How to Get Rid of Bloom on Beeswax Candles

Beeswax candles are a natural, sustainable alternative to traditional candles, offering a clean, long-lasting burn with a beautiful golden hue. However, sometimes you may notice a white, powdery coating on your beeswax candles—this is called "bloom." While this doesn't affect the quality or burn of the candle, it can be a bit of a cosmetic concern. At Prairie Sun Beeswax, we believe in providing you with the best quality beeswax products, and we're here to help you understand and deal with beeswax bloom.

In this post, we’ll explain what bloom is, why it happens, and how to get rid of it to keep your beeswax candles looking as beautiful as the day you bought them.

What is Bloom on Beeswax Candles?

Bloom is a natural phenomenon that occurs when the beeswax’s natural oils and waxes rise to the surface, forming a light, powdery white coating. This typically happens due to changes in temperature and humidity. It’s most common in natural beeswax candles because they don’t contain artificial additives or chemicals, making them pure and unrefined.

While bloom might seem undesirable, it’s important to note that it doesn’t affect the performance of your candle. Your beeswax candle will still burn cleanly and emit a pleasant, subtle honey scent. However, if you prefer a smoother, more polished appearance, you can easily remove the bloom.

Why Does Bloom Happen?

Bloom occurs naturally due to the nature of beeswax. Beeswax is made up of fatty acids, hydrocarbons, and esters. This composite of materials creates that gorgeous element which is so durable & firm when cool – yet becomes soft, pliable, & even turns to liquid, when heated. As the fatty acids in beeswax shift, some rise to the surface, creating the effect which we call bloom.

How to Prevent Bloom

You can’t prevent beeswax bloom as it is a natural part of beeswax and the process that proves that the wax that you bought is real beeswax. Paraffin and other cheap, inferior waxes do not bloom.

How to Remove Bloom from Beeswax Candles

If you notice bloom on your beeswax candle and prefer to remove it, there are a few simple methods that you can try. Fortunately, getting rid of bloom is quick and easy!

1. Warm It Up with Your Hands

One of the easiest ways to remove bloom is by gently rubbing the surface of the candle with your hands. The heat from your fingers will soften the wax slightly, allowing the oils to redistribute and smooth out the white coating. Just be careful not to apply too much pressure, as beeswax can be delicate.

2. Use a Hair Dryer

If you want to remove bloom from your beeswax candle more evenly, you can use a hairdryer on a low heat setting. Hold the hairdryer about 6-8 inches away from the candle and gently heat the surface. As the wax warms, the bloom will melt back into the candle. Once the candle has returned to its natural shine, let it cool before using it again.

3. Polish with a Soft Cloth

Another method is to use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently buff the candle. After warming the candle slightly with your hands or a hairdryer, you can use the cloth to polish away the bloom, giving the candle a nice, smooth finish. Just be sure not to rub too hard, as this could damage the surface.

4. Re-melt and Mold

If the bloom is particularly stubborn or you prefer to start fresh, you can re-melt the beeswax and remold it. To do this, cut your candle into small pieces and melt it down in a double boiler. Once the wax is melted, pour it into a mold or shape it as desired. Let it cool and harden before using it again. This method will eliminate any visible bloom and return the candle to its original appearance.

Final Thoughts

While beeswax bloom is a completely natural occurrence, it’s understandable that you might want to maintain the pristine appearance of your candles. By following the tips above, you can easily remove bloom and keep your beeswax candles looking beautiful and polished.

At Prairie Sun Beeswax, we take pride in offering locally sourced, high-quality beeswax candles. Remember, even if your candles develop a little bloom, it’s nothing to worry about—it’s just one of the many charming characteristics of natural beeswax!

If you ever have any questions about your beeswax products or how to care for them, feel free to reach out to us. We're always here to help!