How to Wash a Beekeeping Suit Like the Pros

Last Updated on August 8, 2024 by Anthony

As far as safety equipment goes, my beekeeping suit, gloves, and jacket are probably the most important items I own. It makes sense then that I want to look after them carefully, not only so that they keep protecting me, but also because I want them to last as long as possible. After all, I spent good money on them. Here’s a detailed guide on washing my beekeeping suit.

Quick Steps for Washing Your Beekeeping Suit

Before getting into the nitty-gritty details, here’s a step-by-step summary for washing a beekeeping suit (at least the way I do it):

1. Make sure all the pockets are empty.
2. Remove the veil.
3. Pre-treat any stains.
4. Do up all the zippers.
5. Loosen the cord tighteners.
6. Place in washing machine and wash as per care instructions on garment.
7. Do not tumble dry. Instead, hang out to dry naturally.

I make it a habit to wash my beekeeping suit regularly, always following the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Apart from getting dirty, bee suits can collect stings, and any released pheromones from these can make the other bees agitated.

Detailed Steps for Washing My Beekeeping Suit

Now, let’s dive into each step in a bit more detail.

Make Sure All Pockets Are Empty: I always start by ensuring all the pockets are empty. This means removing tissues, cloths, scraps of paper, notebooks, knives, and any other small pieces of equipment I might normally store away in a pocket while attending to my bees. Additionally, I check for and remove any debris that may have accumulated in the pockets’ crevices, such as soil, leaves, and twigs. The last thing I need is a pebble or twig destroying the internals of my washing machine.

Remove the Veil: Next, I remove the veil from the main body of my beekeeping suit. The veil should be handwashed only as this will help prolong its useful life. I wash it gently with just a little detergent to avoid any potential tearing in the veil. Another advantage of gentle washing is that the black color of the veil doesn’t fade, which can make it increasingly difficult to see through. Once I’ve washed it as well as I can, I rinse it thoroughly and hang it out to dry. I never put the veil in a tumble dryer.

Pre-Treat Any Stains: Any and all stains on the beekeeping suit must be pre-treated before the suit is washed in the machine. Propolis stains will never completely disappear, but they can be reduced by using a natural laundry detergent. I scrape off wax and rub other types of stains with a pre-treater, then pre-soak before washing.

Do Up All the Zippers: I zip up all the zippers on the suit and, if necessary, use a couple of safety pins on the main zipper at the front (top and bottom) to ensure the zipper remains closed during the wash cycle.

Loosen the Cord Tighteners: I make sure to loosen any cord tighteners on the suit. Tightened cords might stretch or otherwise lose their elasticity, rendering them useless afterward.

Place in Washing Machine: The next step is to put the suit in the washing machine and dial in the appropriate garment care instruction settings, always using the hottest water temperature setting that the garment instructions allow. I never wash the beekeeping suit with any other type of clothing to avoid transferring any remaining stains or possible traces of bee venom. My advice is to use only a small amount of detergent and skip the fabric conditioner.

Hang Out to Dry: Once the washing cycle is complete, I never tumble dry the suit as it might shrink. Instead, I hang the suit up to dry, preferably in the shade, making sure to reopen all the zippers to aid in quick drying. I ensure the suit is thoroughly dry before bringing it in and storing it away. The last thing I want is for my beekeeping suit to start becoming moldy.

Additional Tips for Maintaining Your Beekeeping Suit

While washing the suit is a significant part of maintenance, there are a few other tips I follow to ensure my suit remains in top condition:

• Inspect Regularly: I regularly check my suit for any signs of wear and tear, such as holes or frayed fabric, and repair them immediately.
• Store Properly: When not in use, I store my beekeeping suit in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and pests.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: I avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach on my suit, as these can damage the fabric and reduce its protective qualities.

How to Wash a Bee Suit – In Conclusion

In conclusion, knowing how to wash and maintain my beekeeping suit is essential for its durability and effectiveness. Regular washing helps remove dirt and debris and prevents the spread of disease between my hives. If you follow the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your beekeeping suit is clean, well-maintained, and ready for use whenever you need it. With a little bit of time and effort, you can keep your beekeeping suit in top condition for years to come and continue to enjoy the many benefits of beekeeping with confidence and peace of mind.

Beekeeping Disclaimer:

Beekeeping, like any agricultural activity, involves inherent risks. It is important to understand these risks and take appropriate measures to mitigate them.

Potential risks associated with beekeeping include:

1. Bee stings: Honey bees are generally not aggressive but can become defensive if they feel threatened or their hive is disturbed. Bee stings can cause allergic reactions or even anaphylaxis in some individuals, which can be life-threatening. It is important to wear protective clothing and follow best practices when handling bees to minimize the risk of stings.
2. Diseases and pests: Bees can be vulnerable to various diseases and pests, including mites, viruses, and bacterial infections. These can have significant impacts on bee colonies, leading to reduced honey production or even colony collapse. It is important to monitor hives regularly and take appropriate measures to prevent and treat diseases and pests.
3. Weather conditions: Extreme weather conditions, such as drought or cold temperatures, can affect the health and productivity of bee colonies. It is important to ensure that hives are appropriately sheltered and provided with adequate food and water.
4. Environmental hazards: Bees can be affected by environmental hazards such as pesticide exposure, pollution, and habitat loss. It is important to be aware of these hazards and take appropriate measures to protect bee colonies and promote healthy environments for bees.
5. Legal requirements: Beekeeping may be subject to local, state, or national regulations, such as registration or inspection requirements. It is important to be aware of these requirements and comply with them.

While beekeeping can be a rewarding and enjoyable activity, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take appropriate measures to mitigate them. By following best practices and staying informed about the latest developments in beekeeping, beekeepers can help ensure the health and productivity of their hives and contribute to the well-being of bee populations worldwide.