Best Wood Conditioners, Waxes & Oils of 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Wood conditioners, waxes, and oils are essential products for maintaining the beauty and longevity of wooden furniture, floors, and other wooden items. Wood conditioners are used to prepare the surface of the wood for staining or finishing by opening up the pores of the wood and allowing it to absorb the stain more evenly. Waxes and oils are applied after staining or finishing to protect the wood from moisture, scratches, and other damage. They also provide a natural sheen and enhance the natural grain of the wood. These products come in a variety of formulations, including natural and synthetic options, and can be applied with a cloth or brush.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Wood Conditioners, Waxes & Oils
Howard Butcher Block Conditioner, 12 Fl Oz
Howard Butcher Block Conditioner is a revitalizing blend that protects hardwoods and bamboo from drying and cracking, while preventing direct and indirect contact with food. It contains natural waxes that provide an additional layer of protection. This conditioner is ideal for salad bowls, wooden toys, and spoons. Use it after every wash to keep butcher blocks and cutting boards functional and beautiful.
Howard Products Cutting Board Oil, 12 oz
Howard Products Cutting Board Oil is a 100% Pure USP Food Grade Mineral Oil that rejuvenates dry wood, including cutting boards, butcher blocks, countertops, wooden bowls, and utensils. It is tasteless, odorless, and colorless, preventing drying and cracking while bringing out the rich natural wood color. Made in the USA, it exceeds the FDA regulations for direct and indirect food contact.
Thirteen Chefs Mineral Oil for Wood Cutting Board and Countertop
Thirteen Chefs Mineral Oil is a food-grade conditioner that prevents cracking and drying on wood cutting boards, countertops, and butcher blocks. It also restores knives and kitchen appliances. The easy application with a push-applicator cap and squeeze-bottle design makes maintenance a breeze. With a treatment every 3 months, a single bottle can last for years. This 100% pure mineral oil is made in the USA and meets food safety standards.
John Boos Block Essential Care Set: Mystery Oil and Board Cream
This Essential Care set by John Boos Block includes one 16-ounce bottle of Mystery Oil and one 5-ounce tube of Board Cream, both made of all-natural ingredients and NSF certified. The oil penetrates deep into the wood surface to protect and revitalize the wood fibers, while the cream contains unbleached beeswax and a food-grade mineral oil for a long-lasting moisture barrier that seals the top of the wood surface. Ideal for unsealed cutting boards, butcher blocks, wooden utensils, bowls, and more.
Macy's Place Wood Butter Cutting Board Wax
Macy's Wood Butter Wax is a top-notch wood conditioner that safeguards your wooden kitchen tools by preventing drying and cracking. Crafted from 100% food-safe mineral oil and beeswax, this product ensures the longevity of your utensils. Made in the USA by a small home business with expertise in manufacturing cutting boards, butcher blocks, and kitchen tools, it guarantees quality. With easy cleaning as a bonus, maintaining your tools is hassle-free. Moreover, by purchasing Macy's Wood Butter Wax, you also contribute to supporting animal rescue efforts.
Howard Butcher Block Conditioner 12 oz
The Howard Conditioner is a premium blend of beeswax, Brazilian Carnauba wax, and food-grade mineral oil that provides exceptional care for your wooden cutting boards and utensils. With its penetrating formula, it rejuvenates wood, preventing dryness and even repairing knife marks. Regular application helps maintain the wood’s integrity by locking in moisture and keeping it protected. Additionally, it meets FDA standards for food safety, making it ideal for direct contact with food. You can also use it on butcher block countertops for a beautiful satin finish.
Bayes Food Grade Mineral Oil 12 oz
Bayes Cutting Board Oil is designed to keep your wooden and bamboo kitchen items in excellent condition. This high-quality mineral oil nourishes and preserves your cutting boards and utensils, preventing drying and cracking that can occur with regular washing. For best results, you should wash your wood items, apply the oil, and let it soak in. It is recommended to treat your boards at least once a month. For new items, daily application for the first week will provide optimal protection. With its convenient pour spout, using this oil is simple and mess-free.
Howard Protective Food-Grade Wax
Howard Wax is designed to enhance the beauty and longevity of various surfaces, including wood, stone, and metal. By applying this wax, you can easily improve the appearance of your countertops, making them look fresh and well-maintained. It’s simple to use; just rub it on, let it soak in, and wipe away any excess. This product is safe for both indoor and outdoor use, ensuring that your surfaces stay protected from wear and tear. Additionally, it helps prevent tarnishing and oxidation on metals like bronze and brass, keeping them looking their best.
