Fix-It Chick: 10 versatile uses for beeswax

When bees eat honey, they make beeswax. Beeswax is safe to eat, will not spoil and is arguably one of the most versatile home improvement products nature provides. Here are a few ways to “fix it” with beeswax.

Step 1: Lubricate screws and nails so they drive in smoother and pull out easier. In days of yore, discerning handymen would carve a hole in the butt of their hammer handle and fill it with melted beeswax. Each time they set a nail they would first plunge it into the beeswax to reduce wood splitting and resistance.

Beeswax has many uses around the house, from helping hammering nails to styling facial hair.

Step 2: Lubricate drawer runners and window tracks to make them slide better. Rub a bar of beeswax directly on the track of the drawer or window. Make sure to fill all the cracks and crevices with beeswax for smooth operation.

Step 3: Mix together equal parts of melted beeswax, turpentine and linseed oil to create an old-school hand-rubbed finish on any wood surface. Apply the paste with a slightly damp cloth and buff to a shine with a dry chamois.

Step 4: Rub beeswax directly onto leather products to protect them from the elements. Seal the deal by using an electric hair dryer to melt the beeswax into the leather.

Step 5: Pour melted beeswax into glass jars or waxed paper forms to make smokeless candles that can help purify the air. Set the wick in the form by pouring a little wax in first and letting it harden around the wick end. Tie the other end of the wick to a pencil to keep it up and out of the candle. Pour beeswax within 1/2 inch of the top of the jar or form and let harden.

Step 6: Polish granite and marble counter tops by rubbing them thoroughly with warmed beeswax. Allow the wax to dry then buff away excess with a soft cloth.

Step 7: Protect hand tools and metal objects from rust by rubbing them with beeswax.

Step 8: Condition cutting boards and other wooden kitchen utensils by mixing 1/4 cup of melted beeswax with 1 cup of mineral oil. Let the mixture cool, then rub it into the wood with a soft cloth.

Step 9: Preserve bronze by rubbing with a mixture of 1/3 lb. melted beeswax and 1 quart turpentine. Buff to a smooth, hard finish.

Step 10: Tame mustaches and dreadlocks with a mixture of equal parts melted beeswax and coconut oil.

— Have a home improvement question for the Fix-It Chick? Email it to Linda Cottin at features@ljworld.com.