Whether someone has put down a wet glass or accidentally spilled it, the water can leave unsightly stains on parquet and wooden furniture. Fortunately, you can follow some simple tips that allow you to eliminate them without the use of abrasive products or cleaners. Start by ironing the wet area and, if that doesn't work, blot the stain with mayonnaise or rub in some toothpaste. If these methods are not enough, you will probably need to use an abrasive material, such as sandpaper or steel wool, to scrape off the halo by removing a layer of wood.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Using the Iron
Step 1. Drain all the water from the iron
Open the water cap by pulling it up or turning it counterclockwise to remove it completely. Take the iron to the sink and turn it over to pour out the water and empty the tank. Water can damage wood to the point of rotting, so you need to get it off the iron before you start.
- If you have access to the inside of the tank, clean it with a cloth or paper towel before putting it back on the iron.
- If you act as soon as the stain forms, it will be easier to remove.
- This method should work on any type of wood. If you don't have an iron, you can use a hairdryer, but it will take a lot longer.
Advise:
with the iron you can heat the water trapped inside the wood making it evaporate. This method is not effective if the stain was not caused by water.
Step 2. Stand the iron upright and plug it into the electrical outlet for preheating
Place it on the base and place it vertically. Turn the dial to select the lowest temperature and insert the power plug into the electrical outlet. Wait 5-10 minutes for preheating.
Step 3. Place a piece of cotton cloth on the stained surface
You can use a shirt, cloth, towel or rag. The thickness determines the time it takes to eliminate the halo, but if the fabric is cotton you can rest assured that it will be enough to solve the problem.
Step 4. Place the iron on the fabric and pass it in circular motions
Once preheated, place the iron on the cloth that covers the wet area. Start moving it slowly around the halo by making circular motions. Make sure you iron at least 10-20cm around the stain, in each direction. Do this for 3-4 minutes.
Do not keep the iron on the same spot for more than 20-30 seconds, otherwise you risk burning or deforming the wood
Step 5. Lift the fabric and check the stain to see if you need to continue
Grab the fabric from an un-ironed edge to avoid burning your hand. Lift it up and inspect the stain to see if it's still there. If it's gone completely, you're done.
Step 6. Repeat the process using the iron and the same piece of fabric if the stain is not gone yet
Continue heating the stained area using the same fabric and temperature. Iron for another 4-6 minutes and start over until it disappears.
The whole process could take almost half an hour, depending on how old the stain is
Method 2 of 4: Blend the Stain with the Mayonnaise
Step 1. Place 1-2 tablespoons (15-30g) of mayonnaise on a clean cloth and spread it
Take a cloth or tea towel and lay some mayonnaise in the center. Hold it by the edges, so as to lower the part that contains the mayonnaise, and mash it with the other hand from the outside.
- Mayonnaise is made from eggs, oil, vinegar and lemon juice. Most of these ingredients are contained in furniture polishing and lacquering products because they penetrate effectively into the wood. The fat in the mayonnaise absorbs moisture and leaves the wood clean!
- In the absence of mayonnaise you can use petroleum jelly, however it may produce a patina after application.
- Mayonnaise should work on any type of wood but can leave a bit of a strong odor.
Step 2. Rub it directly on the stain for 30-45 seconds
Open the cloth by placing the center on the stain. Rub the mayonnaise directly on the halo with firm, circular motions. Continue making sure to cover all of the stain.
Advise:
you don't damage the wood if you rub it vigorously, so don't be afraid to damage it.
Step 3. Let the mayonnaise sit for at least 1 hour
Remove the cloth without removing the mayonnaise and put it in the washing machine or sink to wash it. One hour is the minimum time to allow the mayonnaise to act. If you want it to penetrate the wood as much as possible or if the stain is very old, leave it overnight.
If you leave it on for a whole night, the smell might be a little annoying, but it won't damage the wood
Step 4. Remove the mayonnaise and take a look to see if the stain is gone
Take a clean cloth or rag and soak up the mayonnaise. Check the halo to see if it's still there.
If the mayonnaise has set, you can use a damp cloth to remove it. Just make sure you absorb all the moisture after this
Step 5. Apply another layer of mayonnaise if the stain has not disappeared
If it has faded partially, apply another layer of mayonnaise and repeat the process. If that's not enough, try using another removal method.
You will probably have to repeat the process several times to make it disappear completely
Method 3 of 4: Use Toothpaste for Dark Spots
Step 1. Buy regular toothpaste (not gel or whitening) and a toothbrush
Gel toothpaste is lighter and less potent, so it risks not penetrating effectively into the wood. For their part, bleaching agents contain chemicals and additives that do not favor the removal of this type of stain. Use a toothbrush to remove any streaks left by the water.
- This method is most effective if the stain is dark and the wood is lighter. Don't use toothpaste on antique furniture.
- If you are concerned about damaging the grain of the wood, use a soft cloth instead of toothpaste.
Advise:
this method is not suitable for antique furniture because the bristles of the toothbrush can alter the grain of the wood.
Step 2. Apply a generous amount of toothpaste to the toothbrush and wipe the stain
Then start scrubbing back and forth. Proceed in the direction of the grain to effectively clean the wood. Brush each section at least 5-6 times to make sure the toothpaste penetrates properly.
Step 3. Let the toothpaste sit for 10-15 minutes, then remove it
There is no need to leave it on for a whole night, but just stay a couple of minutes after rubbing it on the wood. Clean with paper towels.
If you leave it for too long it may cause the wood to fade
Step 4. Apply clear wood polish with a soft cloth
After removing the toothpaste, check to see if the stain is gone. If it's gone, use a wood polish. Spray it on a clean cloth and rub it on the furniture. Pass it in the direction of the grain and let it air dry for 24 hours before placing anything on it.
- Follow the directions by reading the product label before use. It may provide you with special instructions regarding application.
- Opt for a clear wood polish so it doesn't alter the color of the wood.
Method 4 of 4: Using Abrasive Materials
Step 1. Scratch the wood with the extra fine steel wool
Wet the steel wool with mineral oil and scratch it on the stain following the grain of the wood. Be gentle at first, to avoid peeling the surface, and try to apply the necessary pressure to remove the halo. Once it has disappeared, remove excess oil by wiping with paper towels.
It's not a good idea to use abrasive materials on antique furniture if you don't want it to lose its value
Warning:
this method spoils the finish of the wood. If you previously used dye or varnish to protect your furniture, you will probably need to reapply it to even out the color.
Step 2. Pass the sandpaper over the raw wood
If the furniture has not been polished, finished or painted, just scratch it to remove the stained layers. Start with a sheet of 120 grit sandpaper before using a rougher one. Scratch the entire surface layer back and forth until it is completely removed. Wipe off residue and dust with a dry cloth.
- You can use a belt sander if you want to remove stains from a larger surface and keep the appearance uniform.
- This method alters the appearance and grain of the wood.
Step 3. Use a solvent to remove stains from oak furniture
If the furniture is made of oak, you can use a solvent to remove the stain. Put on a pair of rubber gloves and pour the product into a cup or tray to apply the paint. Dip a natural bristle brush and apply the solvent back and forth. Proceed following the direction of the grain. Use a clean rag after letting the product sit for 4-5 minutes.
- Do not apply it on areas that do not have stains. It may fade if the furniture has been painted.
- To increase its effectiveness, you can prepare a solution by combining 1 part of solvent and 1 part of bleach with active chlorine equal to 5% by volume. Apply it in the same way to remove the water stain.
