Bees collect propolis from tree buds and plants to use as a sealant for small gaps in the hive. Propolis is a dark brown resin that is quite sticky and tends to stain clothing and other materials it comes in contact with.
Many beekeepers collect propolis from hives to sell commercially as it has been shown to have health benefits, particularly as a natural antibiotic and immune system supporter. Beekeepers suffer from clothing stains that seem impossible to remove. However, there are methods to remove propolis stains from clothing.
What is Propolis?
Propolis is a resin-like material made by bees from the buds of poplar and cone-bearing trees. Bees use it to build hives, and it may contain beehive byproducts.
Propolis seems to help fight against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It might also have anti-inflammatory effects and help the skin heal. Propolis is rarely available in its pure form. It’s usually obtained from beehives.
People commonly use propolis for diabetes, cold sores, and swelling and sores inside the mouth. It’s also used for burns, canker sores, genital herpes, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Propolis has a warm yellow-brown color, sometimes darker and reddish. So, it is not a colorless substance. In addition, propolis can be quite stubborn if it gets on surfaces or clothing. It is therefore recommended to always let propolis dry thoroughly when applying it to the desired areas.
But even if something goes wrong, propolis can be removed relatively easily with simple means. We’ll tell you how to do it.
Why Does Propolis Leave Stains?
Propolis is also known as the protective resin of bees. Bees have always used propolis to protect themselves from viruses, germs, bacteria, fungi and parasites and keep them out of the beehive with the help of propolis. Propolis consists of resins, beeswax, essential oil, pollen, nutrients and a small amount of organic substances.
In particular, the contained natural resin is a sticky and water-insoluble substance that also contains propolis tincture. Depending on the propolis, proportion more or less. In any case, the tincture cannot be easily dissolved and removed with water.
A certain number of specialized fly bees collect the resin from the buds. They use their tongues and their jaws for this, and then their hind legs. The bees bring it to the hive in the form of large drops. There it is used in various ways: to cover the walls of the hive, to seal and germinate the combs and cells, to pack and embalm intruders. All these actions disinfect the beehive!
How To Remove Bee Propolis Stains from Clothes
Use the scraper to remove as much propolis as possible. Use a damp cloth to remove the propolis resin from the scraper and, if necessary, a small knife to help.
Soak the cloth in hot water for 20 minutes. Remove and scratch again. At this point, more propolis should be removed.
Make a paste out of the dry detergent and the liquid all-purpose cleaner. The ratio should be 3-to-1. Apply the paste to the cloth stained with propolis and rub the material. Soak in hot water for 20 minutes.
Rinse the cloth in hot water to remove the paste and extra propolis. Apply the paste again and leave it on for an hour. Don’t soak.
Wash clothes in hot water and spray with an additional all-purpose cleaner. Add laundry detergent to the wash. Remove after washing. The propolis stain should be gone.