Louis XIII Pure Beeswax Block, Yellow

To feed and protect wooden furniture and old floorboards, Louis XIII beeswax from the French brand Avel is a tried-and-true choice. It comes as a yellow block, plain and unfussy.

What sets it apart is its purity. This is pure beeswax, guaranteed free of impurities and with no other wax or paraffin added. For wood care, that is a simple, readable promise, and one that suits anyone who likes to know exactly what goes onto their good pieces.

Melt the wax in a bain-marie (double boiler), then apply a thin coat to clean, dry, dust-free wood with a soft cloth or a cotton wick. Leave it to sink in and cool for a few minutes, then buff with a clean cloth or a brush to bring out the shine of the wood. Repeat if needed, and favour several thin coats over one thick one.