Investing in solid wood furniture for your home is a great idea since it is durable, long-lasting, and stylish. One of the main issues people find with their quality wood furniture is that it can be negatively affected and stained by water spills. Check out this guide to learn how to remove water stains from wood furniture.
Use baking soda
The most common method for getting water stains out of quality wooden furniture is by using baking soda. This is most effective with stains that have just occurred, so old water rings may not budge, but a new one will disappear. All you’ll need is a box of baking soda, water, soft cloths, and furniture wax. Put one tablespoon of baking soda in a spoonful of water, and then add water slowly until you make a paste. Put the paste on a soft, gentle cloth, preferably a microfiber cloth. Gently rub the water stain with the cloth until you see the stain start to lift. Be sure to rub with the grain to avoid any additional strain on the furniture. Then, wipe the rest of the paste from the surface with a clean, dry cloth. Then you can simply add a bit of furniture wax to finish it off, and your furniture should be as good as new.
Use a clothes iron
Another method for removing water stains from wood furniture is by using a clothing iron. This can take out water stains, but you’ll need to be very careful as the iron will be hot and can burn you. To use this method, start by wiping down your furniture with a soft cloth to ensure it’s clean and dry. Next, make sure that the iron doesn’t have any water in it, and then let it heat up. Lay a towel or cotton clothing item over the stained portion of the furniture, and iron it briefly—it should only take a few seconds. Let it sit for about a minute under the now hot cloth, and then check the progress. Repeat this until the stain disappears.
Use mayonnaise
This is a less conventional method, but DIYers everywhere swear by it. They will say it only works if you use full-fat mayonnaise, though, so double-check your supply before you begin. To get started, put a little dot of mayonnaise on a paper towel and gently rub it into the stained area. Let the condiment sit overnight. If you have small children or pets, be sure to put the piece of furniture in a room that they don’t have overnight access to. In the morning, wipe the mayonnaise away and check to see if the stain has vanished!
These methods are great for all wood furniture, especially items such as a farmhouse style dining table. Dining tables such as these see a lot of use, and water can form from condensation on dinner drinks. If you have trouble removing a water stain using these methods, a professional woodworker would be able to help.