Beeswax is a popular product. It is used in balms, lotions, soaps, as well as candles. Even if you are not a beekeeper, it is easy to come by. Major craft store chains carry it year-round as well as it being readily available online from suppliers. But once you get a block of beeswax, do you know how to melt it safely?
For starters, there are three popular methods for melting this natural item. They are: solar energy, crock pot, and double boiler.
Solar energy – this method involves a solar oven. You can either buy one or build one yourself. It doesn’t have to be fancy; just large enough to a container with beeswax. The device should be able to hold (retain heat), but not get so hot as the wax would scorch or reach its flash point.
For peace of mind, use a thermometer to periodically check the temperature. If using a crock pot or double boiler, simply lower the heat setting. However, if you are using solar energy, slightly open the lid/top cover to air in and lower the temperature of the heating chamber.
Crock pot – with most crock pots, the temperature can be controlled. Wax is placed in container which is placed inside the crock. Please note that this step is important especially if you use the crock pot for cooking. (Beeswax can be difficult to completely remove). The unit is turned on at a low setting and allowed to melt slowly.
Double boiler – partially fill the bottom pan of the double boiler and place the top pan on top. Within this top pan, place the beeswax. Turn on the stove to a medium low heat and wait for the wax to melt. As the wax melts, make sure the bottom pan does not burn dry. (This will rapidly raise the temperature of the wax to the point it could scorch or reach its flash point).
Speaking of flash point; it is the point at which the beeswax will begin to burn and flame up. This is the key reason never to leave your beeswax unattended during the melting process.
Regardless of which method you use, remember that the key is a gentle heat. What is a gentle heat you ask? Beeswax begins to melt in the range of 143F – 151F. At temperatures beyond 170F, beeswax loses its aroma. It will also begin to darken in color. The flash point for beeswax is in the range of 400F.
As beeswax melt it becomes clear in color regardless of whether the original color of the beeswax block may be. (Color may range from nearly white to yellow to deep amber). But once the cooling process has begun, it begins to revert back to its original color.
Once the beeswax is melted, immediately remove it from heat. Now is the point to pour it for candles or to mix in with oils and butters to create lotions and balms. If the wax begins to set up, just put it back over the heat source (whether you use solar energy, crock pot, or double boiler).
So go ahead and use beeswax in your projects. You have several methods to choose from. Just don’t leave it unattended and remove it from heat as soon as it is melted.
I have a tart warmer that I use to melt bees wax…
For those that do not know what a tart warmer is, mine is an electrical device that slowly melts fragrant wax cubes for aromatherapy. It melts them VERY VERY slowly….
using this process takes a wee but longer but the process is one of the safest processes I have found…the end result is the same as if using one of the 3 other processes mentioned in the article, just a wee bit slower…and in melting wax, slow is usually safer.
I have never heard of a tart warmer, but what an excellent idea. Since I have a double boiler (and I can control temperature setting of the heat), that tends to be my preferred method. Slowly and carefully provide wonderful results.
Tart warmers, or wax melts warmers, come in basically 2 styles:
electric & those that need a tea candle(non electric).
Some examples can be found here:
http://www.yankeecandle.com/browse/accessories/wax-warmers/_/N-8c7
http://www.yankeecandle.com/browse/accessories/wax-warmers/_/N-8c7
http://www.scentedbaskets.com/
These warmers come in al sorts of configurations….from simple to whimsical & everything in between…they also come in at various prices as well.
all year long, regardless of the season, I am always burning candle and Tart Warmers…
I love the scents they produce & the ambiance is rather calming especially on a very stressful day.
Thank you for the link on tart warmers. Now I know what you are talking about.
Not a problem… 8 )
there are times that if I’m not burning candles(Extremely rare) I will put a few wax cubes, or scented oils in a tart warmer croc…
I guess I just love the aromatherapy that comes with candles & tart warmers… 8 )
BTW, I changed my Email Addy.
🙂
Thanks for the tartwarming tip, from the bottom of mine
Hi, We are planning a candle dipping activity at our school and want to use crocks pots as they seem safer than hot plates around children. Do you know what setting high or low you should use if you are using a can inside the crock pot? Or is it necessary to have one with a temperature setting? thank you so much, Nicola
Sorry for the delay. (This ended up in my spam filter). I would recommend using the low setting on a crock pot. The actual temperatures may vary quite a bit based upon the manufacturer.
I am looking for a temperature-controlled warmer to heat bees wax to apply to the skin to remove facial hair. What is the recommended temperature without causing reddness/scorching and appropriate electrical warmer. Thank you. I have read the bees wax hair removal causes acne, not applicable as I am in my 50’s.
I have no experience with applying heated beeswax to skin. I would recommend reviewing various warmers for their suggested temperature settings.