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Howard Feed-N-Wax: Over 39,000 Shoppers Swear by This Viral Wood Conditioner
Updated on Nov. 05, 2024
Bring your wood projects back to life with one of the best wood conditioners on the market. Whether you’re looking to wax floors, remove water stains or find a gift for a woodworker, this shopping editor has you covered. Say hello to Howard Feed-N-Wax, backed by incredible before and after photos and over 39,000 positive Amazon reviews. We tried this viral product and agree that it’s worth giving it a place in your workshop.
VIA MERCHANT
Howard Feed-N-Wax
If you've got a collection of wood furniture that's a bit worse for wear, you might want to grab a bottle of this affordable wood polish and conditioner. Over 39K Amazon users swear by it, giving it an average rating of 4.6 stars—that's no small feat.
On This Page
What is Howard Feed-N-Wax?
Traditionally, wood conditioner is a blend of oils and waxes that applies to wood surfaces to provide a hydrating finish. It offers a myriad of benefits, including preventing cracks and extending the life of wood-based furniture.
Howard Feed-N-Wax is a one-step wood conditioner, hydrator, polisher and protector. Conditioner oils “feed” wood, offering hydration and color protection that bolsters the lifespan of traditional polyurethane wood finishes. It enhances the look of hardwoods across the spectrum, including walnut, oak, cherry and maple.
It’s safe for antiques, thanks to the omission of often-seen fillers like silicon and linseed oil, which can harm the wood over prolonged periods of use. Most of the formula is an effective and safe blend of orange oil, carnauba and beeswax.
The best part? Howard Feed-N-Wax doesn’t leave a chemical smell that lingers after use. Shoppers describe the orange scent of the wax as “pleasant” and “lovely.” Look forward to cleaning day—pick up a bottle and put your microfiber towels to work.
How to Use Howard Feed-N-Wax
I had the opportunity to try this wood conditioner first hand and found that it was simple to use.
First, coat the wood in an even, set finish—we recommend wipe-on wood finishes for a quick project. While Howard Feed-N-Wax elevates finishes of any age, it’s not a finish in and of itself. If finished wood isn’t the look you’re going for, you can skip this step. For old finishes, consider using Howard Restor-A-Finish to enhance the appearance before waxing.
After finishing the surface, clean it with a quality wood cleaner like Howard Orange Oil paired with a microfiber cleaning cloth. This removes dust, debris and helps the Feed-N-Wax penetrate the wood. Wait for the product to dry after cleaning for the best results. After the cleaner dries, it’s time to wax!
Note that butcher block oil is the better choice for surfaces that touch food, like serving trays. Howard offers its own butcher block conditioner and oil.
Apply a thin layer of Howard Feed-N-Wax to a soft cloth and begin wiping in large swipes, following the grain. Apply generously enough to coat the wood while still avoiding clumps of the product from building up on the surface. The smoother, the better.
Once you apply the product, let it set for at least 20 minutes before wiping off the excess with a clean cloth. For unfinished woods and older finishes, the wait time may be closer to eight hours. Repeat the process until you achieve your desired look and any time the wood requires a little extra TLC.
Application Frequency and Results Over Time
A single application of Feed-N-Wax can enhance the look and feel of wooden furniture, but regular use delivers the best results. Many recommend applying it monthly or bi-monthly for optimal wood conditioning and protection. Over time, consistent use improves wood’s appearance and resistance to minor scratches and watermarks. The brand suggests using it every two months, adjusting based on the wood’s dryness, type of finish and climate.
Suitability for Different Wood Types and Finishes
Feed-N-Wax enhances the natural grain of finished and unfinished wood, making it ideal for antiques, dining tables, kitchen cabinets and wood trim. It works best on unfinished, natural wood or oil-treated surfaces but may be less effective on varnished or lacquered wood where absorption is limited.
Restoration and Deep Cleaning
Feed-N-Wax is especially useful in restoring and maintaining older furniture. Many users pair it with Howard Restor-A-Finish for severe wood damage, then apply Feed-N-Wax to seal and protect the surface.
Safety and Use in Food-Related Areas
While Feed-N-Wax doesn’t contain harsh chemicals, it’s not recommended for kitchen countertops or cutting boards. The brand warns against ingestion and advises seeking medical attention if swallowed. Avoid contact with eyes and skin, rinsing thoroughly if exposure occurs.
Product Comparison
Feed-N-Wax, with its blend of beeswax, carnauba wax and orange oil—creating a gel-like consistency—is often compared to other wood conditioners and polishes that typically feature only one of these ingredients. However, users consistently prefer Feed-N-Wax.
They highlight its combination of beeswax and orange oil, noting that it delivers a richer finish than products that rely on just one type of oil or wax. They also appreciate how easy it is to apply and buff off, praising its excellent protection and shine.
FAQ
What is Howard Feed-N-Wax good for?
Howard Feed-N-Wax is ideal for maintaining and enhancing the appearance and protection of wood furniture, including antiques, dining tables, kitchen cabinets, doors and trim. It’s also a key product for restoring older or worn-out wood furniture.
Is Howard Feed-N-Wax food safe?
No, Feed-N-Wax is not food-safe and should not be used on surfaces like kitchen counters or cutting boards. The brand suggests using its Butcher Block Conditioner or Cutting Board Oil as food-safe alternatives.
How to remove Howard Feed-N-Wax from wood?
To remove Feed-N-Wax, scrub the wood with mineral spirits using a medium to stiff brush to reach the raw wood.
Where to Buy
VIA MERCHANT
Howard Feed-N-Wax
Howard Feed-N-Wax is a popular product available at retailers like Walmart and Ace Hardware. I recommend scooping it up on Amazon. It’s worth it to stock up on a few bottles at that price—especially if you’re a woodworker, up-cycler or DIYer.
