Wood furniture and floors can add warmth and beauty to any space, but they are also prone to stains. Whether it’s a water ring, ink mark, or food spill, stains on wood can be unsightly and challenging to remove.
However, with the right techniques and tools, these stains can be effectively cleaned, restoring the natural beauty of your wood surfaces.
In this guide, we’ll explore various methods for removing stains from wood, from gentle home remedies to more intensive treatments.
Common stains on wood include water rings, ink marks, food and beverage spills, grease stains, and pet stains. The type of stain will influence the approach you take to remove it.
Gentle Home Remedies
For light stains and water rings, start with gentle home remedies before resorting to stronger treatments. One effective method is using a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and olive oil.
Apply the mixture to the stained area, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it away with a clean cloth. The vinegar helps lift the stain, while the oil moisturizes and restores the wood’s finish.
Removing Ink Marks
Ink marks can be particularly stubborn, but they can often be removed with the right technique. One method is to apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a clean cloth and gently dab at the stain until it lifts.
Be sure to test the alcohol on a small, inconspicuous area of the wood first to ensure it doesn’t damage the finish. If rubbing alcohol is ineffective, try using a paste of baking soda and water, applied in a circular motion with a soft cloth.
Tackling Food and Beverage Spills
Food and beverage spills can leave behind stubborn stains on wood surfaces. To remove these stains, start by blotting up any excess liquid with a clean cloth. Then, mix a solution of mild dish soap and water and very gently scrub the stained area, using with a soft brush or sponge.
Rinse the area with clean water and dry thoroughly. If the stains are tougher to clean, you can try using a mixture of baking soda and water or a commercial wood cleaner.
Dealing with Grease Stains
Grease stains can be particularly challenging to remove from wood. Begin by blotting up the grease with paper towels or a clean cloth.
Then, sprinkle cornstarch or wood cleaning detergent over the stain and let it sit for several hours or overnight. The powder will absorb the grease. Afterward, brush away the powder and clean the area with a mild dish soap and water solution.
Cleaning Pet Stains from Wood
Pet accidents can leave behind both stains and odors on wood floors. To remove pet stains, start by blotting up any urine or other liquids with paper towels.
Then, mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water and apply it to the stained area. Let it sit for several minutes, then blot again with clean paper towels. Finally, clean the area with a mild wood cleaner to remove any remaining residue and odor.
Is Baking Soda Good for Cleaning Wood?
It’s not recommended to use baking soda when cleaning or removing stains from wood. The reasons for this is because baking soda can be too harsh on the wood sealants commonly used in wooden furniture or flooring, potentially causing damage or warping to the hardwood.
Instead, it’s best to stick to gentler methods such as soapy water or specialized wood cleaners when cleaning hardwood floors. These options are less likely to harm the wood’s finish while still providing effective stain removal for a spotless surface.
Refinishing Wood Surfaces
In some cases, stains may penetrate the wood’s surface deeply, requiring more intensive treatment. If gentle remedies are ineffective, you may need to refinish the wood surface.
This process involves sanding down the stained area to remove the damaged finish and stain, then applying a new finish to restore the wood’s appearance. Be sure to follow proper sanding and refinishing techniques to avoid damaging the wood further.
Preventing Future Stains
Once you’ve successfully removed stains from your wood surfaces, it’s essential to take steps to prevent future stains. Use coasters and placemats to protect wood furniture from water rings and spills.
Wipe up spills promptly with a clean cloth to prevent them from penetrating the wood. Consider applying a protective finish, such as polyurethane or wax, to seal the wood and make it more resistant to stains and damage.
Read our guide on how to clean and care for wood furniture.
Removing stains from wood can be a challenging task, but with the right techniques and tools discussed in this article, you can restore your wood surfaces to their former glory.