How to Remove Water Stains From a Wooden Tabletop

No matter the lengths you go to to protect your wooden tabletops -- tablecloths, place mats, coasters -- it seems inevitable that a water stain will eventually crop up somewhere.



The result of moisture trapped between the wood and the finish, water stains are both unsightly and a sign that your wood's finish has been damaged. The severity of the damage is often dependent upon the length of time that moisture was left on the wood, and the temperature of the moisture. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Assess the value of your table. If the table is an antique or very valuable, have a professional repair it so you don't diminish its value.

2

Examine your wood tabletop's finish. Finishes that are cracked or crazed can be damaged by further attempts to fix water stains or other problems. Consult a professional before attempting any repair yourself.

3

Rub a water stain lightly with non-gel white toothpaste. The gentle abrasiveness of the toothpaste should break through the damaged finish, allowing moisture to be released. Remove the toothpaste with a damp cloth, then polish the furniture to restore shine and protection.

4

Rub full-fat mayonnaise on a water stain and leave it for a few hours or even overnight so that it penetrates the stain and makes it disappear. The fat in mayonnaise is also good for the finish. If you have no mayo in the house, rub the water stain with olive oil to release moisture and restore the table's finish. Olive oil, like mayonnaise, is a natural moisturizer that can help remove the water stain while also preserving and protecting the wood and the finish. Leave the olive oil on for a few hours for tough stains.

5

If all else fails, apply gentle heat to the stain. Cover the stain with a clean, dry cloth, such as a towel or plain T-shirt (printed T-shirts may transfer vinyl or other lettering, resulting in another troublesome stain), then "iron" the stain with an iron set to medium heat. Check the stain often, repeating until the stain is gone. Do not let the table get hot -- gentle warmth is enough; anything hotter may damage the finish or the wood.