For wax extraction, the empty combs are first put in water, which is heated until the wax melts. The liquid is then poured through a piece of coarse cloth, and while still hot, this is twisted or squeezed until as much wax as possible is squeezed out into a clean metal pot. The wax then floats on the surface, and the water can be poured off when it has solidified.
The process may need to be repeated until the wax is clean. The wax can then be melted down and poured into suitable containers with a wick held centrally to make candles.
Lessons learned from wax extraction:
- Honeycombs are boiled in water until the wax melts
- Excessive water in the solidified crude wax will be wrung out
- Melting down crude wax will result in useable wax for candles a.s.o.
Further readings about bees on this website:
Alternative beehives in D.R. Congo
Improvised protective equipment for beekeepers
Sweat bees – not a danger, but a nuisance
Stingless bee honey collected by Hadza people
Collecting honey in a rock crevice in Vietnam
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