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Washing a Beekeeping Jacket or Suit: Proper Care and Cleaning Guide

Over time, your beekeeping suit, once bright and fresh like a pristine white ventilated suit, can become soiled and stained, resembling something a rhino might have napped on at the zoo. But don’t worry — with the right approach, you can restore it to near its original condition. Caring for your beekeeping jacket or suit, including the removable hat, is straightforward. The main body and veil are often separate components, and may require different cleaning methods for best results. Regular cleaning, ideally each season, following the manufacturer’s care guidelines, will keep your gear in top shape.

It is important to always consult the manufacturer's cleaning instructions for your specific suit, as different materials may require special care. Bee suits are designed for protection and comfort, but proper maintenance is essential to preserve their sting resistance and durability. Keep in mind that some suits may lack specific cleaning instructions, so always proceed with caution. Besides dirt, bee venom from stings can embed itself in the fabric, potentially triggering reactions during future hive visits. A pre-soak in warm water with detergent or stain remover before washing can help loosen dirt and odors, making the cleaning process more effective.

Since you likely invested well in your protective clothing, especially if you own a ventilated suit, proper maintenance is key to extending its lifespan and avoiding the need for frequent replacements.

Below, I’ll outline the best way to wash your suit or jacket using a washing machine. While I’ll reference my own ventilated jacket as an example, these tips apply broadly.

Why Is It Important to Clean Your Bee Jacket?

Maintaining your bee clothing goes beyond just removing visible dirt, like you might with jeans. Regular washing helps eliminate accumulated bee venom and pheromones absorbed into the fabric, which can worsen allergic reactions over time. Although bees don’t “hate” humans or colors, their instinctual behavior means that venom residues on your gear can provoke stings during hive inspections.

Additionally, washing removes sweat, wax, propolis, and grime, keeping your suit hygienic and comfortable.

This guide focuses on cleaning your suit or jacket in a washing machine safely.

Benefits of Proper Care

Taking good care of your bee suit is more than just a matter of keeping it looking clean—it’s about ensuring your safety and getting the most out of your investment. Regular washing and proper storage of your beekeeping suit help prevent the buildup of bee venom, propolis, and dirt, all of which can attract more bees and increase your risk of getting stung. Over time, these substances can also degrade the fabric, reducing the sting-resistant qualities that most beekeeping suits are designed to provide.

By following the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions and making sure your suit is always clean and dry before you store it, you help maintain the integrity of the fabric and extend the life of your suit. This is especially important for beekeepers who wear their suits frequently or work with multiple hives. A well-maintained beekeeping suit not only keeps you protected from bees but also ensures you’re comfortable and confident every time you visit your hives. In short, a little extra care goes a long way in keeping both you and your suit in top condition.

Washing a Ventilated or Mesh Beekeeping Suit

The following instructions are suitable for most beekeeping suits and jackets, whether made from sting-resistant, ventilated mesh or cotton. Bee suits are essential for beekeeping safety, offering protection from stings, and it is important to choose the right bee suit for comfort, protection, and climate suitability. Some brands use heavier materials or different stitching styles, but Sting Stopper suits are designed with a balance of comfort, breathability, and long-lasting protection that sets them apart.

These directions work for most beekeeping suits and jackets, regardless if they are sting resistant / ventilated or the cotton material.  We have looked at jackets and suits made by Oz Beekeeping, our own Sting Stopper Gear, Bees & Co, Ultra-breeze or the Mann Lake Gear and they are all made very similar and can all be machine washed.

There is a difference in the type of ventilated material between brands, but they can all be washed the same way.

How Frequently Should You Wash Your Beekeeping Suit?

The frequency of washing depends on your beekeeping activity and environmental factors. If you manage multiple hives, you’ll likely need to clean your suit more often due to increased exposure, whereas beekeepers with only one hive may find that less frequent washing is sufficient. Many beekeepers wash their suits twice per season or at least annually. Frequent movement and handling of hive boxes can cause the suit to accumulate dirt faster, especially around the belly and chest.

Our own jackets often become quite dirty, turning nearly brown by the time we realize it. Typically, we wash it after the honey harvest.

Keep in mind that washing too frequently can degrade the fabric, so avoid washing weekly.

What’s the Best Way to Clean My Beekeeping Suit?

Machine washing is perfectly fine for beekeeping suits or jackets when done with care. It’s no different than regular laundry, but with some special considerations. Hand washing is an option, especially for delicate parts like the veil, which should always be hand-washed to avoid damage. The main body of the suit can be machine-washed on a cool setting, but the veil and hat should be hand-washed or soaked separately to preserve their condition.

Insights from Fellow Beekeepers

We wanted to reach out to our friends on Facebook and Instagram to see what they do and this is what we got.

We reached out to our social media community to learn their cleaning methods, and here are some popular tips:

  • Detach the hood and machine wash the jacket; spray the hood with vodka to eliminate odors. Spot clean as needed. — Malerie
  • Soak with baking soda and water. — Alban
  • Use washing soda, a few drops of detergent, or Dawn soap in a bucket, soak for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. — Kevin
  • Oxyclean and detergent combination. — Tyler
  • Hydrogen peroxide combined with an affordable cleaner like Awesome. — Cheryl
  • Zip the veil inside the jacket, make sure to close all the zippers on the suit to prevent damage or mold growth, secure zippers with a paper clip, wash with detergent and oxyclean, and wash the veil separately. — Harold Biz and @liddlegreenbees
  • Use mold and mildew stain remover followed by low-pressure power washing. — Rusty
  • Soak in oxyclean solution for 8 hours with periodic agitation, then rinse well. — Ray

Empty Every Pocket

Before washing, clear out all pockets of any items such as queen cages, beeswax pieces, coins, hive tools, papers, or debris. Beeswax melts at around 145°F, so avoid exposing your suit to excessive heat that could cause wax to melt and damage your washing machine.

