How to Use Beeswax

Beeswax happens to be a little known wonder formula. It is most commonly used in cosmetics and candles, but there is a whole other world of uses out there that aren't as well known. The next time you take a trip to the local farmers market or craft store, pick yourself up a hunk and follow some of these steps to save yourself some future frustration.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Beeswax

1. Polish your boots. Beeswax makes a good water sealer when preserving leather boots. After thoroughly cleaning your boots, liberally rub it into all the leather with your fingertips.

2. Lube up the screws. Beeswax makes a good lubricant when installing long wood screws, such as those seen in a cabinet. Rub the beeswax all around the threads of the screw right before fastening it.

3. Release the cabinet drawer. Put wax on the rails of drawer cabinets when they are sticking. You can also do this with old wooden bureaus as well.

4. Preserve your sink. Beeswax can be used as a sealer for a copper sink. Soften the beeswax and rub it all around the sink. Then use a lint-free rag to polish it.

5. Clean your ears. Beeswax ear candles are used to relieve sinus pressure, eliminate wax build-up and to stop tinnitus to name a few things. They are hollow candles that are inserted into the ear canal and lit. The heat billows down the candles into the ears causing a relaxation that causes wax and fluid to get flushed out of the system through the nose and mouth.

6. Sew your pants. Beeswax can also be used in sewing to keep the thread strong and also to prevent it from catching on the material.

7. Wax the sled. Apply beeswax to the runners on the old-style wooden runner sleds. Slide the bar of wax back and forth down the whole length of the runners.