Alright, folks, if you’re on the fence about picking up Howard Feed-N-Wax, let me nudge you over the edge—buy it! Seriously, this stuff is a game-changer for anyone with wood furniture that’s seen better days.
I stumbled across it after endless scrolling through reviews, and for less than a tenner, it’s a low-risk, high-reward shot at reviving your tired tables, cabinets, or antiques. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when that orange-scented magic starts working.
Let’s get into my journey with it and why it’s worth a spot in your cart.
My First Spin with Howard Feed-N-Wax
Picture this: I’ve got a beat-up oak dining table that’s been in my family longer than I’ve been alive.
It’s weathered decades of spills, kid doodles, and enough coffee rings to start a museum exhibit.
I’d been mulling over sanding it down and refinishing it—y’know, the whole nine yards—but that sounded exhausting.
Then I spotted Howard Feed-N-Wax during a late-night Amazon binge.
The reviews were glowing, the price was right, and I figured, “What’s the worst that can happen?”
When it arrived, I was hit with that thick, honey-like texture and a whiff of orange that made my kitchen smell like a citrus grove. I grabbed a microfiber cloth, scooped out a generous glob, and started rubbing it into the table like I was waxing a car in a cheesy ’80s movie.
The instructions said to let it sit for 20 minutes before wiping it off, but I got distracted by a phone call and left it for closer to 40. No biggie, right?
I came back, wiped it down, and—holy moly—the shine was unreal. Every scratch, ding, and water stain was still there, but now they were shiny scratches, dings, and stains. It was like putting a spotlight on every flaw, which wasn’t exactly what I’d hoped for.
I’ll be real with you—I’d misread the fine print. This isn’t a miracle cure for deep damage; it’s a conditioner and polish meant to enhance and protect after a restoration. My bad for expecting it to erase 50 years of wear in one go.
But here’s the kicker: the table did feel smoother, and that orange glow gave it a fresh vibe I hadn’t seen in years. I decided to give it another shot a couple of days later, this time with lower expectations.
After a second coat, the wood started drinking it up, and the finish looked richer—not perfect, but definitely revived. It’s not a refinishing shortcut, but it’s a solid player in the wood-care game. Now, let’s break down what makes it tick.
Pros of Howard Feed-N-Wax
- It’s a Breeze to Apply
You don’t need to be a DIY guru to use this stuff.
I mean, if I can slap it on with a cloth and get decent results, anyone can.
The process is simple: smear it on, let it sit, wipe it off.
No fancy tools or hours of prep required.
I used a big microfiber towel, but even a paper towel works if you’re in a pinch.
It’s forgiving, too—I left it on longer than recommended, and it didn’t turn into a sticky mess.
For a quick spruce-up, it’s hard to beat that ease.
- Smells Like an Orange Dream
Let’s talk about that scent—oh man, it’s a winner. The orange oil in there isn’t just for show; it fills your space with a fresh, natural aroma that beats the heck out of chemical-laden polishes.
I caught myself sniffing the air while working on my table, and it made the whole chore feel less like work. If you’re tired of products that smell like a lab experiment, this is a breath of fresh air—literally.
- Brings Wood Back to Life
Here’s where it shines (pun intended). My table might not be flawless, but the way Feed-N-Wax hydrated the wood was impressive. It’s like giving your furniture a tall glass of water after a drought.
The grain popped a little more, the color deepened, and it felt less brittle. I’ve since tried it on my teak chairs, and they went from drab to damn-near-new. It’s not just a surface polish—it feeds the wood, and you can tell.
- No Nasty Silicones or Linseed Oil
I’m no chemist, but I dig that Howard skips the silicone and linseed oil. Those can gunk up wood over time or leave a greasy residue—coconut oil flashbacks, anyone?
This blend of beeswax, carnauba wax, and orange oil feels cleaner and safer, especially for antiques. I didn’t have to worry about long-term damage, which gave me peace of mind while slathering it on.
- Long-Lasting Shine with Regular Use
After a couple of rounds, I noticed the shine sticking around longer than I expected. It’s not a one-and-done deal—you’ll want to reapply every month or so—but it builds up a protective layer that keeps things looking sharp.
