How to Remove Water Stains on Wood

No matter how careful you are, in spite of using all the coasters and table covers, it is difficult to get rid of water stains wood on your furniture. A white water ring mark or the black ring on your precious furniture does not always mean that you have to discard it; there are several simple ways to removing the stains, and here are some of them.

For White Rings

Step 1 - Gentle Buffing

If the stain is fresh, the best and most effective way to remove a stain would be to buff it gently with an absorbent cloth, then place a paper towel on that region for a few hours to absorb extra moisture.

Step 2 - Blow-Dyer or Medium Hot Iron

You can also use a blow-dryer and dry the region before the water seeps in. Place a lint-free, white cotton cloth over the stained region and dry iron it in medium or low heat for two or three seconds. Remove and check the region and repeat process until the stain vanishes. Never iron for more than a couple of seconds and do not use steam.

Step 3 - TUse oothpaste

Apply some non-gel, white toothpaste to a soft cloth and rub it gently till the stain disappears.

For Highly Finished Wood

Make a paste of equal parts of baking soda and toothpaste and using a clean white cloth. Rub in a circular motion until the stain disappears. Apply polish once you wipe off the paste.

Step 1 - Use Mayonnaise

Apply a large amount of mayonnaise on the stain and rub it with a paper towel. Allow the mayonnaise to remain on the stain overnight. The next day, add a small amount of cigarette ash to the remaining mayonnaise and rub it gently for about 15 to 20 minutes. Using a dry, clean cloth, wipe off the paste.

Step 2 - Add Soft Wax Polish

Using a very fine steel wool and soft wax polish buff the region gently until the stain disappears. Finish it off by buffing with kitchen paper.

Step 3 - Try Baking Soda

Prepare a paste of baking soda and water and apply it gently on the region. Let it stay for 30 minutes. Using a clean, dry cloth, remove the paste and polish the furniture.

Step 4 - Add Oil and Salt

Rubbing a mixture of oil and salt on the region and then letting it sit for about 15 to 20 minutes yields similar results. Do not forget to remove the mixture using a dry, clean cloth and polish the area.

For Black Ring Marks

Step 1 - Sand

Start out by sanding the finish.

Step 2 - Use Bleach

Using a brush, apply bleach to that region. Let it stay for few hours; later, re-apply the bleach. If the stain persists, use commercial bleach in the following way. Do not forget to check with the manufacturer regarding the type of bleach that is suitable for your furniture.

Step 2 - Get Wood Wet

Use a damp sponge to moisten the wood. Mix equal amounts of liquids that come with the bleach. Brush this mixture liberally on the damp wood. After it starts bubbling, allow the bleach to stay for five hours. Prepare a mixture of two parts water and one part household vinegar. Using a sponge, dab this mixture on the area treated with bleach. Buff with a dry cloth and polish to restore its previous shine.