Homemade Wood Balm
- Brianne Thomas
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Properly cleaning and maintaining wooden kitchen items is crucial for their longevity. This Homemade Wood Balm (also known as Wood Butter) is essential for anyone who enjoys spending time in the kitchen!
If you’re like me and do a lot of from-scratch cooking, the wear and tear on your wooden kitchen items tends to need a lot of TLC. From my butcher block cutting boards to my assortment of spurtles to wooden serving bowls, they all need a little love. In the past, I used a store-bought mineral oil, but that can get pricey. Thankfully, I’ve found a solution that works beautifully and doesn’t break the bank. The best part? It’s two simple, organic ingredients.
What is Wood Balm?
Homemade Wood Balm offers a natural and effective solution for maintaining the beauty of your wooden kitchen tools, such as cutting boards, spurtles, spoons, and more! This nourishing balm penetrates deeply into the wood, helping to prevent issues like cracks, dryness, and water damage, ensuring your wooden items remain in top condition for years to come.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Wood Balm Recipe
High Quality Affordably. Compared to store-bought alternatives, you really get a lot of bang for your buck with this DIY version. Even when purchasing organic materials, there are many budget-friendly options.
Versatile. Perfect to use on butcher block countertops, wooden bowls, wooden butcher blocks, cutting boards, and wooden utensils.
Great Gift. This makes a great gift on its own or paired with a set of quality wooden utensils or a cutting board.
Why Use a Double Boiler to Melt Beeswax and Coconut Oil
A double boiler is a great tool for melting beeswax and coconut oil because it uses steam for indirect heat instead of direct heat from a stove or microwave. This gentle heating method allows both the wax and coconut oil to melt slowly, minimizing the chances of overheating or turning out wonky.
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How To Make A Double Boiler
To make a double boiler, you’ll need a saucepan and a shallow, heat-resistant mixing bowl. The bowl should sit snugly on top of the saucepan, with its outer edge resting against the upper rim to form a seal that retains steam. Ensure there are a few inches of space between the bottom of the saucepan and the bowl, allowing you to add water to the saucepan without it coming into contact with the bowl.
Helpful Tips for Making Homemade Wood Balm
Oil. My preference is organic coconut oil. However, olive oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil will all work fine. If using anything other than coconut oil, you’ll want to use up the wood balm sooner rather than later, as vegetable oils can go rancid pretty quickly.
Silicone Spatula. You’ll want to use a silicone spatula when working with the beeswax and coconut oil. It will make for an easier clean-up. Trust me.
Store Properly. Keep the wooden items out of soaking water and the dishwasher. Store the conditioned items in a dry, well-ventilated area.
Looking for More Homemade Product Recipes? Check out these fan favorites!
Ingredients
½ pint Wide Mouth Mason Jar with screw top lid
1/3 Cup Organic Beeswax Pellets
1 Cup Organic Coconut Oil
Directions
Using a double boiler over medium heat, melt the 1/3 cup organic beeswax pellets and 1 cup organic coconut oil for approximately 3-5 minutes.
Carefully pour the mixture into a ½ pint wide-mouth Mason jar. Leave the jar uncovered until completely cooled.
Screw on the lid and store in a cool, dark cabinet until needed.
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How to Use Homemade Wood Balm
Use warm, soapy water to wash the wooden surface, ensuring that you remove any dirt or grime.
Allow the surfaces to dry completely to prevent moisture damage. Once the wood is clean and dry, apply the Homemade Wood Balm.
Working with small amounts of wood balm at a time, use a soft cloth to rub the wood balm onto the surface. Make sure to spread it evenly, creating a thin layer that covers the entire item to ensure proper conditioning. After application, allow the balm to soak in for several hours or, for optimal results, leave it overnight. This will give the wood ample time to absorb the oils, enhancing its natural beauty and durability. Finally, once the balm has had time to penetrate, take a clean, dry cloth and gently wipe away any excess product. Buff the surface until it feels smooth and non-greasy.
When to Use Homemade Wood Balm
Items that are used daily, such as cutting boards and utensils, should be conditioned approximately every 2-4 weeks.
Items that are used occasionally, such as rolling pins or wooden bowls, should be conditioned every month or two.
If the wooden items begin looking dry or feeling rough, homemade wood balm should be
applied.
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