My kitchen cabinets, which I hit next, still gleam weeks later. It’s low-effort upkeep for a payoff that keeps on giving.
Cons of Howard Feed-N-Wax
- Not a Fix for Deep Damage
Listen up, because this tripped me up big time: Feed-N-Wax won’t magically heal scratches, stains, or gouges.
I thought it might blur out some of my table’s battle scars based on hyped-up reviews, but nope.
It polished them to a mirror finish instead.
If your wood’s a wreck, you’ll need to sand or use something like Howard’s Restor-A-Finish first.
This is a maintenance buddy, not a restoration hero.
- Takes Some Muscle to Work In
Don’t expect this to be a lazy Sunday task. The thick, jelly-like texture means you’ve got to put some elbow grease into rubbing it in. I spent a good 30 minutes on a small section of my table, adding more as I went.
It’s not backbreaking, but if you’ve got a big project, your arms might feel it. Patience is key—rushing it leaves streaks.
- Shine Highlights Flaws
That glossy finish? It’s a double-edged sword. On my beat-up table, it made every imperfection pop like a neon sign. If your wood’s already smooth and even, you’ll love the glow.
But if it’s rough around the edges like mine, that shine can feel more like a spotlight on your furniture’s flaws. Know what you’re working with before you start.
- Not Food-Safe, So Watch Out
Heads-up for kitchen folks: this isn’t safe for food-prep surfaces. I was tempted to use it on my cutting board, but the label stopped me cold.
It’s got petroleum distillate—flammable stuff—and isn’t meant for anything that touches food. Howard’s got a separate butcher block conditioner for that, so don’t mix ’em up.
Maintenance Tips For Howard Feed-N-Wax
- Clean First for Best Results: You wouldn’t slap makeup on a dirty face, right? Same deal here. Before I waxed my table, I wiped it down with a damp cloth to clear off dust and grime. For a deeper clean, I’ve since used Howard’s Orange Oil cleaner on my cabinets—it preps the wood so the wax sinks in better. Dry it off completely, or you’ll just smear gunk around.
- Apply Thin Layers, Build Up Slow: Less is more with this stuff. My first go was a sloppy glob-fest, and it took forever to buff out. Now, I use a teaspoon-sized dollop per section, rub it in with the grain, and add more only if it looks thirsty. Multiple thin coats over a few days beat one heavy-handed slather—trust me, your wood will thank you.
- Buff Like You Mean It: After letting it sit for 20 minutes (or 40 if you’re me), grab a clean cloth and buff hard. I mean hard. That’s how you get that soft, even luster instead of a streaky mess. I switched to an old T-shirt for my chairs, and the extra effort made a huge difference. Don’t skimp here—it’s the secret sauce.
- Reapply Monthly for Peak Vibes: The bottle says “every month or so,” and I’ve found that’s spot-on. My table started looking dry again after about five weeks, so I hit it with another light coat. If your wood’s in a sunny spot or gets heavy use, keep an eye on it and refresh as needed. It’s quick once you’re in the groove.
- Store It Smart: This stuff’s combustible, so don’t toss it near your stove or fireplace. I keep mine in a cool, dry cabinet away from heat sources—safety first, right? Also, shake it up before use; the oils and waxes can settle. A quick swirl keeps it smooth and ready to roll.
Comparison With Other Brands: Howard Feed-N-Wax Vs. The Competition
Alright, let’s put Howard Feed-N-Wax through its paces against some big names in the wood-care world. I’ve tinkered with a few of these over the years, so I’m throwing them head-to-head with Howard to see who comes out swinging. Spoiler: it’s a fun fight, and I’ve got opinions aplenty from my own hands-on time. Here’s how it stacks up against Briwax Furniture Wax Polish, Scott’s Liquid Gold, and Murphy’s Oil Soap—each with its own vibe and quirks.
- Howard Feed-N-Wax Vs. Briwax Furniture Wax Polish
First up, Briwax Furniture Wax Polish—a fave among woodworkers with a knack for shine.
