How To Remove Water Stains From Wood, According To An Expert

Barbara Bellesi Zito
·6 min read

Water can stain wood, and it doesn’t take a flood to do it.

<p>luknaja/Getty Images</p>

luknaja/Getty Images

Water can stain wood, and it doesn’t take a flood to do it. Any time moisture seeps in, the surface reacts and stains can form. For example, without the protection of a coaster, the condensation from a cold beverage glass can leave a ring on a wooden countertop.

Fortunately, all is not lost for your wooden floors or furniture, particularly if the water stains are lighter; this indicates the moisture is only surface-level and hasn’t fully absorbed into the wood. There are several DIY-friendly options using ingredients you likely already have on hand to combat water stains on wood.



Meet The Expert

Bob DeGraff is the President of N-Hance, a cabinet refinishing and kitchen makeover franchise



What To Know Before Attempting To Remove Water Stains From Wood

Just as you wouldn’t launder a silk garment in the same way you would a cotton T-shirt, you have to proceed accordingly with the type of wood from which you are attempting to remove stains.

If the furniture or flooring has been installed in recent years, it could be as easy as looking up the manufacturer’s guidelines to see the proper way to remove stains without further damaging the wood. Otherwise, you might want to attempt some proven DIY methods for removal. However, as with all cleaning methods that you are attempting for the first time, it helps to ease into it.

“DIY methods can be worth it when the next best option is replacing the item, but you should always go into it knowing that it can result in more damage,” says Bob DeGraff, President of N-Hance, a cabinet refinishing and kitchen makeover franchise. As such, he recommends testing any method in a small, less visible area first to ensure it won’t cause further damage to the wood.

Related: 8 Cleaning And Care Mistakes You Might Be Making With Your Wood Furniture

Health And Safety Concerns

In addition to protecting the wood, you’ll also want to ensure your own protection. If you choose the clothing iron method from our DIY-friendly list, use a heat-safe glove or other protective element to avoid burning yourself, and keep the heat setting on low to avoid further damage to the wood.

If you choose to use the vinegar method, work in a well-ventilated area because the fumes can be irritating to the eyes, throat, and/or nose.

What You’ll Need

All Methods:
Soft, dry cloth
Wood polish or conditioner appropriate for wood type

Method 1:
White toothpaste 
Soft dry cloth

Method 2:
Mayonnaise 
Soft dry cloth

Method 3:
Clothing iron

Method 4:
Distilled white vinegar

Related: How To Deep Clean Hardwood Floors, According To An Expert

How To Remove Water Stains From Wood

Here, we’ll walk you through four popular DIY methods for removing stains from wood. Note that the last step for each is to apply wood polish or conditioner, but only if the wood is unfinished, says DeGraff. “Most wood furniture or cabinetry is factory finished with some sort of top coat and therefore will not accept a polish or conditioner into the wood surface,” he says, adding that the top coat or finish acts as a barrier to the wood.

Stella/Getty Images
Stella/Getty Images

Method 1: White Toothpaste

You’ll want to use ordinary white toothpaste here, not gel or any type of whitening toothpaste that might discolor or be too abrasive for the wood.

  1. Dab on a small amount of toothpaste to the offending area.

  2. With a soft cloth, gently rub the toothpaste into the stain.

  3. Wipe off the toothpaste.

  4. If the stain persists, repeat Steps 2 and 3.

  5. Apply a wood polish or conditioner suitable for the type of wood.

Method 2: Mayonnaise

It might seem odd to promote mayo from sandwich condiment to stain remover, but it does work in some instances. “​​Theoretically, leaving mayonnaise on the stain overnight is supposed to rebalance the moisture,” says DeGraff. “This typically is only successful when the water stain is surface level and hasn’t penetrated below the finish.”

Testing a small spot first is vital with this step. “While this method may work, it may also result in a larger stain in the area that was covered by the mayonnaise,” DeGraff says.

  1. Apply a thin layer of mayonnaise to the water stain.

  2. Allow the mayonnaise to remain on the stain for a few hours or overnight. Note: You should test the mayo on a small spot first after a few hours before you leave it on overnight.

  3. Wipe off the mayo.

  4. If the stain persists, repeat Steps 2 and 3.

  5. Apply a wood polish or conditioner suitable for the type of wood.

Related: 40 Recipes For People Who Really Love Mayonnaise—And We Mean Really Love It

Method 3: Clothing Iron

This is an effective method for removing water stains from wood, provided you use a low setting and a gentle hand. “If you move too slowly or add too much heat with the iron, the finish will soften,” says DeGraff. “You could end up with a heat mark that is more obvious than the water stain you began with.”

  1. Cover the stain with a dry cloth.

  2. Turn on the iron using a low heat setting.

  3. Gently press the iron to the cloth and move it in circular motions.

  4. Check the stain as you work, adjusting the heat setting, if necessary.

  5. Apply a wood polish or conditioner suitable for the type of wood.

Method 4: Vinegar And Water

Vinegar is something of a cure-all/clean-all for housekeeping tasks, but you will want to proceed with caution if you opt for this method. It’s not just adding more liquid to the surface that’s the worry. “Vinegar is acidic, which can strip the finish or top coat,” says DeGraff. “I would not recommend trying this method.”

Provided you have exhausted other gentler options, here’s how to use vinegar on water stains.

  1. In a small bowl, combine distilled white vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio.

  2. Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution.

  3. Rub the cloth over the stain.

  4. Wipe away the solution and assess the stain.

  5. Apply a wood polish or conditioner suitable for the type of wood.

DeGraff notes that if you cannot remove the water stains using these or other methods, refinishing the wooden floor or furniture is an alternative option to replacing it.

Related: 5 Things You Should Never Clean with Vinegar

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for the mayonnaise method to remove water stains?

You need to leave the mayo on the stain for at least a few hours, if not overnight, to make any progress in water stain removal. Do a spot test on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure that you won’t cause more harm than good with the mayo.

Can I use regular toothpaste instead of white toothpaste?

No. Colorful gel toothpaste could discolor the surface of the wood, making matters worse. You’ll also want to avoid whitening or other abrasive toothpaste that might also damage the wood even further.

Will vinegar damage the wood surface?

Yes, the acidic nature of vinegar can damage the finish or top coat of the wood, says DeGraff. Proceed with caution when using this method.

Can I use a hairdryer instead of a clothing iron to remove water stains?

You can in a pinch, but make sure to keep it on a low heat setting, just as you would the iron.

How often should I apply wood polish or conditioner after removing water stains?

Read the label on the wood polish or conditioner for best practices. DeGraff says that if your wood is already finished, polish or conditioner won’t do much to improve the wood.

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