Getting Beeswax Off Metal

Getting beeswax off of metal and whatever other tools (or surfaces) I might use with the wax is another reason why several of my beeswax projects are left unfinished (but cutting is the #1 reason). This Instructable will show you how to remove beeswax that is caked onto your metal tools and surfaces.

Step 1: BoM

Oil (any kind should work)

Dish Soap

Hot water

Paper towels

Step 2: Oil

Any kind of oil should work, the reason I used olive oil is because we bought a bottle of Mediterranean Olive Oil that was just disgusting. Now we use it for things where the flavor doesn't matter.

Pour a small amount of the oil onto a paper towel and rub the wax off. Some thicker spots might need to be scraped off with your nail, but the residue will come right off and your metal won't be sticky anymore.

Step 3: Soap & Water

Add some dish soap to another piece of paper towel and wipe off the oil. Then run it under hot water to get all the soap and oil residue off.

Step 4: Dry

Use paper towel to dry the metal and maybe add some some 3-in-1 oil to the joints.

Comments

[Alex in NZ]

Thanks for this. I had real problems cleaning beeswax off a Pyrex jug when I had poured some wax, and I think that your way would have been much faster.

[studleylee]

Maybe also try a heat gun and a paper towel to wick the wax off. Beeswax is an awesome metal tool protect-ant so that may be useful to keep on in some cases.

[TedB60]

Don't use 3-in-1 oil. I used 3-in-1 oil for my wifes sewing machine and it was the worst thing I could have ever done. After 3 hours of experimenting with paint thinners etc. to get it off, I finally got it back to a usable condition. 3-in-1 oil gums everything up and is tough to get off.

[Not_Tasha]

Interesting, is there a different product you'd recommend? I'm not really worried about rust, but I can see how others might be. Thanks!