How to Remove Water Stains From Wood

Knowing how to remove water stains from wood is a valuable skill that not only extends the life of your furniture, but also allows you a rare peace of mind when entertaining. Anyone who’s hosted a great party understands that the festive soiree atmosphere can be hampered by the panic-inducing sight of coaster-averse guests leaving water rings along your table. Luckily—just like all those dirty glasses—these spots can disappear fast with a little attention. So if you’re ready to tackle that coffee ring or water stain on your favorite table, read on for a DIY guide filled with helpful info and cleaning tips on water stain removal.

Why does water stain wood?

If you have water marks or white stains on your wood table, chances are they’ve only ruined the finish of the wood. “White rings on wood furniture reflect the moisture that has soaked into the top layers of the wood finish,” explains Sabrina Fierman, vice president of luxury cleaning service New York’s Little Elves. “Basically, it’s moisture that gets into wax, which naturally clouds up.” Most pieces of furniture are sealed with a layer of protection to prevent liquid damage, so even in the worst case scenario with dark water stains, you should be able to sand and seal your wood for a full recovery. There are a few methods to try removing the water stains from your wood furniture before you go to grab your sandpaper.

When is a water stain permanent?

If you’re wondering whether your stain is permanent, Kelly DeWitt of KKDW Studios explains that the shade of the stain can key you into whether or not it’s likely to stick around. “When water stains on the finish of wood furniture show up as those white cloudy rings or marks, this coloring is a sign that the moisture is in the finish and hasn’t yet reached the wood,” DeWitt says. “If the stain looks dark, versus light and cloudy, this is an indication that the stain has reached the wood itself. When this happens, you’re likely not going to remove the stain without sanding down the finish to the bare wood and refinishing it.”

Does rubbing alcohol remove water stains from wood?

Everyone’s favorite answer: It depends. According to DeWitt, “the alcohol can draw out the moisture trapped in the finish, but it can also very easily dissolve or strip your finish, to different extents depending on the finish used. Test an inconspicuous spot of your furniture first to see how your finish reacts to the alcohol.”

The best way to keep condensation from ruining your wood surfaces? One word: coasters. Regardless of your aesthetic or budget, you can find one to match your space. If you would rather live dangerously, then your best preventative measure is ensuring that your wood furniture is meticulously inspected after use and that wood stains are regularly addressed with gentle cleaners and conditioners.

How do you get water stains out of wood?

If your water stains aren’t quite in need of sanding, there are a few different techniques you can use to try removing them.

1. Be sure to clean off your furniture with a gentle wood cleaner or furniture polish before using any heat to make sure you don’t add to your stain.
2. Take a damp microfiber cloth and place it directly on top of your stain.
3. Turn your iron on a low setting with steam and gently iron back and forth over the damp cloth to help remove the stain.
4. Repeat the process above until the stain disappears.

If you don’t have a clean cloth handy, you can also use a paper towel, but experts suggest doubling it up to avoid damaging the varnish of your tabletop or wood floors. This method is widely regarded as the best and most efficient way to remove white stains from wood and can even be used on hardwood floors.

Most homeowners will find a myriad of items in their kitchen that can be used for removing or at least improving the stained area. According to Sabrina Tretyakova, an ISSA-certified cleaning expert, combining baking soda and white toothpaste is best for removing damp stains from wood.

1. Mix some baking soda with non-gel and non-whitening toothpaste in a clean tray.
2. Rub the mixture on the wet stain using a clean, dry cloth, taking care to apply it to the stain in the same direction as the wood grain.
3. Buff it well until the stain is removed entirely.
4. Wash with oil soap and coat with furniture wax.

Often, the prolonged presence of moisture can damage the oil composition of wood furniture and floors, causing discoloration. An easy way to remedy this is by using items like mayonnaise, olive oil, or petroleum jelly.

1. Apply a dab of either substance with a soft cloth and rub it into the mark in a circular motion. If the stain is not removed completely, apply more product and leave it on for an hour or two before trying again. In fact, Fierman explains, you can leave it on as long as overnight.
2. Mix equal parts vinegar and water (or olive oil) in a container.
3. Dip a soft cloth into the vinegar and water solution and wring out any excess liquid.
4. Gently rub the damp cloth over the water stain on the wood surface. Allow the solution to sit on the stain for a few minutes to penetrate the affected area.
5. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away the vinegar solution.
6. Polish the wood surface with a dry cloth to restore its shine.

A home cleaning classic, white vinegar can also be used to remove tough water stains. It’s important to test this method on a small, inconspicuous area of your wood first to make sure the acidic vinegar doesn’t discolor your wood or damage its polyurethane finish.

1. Apply a dab of either substance with a soft cloth and rub it into the mark in a circular motion. “If the stain is not removed completely, apply more product and leave it on for an hour or two and try again.” In fact, Fierman says you can leave it on as long as overnight.
2. Mix equal parts vinegar and water (or olive oil) in a container.
3. Dip a soft cloth into the vinegar and water solution and wring out any excess liquid.
4. Gently rub the damp cloth over the water stain on the wood surface. Allow the solution to sit on the stain for a few minutes to penetrate the affected area.
5. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away the vinegar solution.
6. Polish the wood surface with a dry cloth to restore its shine.

If your wood piece has a fair bit of texture, you can visit your local store for steel wool. Fierman suggests asking your hardware store for the finest grade steel wool available—you don’t want to scratch your table.

Use the steel wool to gently rub lemon oil in the wood in the direction of the grain. “Tread carefully and do not go beyond the confines of the stain, or you can further damage the finish,” Fierman warns.

“I like Old Craftsmen’s Brand’s White Ring Spot Remover,” says Fierman. “I also like an old-fashioned product called Jubilee Kitchen Wax. It’s very good for a variety of surfaces, including wood, enamel, and Formica, and protects surfaces from moisture that causes rings in the first place.” If you decide to use one of these products, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you’re not ready for a sand and stain job, try reframing your stain. “If you can’t fully remove a stain, just remember that it is all part of the story of your furniture’s well-lived life,” DeWitt says. “A ring from a birthday party or a streak from your kid’s long-gone toddler days can be a beautiful patina.”