July 5, 2024

Terrance Weihl

Comfortable Interior Design

How to remove water stains from wood furniture

Introduction

Water stains are common on wooden furniture, especially if it’s left out in the rain or subjected to condensation. While it may seem impossible to remove water stains from wood furniture, there are actually several methods you can try at home.

Clean the furniture.

Once you’ve determined that your wood furniture is safe to clean, start by cleaning the area with a soft cloth and mild soap. If the stain is very deep or if you think you’ll need to use a chemical cleaner, check out our tip on how to remove water stains from wood furniture with vinegar and baking soda!

Apply a thin coat of water-repellent spray.

Apply a thin coat of water-repellent spray.

  • Be careful not to overdo it: Using too much can leave your furniture with a white residue that can’t be removed.
  • Don’t use any other type of spray: Oil-based sprays will damage the wood, and wax-based ones can yellow it over time.

Rub the surface thoroughly with a soft, clean cloth.

To remove water stains from wood furniture, rub the surface thoroughly with a soft, clean cloth. Use circular motions and apply moderate pressure until the stain is removed. If you’re using an abrasive cleaning product like sandpaper or steel wool (which we don’t recommend), be sure to test it on an inconspicuous spot first to make sure that it won’t scratch or damage your piece of furniture.

This method works best on unfinished wood furniture, but it might not be possible if the stain is very deep.

This method works best on unfinished wood furniture, but it might not be possible if the stain is very deep.

First, clean your furniture with a mild soap or detergent and warm water. Then apply a thin coat of water-repellent spray over the entire surface of your piece before it dries completely–this will help prevent future stains from absorbing into the wood as easily. Rubbing alcohol also works well for this step; just make sure you wear gloves so that you don’t get any on your hands! Afterward, wipe off any excess liquid with paper towels until all traces are gone from both sides (front/back).

Conclusion

This method works best on unfinished wood furniture, but it might not be possible if the stain is very deep.