Worldwide Beekeeping

Beekeeping => Products Of The Hive => Topic started by: Zweefer on June 29, 2018, 08:56:01 am

Title: Propolis removal
Post by: Zweefer on June 29, 2018, 08:56:01 am
I was cleaning up some old frames in perp for adding boxes, and got covered in propolis. Not an issue, until I immediately came in to shower. Now I have bits of propolis stuck to the floor of my shower (my wife is thrilled!).  Any ideas on removal? It is stuck pretty well.   Should also mention we are on a septic system, so might be limited with what can or can’t go down the drain.



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Title: Re: Propolis removal
Post by: Bakersdozen on June 29, 2018, 12:20:48 pm
No, I agree with your wife!  I wouldn't want that in the plumbing.  Is there any way to freeze it?  Get a 20# bag of ice and lay the ice on the floor.  When it freezes, chip it off the floor.  Freezing propolis will make it brittle.  Good luck.
Title: Re: Propolis removal
Post by: apisbees on June 29, 2018, 12:45:13 pm
rubbing alcohol or acetone ( finger nail polish remover will dissolve it, only a little on a clean towel so non will end up down the drain.
Title: Re: Propolis removal
Post by: efmesch on July 01, 2018, 09:48:17 am
A narrow flexible paint-scraping spatula usually does the job easily.  If it doesn't manage to remove all of the propolis, you can rub off the thin remaining film with a soapy rag.  "Elbow grease" is a very valuable ingredient for complete success in total removal.
Title: Re: Propolis removal
Post by: Jen on July 01, 2018, 12:15:57 pm
Hi Zweef, how the heck are ya these days?  ;D I agree with Apis and Ef, I have a nice camera and like to take it to the hives with me. Often I get a little prop smear on the lens. A tissue with rubbing alcohol cleans up the lens real nice and quickly. Haven't use acetone yet, wouldn't put that on a lens, but I'm sure it would work great on floors.


Title: Re: Propolis removal
Post by: Zweefer on July 01, 2018, 11:55:16 pm
Been well Jen, thanks!  I will try rubbing alcohol and report back. Thanks!


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Title: Re: Propolis removal
Post by: riverbee on July 02, 2018, 11:30:23 am
i use yellow ammonia..... ;D