I tried Briwax on an old cedar chest a while back, and it delivered a glossy, almost mirror-like finish that made the wood pop.
It’s wax-heavy, leaning on carnauba and beeswax like Howard, but it skips the conditioning oils.
That’s where I noticed the difference.
Howard’s orange oil gave my table a deeper, more hydrated feel—like it was drinking something nourishing—while Briwax felt more like a surface-level glow-up.
Application-wise, Briwax takes more muscle to buff out; I was sweating after 20 minutes, and if you overdo it, it gets tacky fast. Howard’s thicker jelly texture spreads easier and sinks in without that sticky trap.
For antiques or pieces needing TLC beyond polish, I’d pick Howard—it’s less finicky and cares for the wood, not just its looks. Briwax is the show-off; Howard’s the nurturer.
- Howard Feed-N-Wax Vs. Scott’s Liquid Gold
Next, Scott’s Liquid Gold—the stuff my mom swore by for her cherry dresser.
I borrowed some to test on a bookshelf, and it’s a different beast from Howard.
Scott’s is a thin, oily liquid you pour or spray, and it leaves a quick, glossy sheen that’s hard to hate.
It’s got a faint almond scent—pleasant, but nowhere near Howard’s orange grove magic.
The catch?
Scott’s feels more like a temporary polish than a treatment.
My bookshelf looked slick for a week, then started drying out again, and it left a greasy film I had to wipe down.
Howard, with its beeswax and carnauba combo, builds a longer-lasting shield—my table still shines weeks later.
Scott’s is faster to apply, sure—just a swipe and you’re done—but it doesn’t feed the wood like Howard does. If you want a low-effort quick fix, Scott’s might edge out. For deeper care and a richer finish, Howard’s my champ.
- Howard Feed-N-Wax Vs. Murphy’s Oil Soap
Finally, Murphy’s Oil Soap—the classic cleaner that doubles as a polish in a pinch.
I’ve used it to scrub grime off my kitchen cabinets before, mixing it with water for a soapy scrub.
It’s great for cutting through dirt, leaving a subtle shine behind, and that veggie-oil base smells clean and mild—not as punchy as Howard’s citrus blast.
But here’s the rub: Murphy’s is more about cleaning than conditioning. My cabinets looked refreshed after a wash, but they didn’t feel revitalized like they did post-Howard.
Feed-N-Wax goes beyond surface-level—it’s thicker, takes more effort to rub in, and actually hydrates the wood with oils while laying down a protective wax layer. Murphy’s is thinner and easier to slap on, but it won’t build that lasting luster or fend off drying like Howard does. If your wood’s filthy and needs a reset, Murphy’s is your starter. For ongoing care and glow, Howard takes the win.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
On my table, the shine held strong for about a month before it started fading. It depends on your wood and how much abuse it takes—sunlight and heavy use can cut it shorter. I’d say plan on reapplying every four to six weeks to keep it popping.
It’s ace for polishing and conditioning wood furniture—think tables, cabinets, antiques, or doors. I’ve used it on finished and unfinished pieces, and it brings out the grain while keeping things hydrated. Just don’t expect it to fix deep scratches or stains—it’s a maintainer, not a miracle worker.
Nope, and neither is Feed-N-Wax. It’s got petroleum distillate, so it’s a no-go for cutting boards or anything food touches. Howard makes a separate butcher block conditioner that’s safe for that—stick to it for kitchen stuff.
If you need it gone, grab some mineral spirits or Howard’s Orange Oil cleaner. I’d dab it on a cloth, rub gently, and wipe clean. Test a small spot first—my table handled it fine, but older finishes might fuss. Follow up with a dry cloth to clear residue.
Conclusion: Seal The Deal With Howard Feed-N-Wax
So, there you have it—Howard Feed-N-Wax is a must-buy if you’re ready to give your wood some love. It’s not a fix-all, but for keeping your furniture hydrated, shiny, and smelling like an orange dream, it’s tough to beat.
I’m sold on its ease and results, and at under $10, it’s a steal. Grab a bottle, slap it on, and watch your wood glow—you won’t regret it!