Honey is Canada’s sweetest production. Thanks to dedicated beekeepers across the country, there are endless types of the all-natural sweetener for your tea, toast, iced drinks, desserts and body products. But, honey aside, the busy bees create an equally important staple to have on hand at home: beeswax! Anti-bacterial and non-toxic, beeswax can also be a beautiful light source, eco-friendly food wrap, an all-natural cleaner, a zipper repair hack – nothing short of a multi-purpose miracle worker!
Beeswax Food Wrap
With the environment being such a hot topic these days, cutting down on single-use plastic food wrap and sandwich bags is a priority. Thanks to DIYers, and the bees, there are many eco-friendly alternatives. Using reusable beeswax food wrap for food storage can replace cling wrap and lessen our dependence on plastic storage containers.
Beeswax Rust Off
Before storing gardening tools away this winter, give them a good cleaning and then a rub down with beeswax. A little TLC with beeswax will help to prevent rust. It’s also a great conditioning tool to prevent splinters. Simply rub a small chunk of beeswax on the wooden shaft of shovels, pitchforks and spades for a sleek shiny finish.
Beeswax Conditioner
Beeswax will keep your butcher block, cutting boards, wooden utensils and wooden bowls well-conditioned. DIY beeswax wood polish is easy to make. Simply combine ¼ cup beeswax and ¾ cup olive oil in a heatproof measuring cup. Place the measuring cup in a small saucepan, fill around the cup until it’s half full. Place temperature on medium heat and stir until ingredients are melted. Let cool and transfer to a small mason jar. Rub the beeswax conditioner onto your favourite pieces with a microfibre cloth.
Beeswax Leather Protection
Water damage on leather shoes, boots and gloves is completely avoidable during the winter – if you apply a coat of beeswax before heading outdoors. Be sure to focus on the edges where the leather meets the sole and around zippers. Not only will it look better, your toes will stay dry!
Beeswax Zippiness
Apply a light coating of beeswax to zippers in order to un-stick them or to keep them lubricated and prevent sticking together. But don’t stop there! Before using screws and nails, apply a little beeswax. Lubricated hardware goes in easier and straighter, making your next home improvement project that much easier.
Photo by Jez Timms