Using safety pins to secure zippers can also help protect your suit during the wash cycle.

Detach the Veil from the Suit or Jacket

If your veil can be removed, unzip it carefully from the main body of the suit. Veils, especially fencing-style ones, are delicate and benefit from extra care. Using a mesh laundry bag or a tied pillowcase can protect them during washing. Round veils are best hand-washed to avoid damaging the brim.

Since veils are mostly mesh, machine washing without removal can cause tears from agitation. Avoid discovering holes mid-inspection by removing the veil beforehand.

Taking photos or videos before removal can help you remember how to reattach the veil correctly.

Pre-Treat Any Stubborn Stains

Pre-treating stains on your bee suit helps improve cleaning results. Apply a stain remover or even toothpaste on spots like propolis stains, then rinse before machine washing. For best results, use a pre-soak by soaking the suit in warm water with detergent or stain remover to help loosen dirt and odors before the main wash cycle. While propolis stains may not disappear completely, pre-treatment softens them significantly.

Round replacement beekeeping suit veil features

Loading the Washing Machine

Wash your suit or jacket separately to prevent dirt transfer to other clothes. Use the gentle or delicate cycle, which is less harsh on fabrics. Avoid washing a suit that fits too tightly, as a tight fit can restrict movement and increase the risk of stings, especially around elastic areas, and may also lead to fabric damage.

Use warm water—not hot—to clean effectively without shrinking or harming the fabric. A mild, fragrance-free detergent is ideal, or you can try washing with water alone. Pre-soaking can also help loosen dirt.

Avoid fabric softeners or strong detergents, as bees are sensitive to smells. Adding bleach following product instructions can aid in cleaning. Do not tumble dry, as heat can damage materials and melt wax or propolis residues. Beekeeping suits should not be tumble-dried because melting wax or propolis can cause damage or staining in the dryer.

Hand Washing as an Alternative

Hand washing is a great choice for delicate sections or when treating stubborn stains. Use cold water and a small amount of mild detergent. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners to maintain the suit’s sting-resistant properties. Gently work detergent into fabric, rinse thoroughly, and air dry completely before storing or wearing.

Special Considerations for Different Materials and Conditions

Not all beekeeping suits are created equal, and different materials require different care routines. For example, ventilated suits are fantastic for keeping you cool, but they can collect more dirt and debris, meaning you may need to wash them more often. If you’re beekeeping in a hot or humid climate, it’s especially important to wash your suit regularly to prevent mold and mildew from forming on the fabric.

Always use cold water when washing your beekeeping suit to protect the fabric and preserve its sting-resistant properties. Avoid fabric conditioner, as it can leave a residue that attracts bees and may compromise the effectiveness of your suit. When dealing with stubborn propolis stains, a small amount of bleach can be used, but be sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid damaging the fabric. Choose a mild detergent that won’t leave behind any scent or residue, as strong detergents can also affect the sting resistance of your suit. By tailoring your washing routine to the specific material and conditions, you’ll keep your suit—and yourself—safe and comfortable during every hive inspection.

Inspect Your Suit Regularly

Before each hive visit, inspect your suit for any damage, such as holes, tears, or worn seams, especially around the veil and hood. Ensure all zippers function properly, and remove debris that might attract bees or compromise protection. Check for new stains or evidence of stings that may require extra cleaning.

Caring for Your Gloves

Gloves are vital safety gear and should be hand-washed after each use with cold water and mild detergent. Avoid machine washing or tumble drying to prevent loss of shape or stiffness. Rinse thoroughly and air dry away from direct sunlight to prevent cracking or fading. Replace gloves if worn or damaged.

Air Drying Your Beekeeping Gear

Avoid using dryers for your suit, jacket, or veil. Instead, hang them in a well-ventilated area to dry naturally. Heat from dryers can cause shrinkage and melt wax or propolis, spreading stains inside the machine. Hanging on a hanger allows even drying and extends the life of your gear. Ventilated materials dry quickly this way.

Storing Your Beekeeping Suit Between Uses

Proper storage is essential to prolong your suit’s lifespan. Always ensure your suit is completely dry before storing it to prevent mold or mildew. Hang it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight to preserve fabric strength and color. Using a garment bag or storage container protects against dust and pests. Avoid damp or humid areas and only machine wash or tumble dry if the manufacturer permits.

Storing Tips

Never store your suit wet, especially in the fall or winter, to avoid unpleasant mildew growth. Hanging your suit to dry and storing it properly ensures it’s ready for use each spring without extra effort.

Once your jacket is clean and dry, zip it up, and it’s ready to protect you until next season’s use.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning and Storing Your Suit

Even experienced beekeepers can make mistakes when it comes to cleaning and storing their beekeeping suits. One of the most common errors is ignoring the manufacturer’s washing instructions, which can lead to fabric damage or a loss of stain-resistant qualities. Another frequent mistake is machine washing the veil—this delicate part of your suit is best washed by hand to prevent it from becoming misshapen or torn.

Tumble drying your suit is another pitfall to avoid, as the heat can cause shrinkage, damage the fabric, or even melt wax and propolis residues. Instead, always hang your suit to dry in a well-ventilated area, making sure it’s completely dry before you store it. Storing a damp suit can lead to mold and mildew, which not only damages the fabric but can also create unpleasant odors.

When storing your suit, choose a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture to preserve the fabric’s strength and color. Regularly inspect your suit for any signs of wear or damage, especially before wearing it to work with bees. Promptly repairing any holes or tears will help maintain your protection and extend the life of your suit. By steering clear of these common mistakes, you’ll ensure your beekeeping suit remains a reliable piece of safety equipment season after season.