Maintenance and Cleaning Requirements of Honey Extractors

Honey extractors are mechanized devices used for honey extraction from bee combs without causing any damages to them. A honey extractor works with a centrifugal force. The device has a cylindrical drum inside holding the frame basket. The basket is spun around to extract out the honey from the combs. 

Maintaining and cleaning your honey extractor is important to ensure that you will make the most out of this device.

Tips to Maintain and Clean Your Honey Extractor

A honey extractor tends to be a rather expensive piece of beekeeping equipment. All beekeepers know and understand that proper maintenance cleaning of beekeeping equipment can help ensure an excellent service and extend its useful life. 

Honey extractor
Honey extractor

Extractors tend to be delicate because this is the final place the honey leaves before it gets bottled for consumption. Therefore, it is a must that you clean it meticulously and ensure that it is free from dirt and contaminators. Some also recommend leaving out this delicate device after use to allow the bees to indulge in the leftovers. However, this is not really a sound advice as it will increase the risks of the spread of bee diseases. The best way to handle honey extractors after use is proper storage and cleaning. 

Ways to Clean Your Honey Extractors

Prior to cleaning, make sure that you securely close the honey valve or gate. Tilt the device at steep angle in such a way that the leftover honey will flow straight to the gate. Increase the temperature in the room and leave the device overnight. 

The following day, you will discover that there is a considerable amount of honey that accumulated at the extractor’s bottom part. Open the gate or valve and collect the honey in the bottle or other similar container. You can use this gathered honey for home consumption. 

Propolis and wax will stay inside the device and you need to clean this. After doing the same procedure, tilt the device so that what is collected will be directed to the gate. Keep the valve closed then fill the extractor with cool or cold water. Leave this overnight. 

Empty out the extractor the next day then rinse it with cold or cool water. Use a clean kitchen towel to mop up dregs. 

Extractor bearings should be kept away from water during cleaning in case the extractor basket doesn’t cover the lower bearings. For cover, you can use a plastic wrap to ensure that the bearings won’t get exposed to any rusting. 

Honey extractors should be kept in a dry and clean area after you clean them. 

Maintaining Your Honey Extractor 

Extractors are designed to last for years, and it will only be possible if you properly maintain your unit. Extractors should be cleaned before and after using them. Use a dry cloth to wipe them device after cleaning. Protect the gearbox and bearings from being in contact with water. Additional lubrication is not required in the gearbox or gearbox shaft. Don’t grease or oil these parts of honey extractors. 

Also, read the next article explaining all about how to buy and use oxalic acid evaporators, which help beekeepers get rid of varroa mites on bees.

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