Kate Naturals Cutting Board Oil
Kate Naturals Cutting Board Oil is a food-grade mineral oil that serves multiple purposes. It acts as a conditioner and protectant for wooden and bamboo cooking products like cutting boards and butcher blocks, keeping them from cracking or splitting. This oil can also be used to clean and maintain stainless steel appliances. In addition, it can protect stainless steel blades from rust. The unscented, colorless, odorless, and tasteless formula makes it ideal for use on soapstone countertops and for rock polishing. Furthermore, this mineral oil can be used for skincare purposes, such as moisturizing dry skin and relieving ear discomfort. With its versatile uses and high-quality formula, Kate Naturals Cutting Board Oil is an essential product for maintaining and protecting your kitchen essentials.
John Boos Mystery Butcher Block Oil, 16oz
John Boos Mystery Butcher Block Oil is a 16oz bottle of all-natural oil made in the USA. It is ideal for preserving and maintaining wood food preparation surfaces such as cutting boards, butcher blocks, countertops, and utensils. Regular oiling can prevent wood from drying, splitting and cracking. Application of the oil once a month is recommended, and more frequently for new boards or in dry climates. The product is NSF certified safe for use on food preparation surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make my own wood conditioner?
Yes, you can make your own wood conditioner using a mixture of mineral oil and beeswax. A common ratio is 6 parts mineral oil to 1 part beeswax. Simply melt the beeswax and mix it with the mineral oil in a double boiler. Once combined, you have a homemade wood conditioner ready to use.
2. What happens if you leave wood conditioner on too long?
Leaving wood conditioner on for too long can degrade its efficacy and result in an uneven finish when applying the stain. It is recommended to apply the stain within two hours after applying the wood conditioner to ensure optimal results.
3. Do you sand after applying wood conditioner?
Whether or not you need to sand after applying wood conditioner depends on the type of conditioner used. Oil-based wood conditioner does not require sanding, while water-based wood conditioner raises the wood grain and requires sanding after application.
4. What oil is good for conditioning wood?
There are several oils that are good for conditioning wood, such as linseed oil, lemon oil, lavender oil, mineral oil, and tung oil. These oils can help penetrate the wood, nourish it, and enhance its appearance. The choice of oil may depend on personal preference and the type of wood being conditioned.
5. What are the different types of wood conditioners?
Wood conditioners come in two main types: water-based and oil-based. If you are using a specific type of stain, it is recommended to use a wood conditioner of the same base. For example, if you are using an oil-based stain, use an oil-based wood conditioner.
6. Can you use olive oil as a wood conditioner?
Yes, olive oil can be used as a wood conditioner. When applied to wood, it can penetrate the fibers and enhance the color of the wood. However, it is important to note that olive oil may not provide the same level of protection and durability as other specialized wood conditioners.
7. Is lemon oil a wood conditioner?
Yes, lemon oil can be used as a wood conditioner. It helps prevent wood from drying out, restores the depth of grain, and enhances the natural beauty of the wood. Lemon oil is suitable for polishing, conditioning, and nourishing various wood surfaces, including oiled woods like teak.
8. How long to leave wood conditioner on before wiping off?
It is recommended to allow the wood conditioner to penetrate the wood for 5 to 15 minutes. Afterward, you can wipe away any excess conditioner with a clean, dry cloth. It is important to apply the stain within 2 hours of applying the wood conditioner for best results.
9. Can I let wood conditioner sit overnight?
No, it is not advisable to let wood conditioner sit overnight. After applying the wood conditioner, it should be allowed to dry for at least 30 minutes but no longer than 2 hours before applying the stain. Waiting longer than 2 hours or letting the conditioner dry overnight can negatively impact the stain's application and final result.
During our wood conditioners, wax & oils research, we found 24 wood conditioners, wax & oils products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 459,166 customer reviews through our big data system to write the wood conditioners, waxes & oils list. We found that most customers choose wood conditioners, waxes & oils with an average price of $14.55.
The wood conditioners, waxes & oils are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of wood conditioners, waxes & oils, including Howard Products, Thirteen Chefs, John Boos, Macy's Place, Bayes. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Bonnie Salem is a stay-at-home mother with two-year-old twins and has spent almost half of her life surrounded by baby products. As a mother and a professional copywriter, she has an insightful and unique eye for researching products suitable for infants. Bonnie Salem is an expert in health and nutrition who lives with her family in New Jersey. She has over 15 years of working experience in an institute of medicine after graduating from the University of Toronto. She is highly interested in personal health and wellness.