both a fun and satisfying hobby. You can let your creatively run wild, adding differing natural items, oils, essences and more into the recipes and even make some nice packaging to finish off the products. The whole family can get involved too so it can be a family project that you can all enjoy together.