You know the scenario: A guest forgets to use a coaster under their chilled glass and soon a faint white stain appears on your favorite wood furniture. This stain is often referred to as a water ring, and while it's certainly frustrating, it doesn't have to ruin your party. Learn how to remove water stains from wood with our easy cleaning hacks that use everyday products you already own, including toothpaste, distilled white vinegar, and even mayonnaise. Show
Before you begin removing water stains from wood surfaces, examine the color of the water ring. White water stains appear when moisture is trapped in the wood's finish. Our cleaning methods work best for these types of stains. If the water rings are dark, the liquid has likely reached the wood itself, and you may need to refinish the surface entirely. It's also important to note that some tough water stains may be best treated with a combination of cleaning techniques; experiment with each method as needed. Below, we'll show you how to remove water stains from wood so the party can continue. Chettarin / Getty Images1. Remove Water Rings with MayonnaiseOne surprising fix for water stains is probably already in your fridge. The oil in mayonnaise works to displace the moisture in a water ring and remedy any cloudy residue in the finish of wood furniture. Using a paper towel, dab mayonnaise onto the stain. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight with the paper towel on top. Wipe away the mayo with a clean cloth and finish by polishing. Voila! We found this to be one of the most effective cleaning methods for removing water stains. 2. Combine Vinegar and Olive Oil for a DIY Wood-Stain RemoverIn a small bowl, mix equal parts vinegar and olive oil. Apply the mixture to the water stain using a cloth. Wipe in the direction of the wood grain until the stain is gone. The vinegar will help remove the stain while the olive oil acts as a furniture polish. Finish by wiping with a clean, dry cloth. 3. Use an Iron to Remove Water Stains from WoodTo remove water rings with an iron, start by laying a clean cloth over the mark. We recommend using a cotton cloth without any prints or decals to avoid any transfer to your surface. Make sure there is no water within the iron, then set it to a low temperature. Once warm, briefly set the iron on the cloth over the water stain. After a few seconds, lift the iron and cloth to check the stain. If it's still there, repeat steps until the stain is removed. This water stain removal method works best for stains that are still damp, rather than set-in water stains, as it effectively evaporates moisture in the surface finish. 4. Remove Water Rings with a HairdryerThis method works best for fresh water stains. As soon as a water ring appears, head to your bathroom and grab a hairdryer. Plug in the device and turn it to its highest setting. Aim the hairdryer towards the stain and hold until the stain disappears. Unplug the hairdryer. Finish by polishing the table with furniture oil ($9, Ace Hardware). If you don't have furniture oil on hand, olive oil works too. 5. Use Toothpaste to Get Rid of Water StainsFor this water stain fix, you'll need white toothpaste (skip the gel and whitening varieties) and a cloth or paper towel. Dab a generous amount of the toothpaste onto a clean cloth. Buff the toothpaste onto the stain. Continue to gently rub the stain until the stain is completely removed. Wipe away any residue with a cloth or paper towel. Best Commercial Cleaning Products for Removing Water RingsIn addition to homemade cleaning recipes, there are many store-bought products available formulated to remove water stains on wood. Both Homax ($9, The Home Depot) and Guardsman ($8, Walmart) offer a pre-treated reusable cloth that removes white rings from wood. Before using, check the manufacturer's instructions to make sure it's suitable for your wood furniture's finish, such as shellac, lacquer, or varnish. Test on an inconspicuous spot if you're unsure of your furniture's finish. If the white stains were caused by heat or moisture, e.g., iron, hot dish or wet glass, try this inexpensive fix using common materials found in the home. Supplies to remove white stains and watermarks from wood furniture:
Instructions to Remove White Wood Stains: Advertisement Thank You
First of all, the finish on the wood is probably thin or wearing out and is not repelling moisture. Moisture gets into the waxy top layer and sits there, causing the white stain. New stains can be heated to release the moisture (see iron method below). Older stains may require an abrasive to open the area up a bit. Toothpaste is a mild abrasive and is thick enough to make rubbing it on easy and a cinch to clean up. Baking soda is also abrasive and adds another level of strength to the solution without being too harsh. Just make sure not to rub too long or too hard with any material to prevent damage to your furniture. Short, gentle sessions work best. Depending the age of the piece, consider refinishing it to prevent white marks in the future. [adrotate banner=”15″] Other options: Disclaimer: I am not a furniture care professional and cannot be held responsible for damaged furniture as a result of the proper or improper use of this method. Please do not send me the bill to replace your 1970’s yellow oak coffee table. Thank you 🙂
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Previous articleHow to Compost Acorns Next articleHow to Make Watermelon Pickles Cindy Rajhel https://homegrownfun.com Cindy Rajhel started Home Grown Fun in 2010 to share fun, peculiar and interesting things related to gardening, nature, home and travel. She volunteered hundreds of hours creating elementary school gardens from scratch, and continues to EXPLORE, EXPERIMENT and INSPIRE through inventive posts and fun, downloadable books and guides. How do you remove white haze from wood furniture?Buff the surface lightly and evenly with No. 0000 steel wool dipped in linseed oil. Work with the grain of the wood, rubbing evenly on the entire surface, until the white haze disappears. Then wipe the wood clean with a soft cloth, apply two coats of hard furniture wax, and buff the surface to a shine.
What causes white spots on furniture?hazy white stains are caused by moisture trapped between the finish on your table, and the wood itself. They are caused by water or condensation sitting directly on the wood. For example, condensation dripping off ice-cold water glasses, or hot food plates resting on the table.
How do you remove white water stains from wood?In a small bowl, mix equal parts vinegar and olive oil. Apply the mixture to the water stain using a cloth. Wipe in the direction of the wood grain until the stain is gone. The vinegar will help remove the stain while the olive oil acts as a furniture polish.
Are white marks in furniture caused by water?Basically, it's moisture. Whether you have water rings or heat marks, those white stains are the result of moisture penetrating a wood's protective finish.
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