Beeswax – why we add it to our deck soap

Beeswax – why we add it to our deck soap

Short version: KLARA deck soap is a Swedish-made, overfatted deck soap based on Swedish linseed oil. What makes it unique is the addition of beeswax – selected to provide a more resilient wood surface over time, without creating sealed layers or altering the natural feel of the wood.

Explore KLARA deck soap with beeswax
Read the guide: Can you use deck soap on pressure-treated decking?

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What is beeswax?

Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honey bees to build the honeycomb inside the hive. The comb is used to store honey, pollen and brood – literally forming the structural foundation of the hive.

Beeswax consists of a blend of esters, fatty acids and alcohols. It is insoluble in water and behaves as a true wax should: it can help create a surface that repels water and becomes less prone to everyday dirt.

Why add beeswax to deck soap?

Traditional deck soap already cleans and reconditions effectively. But we wanted to refine the concept for Nordic climates and modern decking: greater everyday resilience, more even aging and less need for urgent maintenance.

Our overfatted deck soap is therefore enriched with beeswax. The intention is not to form a hard coating, but to encourage more protective surface behavior over time while maintaining the wood’s natural, breathable character.

Properties and origin

Beeswax has been used for thousands of years for protection and preservation. It has long been associated with durability because it can form a subtle protective layer.

It is also a valuable material in the truest sense. Producing wax requires significant energy within the hive – bees are often said to consume roughly eight kilograms of honey to produce one kilogram of wax. This highlights that wax is not a by-product, but a deliberate building material created by nature.

At room temperature, beeswax is solid and softens at higher temperatures. Its melting point is typically around 60°C (varying slightly depending on composition). This makes it suitable for outdoor environments where the goal is natural, maintainable protection rather than a hard lacquer-like finish.

Beeswax has also been described as relatively inhospitable to bacteria and surface mold in various contexts. Still, it is important to view beeswax as part of a system: proper cleaning, correct technique and regular maintenance remain the foundation of long-lasting wood.

What beeswax can do for wood

When used in wood treatment, beeswax is often associated with three key effects:

  • Water repellency: Water beads and runs off more easily.
  • Dirt resistance: The surface becomes less prone to staining.
  • Finish: The grain and natural sheen of the wood are enhanced.

Important clarification: wax is not the same as a thick, hard coating. This is an advantage if you want to preserve the natural feel of wood, but it also means that maintenance remains part of the concept. The difference is that maintenance becomes predictable and gentle rather than reactive and heavy.

Beeswax compared to oil and coatings

The beeswax in our deck soap is designed to function without forming sealed surface films. This distinguishes it from many traditional treatments that build a more pronounced coating.

With beeswax, the goal is balance: improved resistance to moisture and dirt while retaining the natural wood feel and encouraging even aging. This makes the treatment particularly suitable for pressure-treated decking, where uneven oil absorption can otherwise cause patchiness.

How to use deck soap with beeswax

  1. Brush away loose debris and rinse the deck.
  2. Mix the soap according to our guide and scrub thoroughly.
  3. Allow it to work briefly and scrub extra where needed.
  4. Rinse thoroughly and allow the surface to dry completely.
  5. Prepare a richer mixture and apply with a cloth or soft brush.
  6. Allow the wood to absorb and dry naturally.

Maintain regularly during the season for the most even result.

See the exact method and mixture ratios in our pressure-treated decking guide.

Frequently asked questions

Does beeswax work on pressure-treated decking?

Yes. The combination of overfatted soap and beeswax is developed with modern decking types in mind. Proper technique and thorough rinsing are key to the best results.

Will it create a slippery surface?

The deck can feel slippery while wet, regardless of treatment. Once dry, normal friction should return. Apply evenly, rinse well and allow sufficient drying time.

Is beeswax a coating?

No. The purpose of beeswax in our deck soap is not to create sealed layers, but to enhance surface behavior while preserving the natural wood structure.

How often should I treat my deck?

Frequency depends on exposure and wear. As a general rule, start with a thorough spring treatment and follow with light maintenance as needed.

Can I use deck soap with beeswax on previously oiled decking?

If the deck has been oiled, a more thorough cleaning may be required to achieve even results. Test on a smaller section first if uncertain.

Read more: Can you use deck soap on pressure-treated decking?

Product: KLARA deck soap with beeswax