how to get bees to clear out brood box.

[melon]

I want some nice empty clean drawn brood frames for next year. I have joined a couple of hives together, and removed the brood box. I would like to give the brood box back and try to persuade them to clean it out and not start filling it up again. Are there any tips to encourage this, as I find they don't empty it out, even though above the crown board. There is also some granulated stores in the frames!
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Midland Beek]

Try sticking it above an empty super.

 

[MuswellMetro]

store it wet and put under brood box in early spring

 

[melon]

I'll try that, thankyou. Would it be better to do this on a smaller colony to prevent wildcomb building, and how long do you advise I leave it for? Thanks.

 

[melon]

If I store it wet with uncapped granulated honey in, won't it go a bit manky?
I am going to try sulphur strips in storage this year.

If I then give it to the bees in spring, underneath will they clear it out and leave it empty, or start laying in it? I suppose tht depends on how early I get it there and off again.