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How to clean the VitalSensor from propolis and wax

Plan: Apisense PRO AI

The bees close the openings in the VitalSensor cover with propolis and wax. This is normal. Cleaning the VitalSensor is a usual part of a hive inspection, as is the removal of excess propolis and wax from the frames. At each inspection, check the openings in the cover and keep them open. Do not wash the cover in hot water: at a high temperature the cover can lose its shape.

When you have a spare cover

  1. Remove the dirty cover from the VitalSensor.
  2. Install the spare cover.
  3. Put the dirty cover in the freezer.
  4. When the propolis is frozen, break it off the cover. Cold propolis is brittle and comes off easily.
  5. Clean the remaining wax with alcohol. See How to remove the remaining wax.

When you do not have a spare cover

Open the blocked openings mechanically, at the apiary, with:

  • a toothpick,
  • a wire,
  • a hive tool.

Remove only the thicker layer of wax and propolis, carefully, so that you do not damage the cover. You can wipe the outer surface of the VitalSensor with a cloth that is moist with water.

How to remove the remaining wax

  1. First remove the thicker layer of wax mechanically. Do it carefully, without damage to the cover.
  2. Put a small quantity of alcohol on a cloth: 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or 70% ethanol.
  3. Wipe the cover with the cloth.

Do not put the cover into alcohol. Do not pour alcohol on the VitalSensor.

What not to do

  • Do not wash the cover in hot water. The cover can lose its shape.
  • Do not put the cover into alcohol. Apply alcohol only to a cloth.
  • Do not use caustic soda or other alkaline agents.
  • Do not use solvents.
  • Do not use compressed air on the VitalSensor.
  • Do not put the VitalSensor into water and do not wash it under water. There are batteries and electronics inside.

Good to know