Care and Feeding of beeswax cleaning cloths???

Barbara
by Barbara
(EDIT: Was gifted extras of these from the master mechanic who serviced the rigs of the fleet of trucks; (what Co. is irrelevant, but DOW dedicated; Meaning intended for commercial use, if that helps?) Have had these beeswax cloths for many years (have more, unused, in reserve). I hope the pictures come through (I'm a 'cybersaur' so tech isn't my thing, lol!) How can I clean them? (we don't have a washing machine) My fear about washing machines is that it'll remove most of the beeswax, making them useless for intended purpose. Not to mention, wouldn't that 'gum up the works'?!? Wish to keep them in service for many more years. Is that even possible? Advice? Suggestions? Not accustomed to care and feeding of them (my Dad's quote) icon . No, I received no instructions with them way back when. Read online about tossing in machine and wash, others say eco-friendly soap, etc. Logic indicates soap would interfere with the beeswax? ANYONE?! Thanks in advance!
14"x 16". Shaking off/out is no longer an option....
Left is beyond use anymore, at this stage. Right is the color it SHOULD be (the backside of the above photo, minus the grime starting to accumulate)
  3 answers
  • Lisa Lisa on Nov 11, 2017

    Barbara I wish I could help you. But honestly I have never heard of these and I am curious can you explain what they are and what you use them for?

    • Barbara Barbara on Nov 11, 2017

      I just edited my question; as you posed a good query. They were for commercial use. 14" x 16". The cloth itself I know is cotton, and suspect possibly muslin; yet these seem a bit heavy for muslin. However, given the saturation of the beeswax, I can't rule that out. They were used for the rigs; to clean and shine; inside and out. I would love to know how extend the life of these. They are true workhorses! (Am willing to bet, not made anymore; as nothing GOOD, ever stays on market long) Thank you for bringing that up!


  • Sharon Sharon on Nov 11, 2017

    I think I would wash them in a pot of hot water and an oil soap like Murphy's since they are so dirty.

    For the new ones, here's how to care for them... https://superbee.me/taking-care-of-your-reusable-wax-wrap/

    • See 3 previous
    • Sharon Sharon on Nov 11, 2017

      Cut a piece off the worst one and try washing it, say in fairly warm water but not hot enough to melt the wax. Yes I would hand-wash.

    • Barbara Barbara on Nov 11, 2017

      I did see this; yet I felt it didn't really address my concerns, thank you however!