We’ve all been in a situation where we've actually stained some wood and we don't know what to do to fix it. Whether you have rings on your coffee table or you dropped a glass of wine all over your light wood floor, it can be a hassle to eliminate the stain without disrupting the stain that you actually want there (or without damaging the wood – Yikes!).
But not to worry! This guide will walk you through the different ways to remove stains safely and easily from wood - without too much elbow grease.
How to Remove Water & Other Liquid Stains from Wood
The most common stain to have to combat is a liquid ring on a coffee table. They turn white and can completely blemish your wood permanently if you don’t take action. If you want to remove it easily, try to get to work as soon as possible. Luckily, there are a few different options at your disposal.
First, try the toothpaste approach. Use a non-gel toothpaste and apply it to the ring with your fingers. Then, using a soft cloth, rub it into the ring. Wipe the paste off with another damp cloth. Allow the wood to dry for a few hours, then apply furniture polish. If you don’t want to use toothpaste, simply mimic the same process using equal parts baking soda and water. You may have to use a firmer pressure with this mixture, but it should work in the same way.
If you have petroleum jelly, apply that to the water stain and allow it to sit overnight. In the morning, simply use warm water to wipe up the jelly, and the stain should be gone.
How to Remove Wood Stains from Heat
Another common mistake is to “scald” or burn your wood, leaving a white mark. Most people assume that they can’t do anything about this, but that isn’t true. There are some pretty simple steps available to eliminate the heat stain.
First, try the same process as above, but this time combine the non-gel toothpaste and the baking soda in a small cup. Then, rub the mixture onto the wood. The mixture will start to heat up and as soon as it feels warm all over, use a second cloth to dampen and remove the paste. Follow with a third cloth to wipe up any additional moisture.
If the burn was very bad, you might have to repeat this process a few times until it all comes off. Often, the wood will be dry and somewhat dull after this process, so you may have to use a good quality wood oil or furniture polish.
How to Remove Black Stains from Wood
If you have some other type of stain on your wood, like a dye or an unknown stain that isn’t budging after using any of the steps above, you may want to try something a bit more labor-intensive. White marks can be easy to remove, but black stains can take a longer time to remove. However, don’t fret – where’s there’s a will, there’s a way!
The first thing to try is to sand down the dark stain with 1000-grit sandpaper. This can be done by hand or using a machine. You want to try to blend the area out and get an even appearance and an even feel. Don’t push too hard, and don’t go too deep. You want to just get the stain out and no more. Once you have worked out the stain, then you want to apply several coats of varnish until it matches the original finishes.
In some cases, you will need to use super fine steel wool to blend everything out. Finish with a really good quality wood oil or wood polish.
Still staring at a stain? Another solution is to use bleach and apply it to the stained area. Be sure to use gloves and have a good amount of ventilation in the room. Allow the bleach to sit uninterrupted for a few hours. Check to see if the stain starts to fade. You may need to repeat the process a few times to get your desired results.
To remove the bleach, use a damp sponge that you dipped into water with vinegar in it. This will prevent any further lightning from the wood. Finally, allow the wood to dry naturally. Finish it with a stain and a good quality oil, if necessary.
What Do I Do If I Can’t Remove the Stains?
If you still can’t remove the stains from your wood, the good news is that you still have a few options left! Most people will try to cover up stains on their wood floors with area rugs or simply get just those pieces removed and replace them.
If your stains are on a piece of furniture, you have the option to paint the furniture or try to repurpose it into something else. Sadly, there are some stains that just won’t come out no matter what you do.
In Conclusion: Be Careful, But Don’t Lose Faith
It can be hard to be careful and patient with wood, but it is important to be as gentle as possible while still trying to remove tough stains. Try to use coasters whenever possible, and always be cognizant of temperatures. Don’t lose faith if you do have stains on your wood, as most of them can be removed. Many old houses have wood floors, and a lot of wooden furniture has stood the test of time, not just because they never got stained. It’s because they immediately treated the stains. When it comes to stains on wood, time is not your friend. So, keep a watchful eye over your wood, and if you see something, do something…quick, fast, and in a hurry!
Sources:
How to Remove Water Stains from Wood: 6 Tricks to Try | Reader's Digest
