How to Remove Water Stains From a Wood Window Seat

Clean water stains from wood with common household products.

Wood is a porous material, so water seeps right into it. If water was spilled onto your wood window seat and not cleaned up promptly, water stains will likely form. These stains are unsightly and diminish the appearance of the wood. A variety of household products can be used to get rid of the water stains. Approach the stain removal process the right way to prevent damage to the wood.

Things You'll Need

• 1 tsp. baking soda
• Soft rags
• Toothpaste
• Petroleum jelly
• Olive oil
• White vinegar
• Bowl
• Cigar or cigarette ashes

Instructions

1. Mix together 1 tsp. of baking soda and 1 tsp. of warm water to make a paste. Use a soft cloth to gently rub the paste into the stains with circular motions until they are gone. Wipe away residue with a damp rag.

2. Spread a thin coating of plain, white toothpaste over the water stains. Use a soft cloth to gently rub the toothpaste into the wood in small, circular motions until they disappear. Wipe the wood with a damp rag to remove the toothpaste.

3. Apply a generous coating of petroleum jelly over the water stains. Rub the jelly into the wood and let it sit on the stains overnight. Wipe away the jelly the next day with a damp rag.

4. Combine equal parts of olive oil and white vinegar in a bowl. Scrub the water stains gently with a soft rag and the mixture, wiping the rag in the direction of the wood grain. Go over the spot with a clean, soft rag. Repeat until the water stains are gone, then buff with a dry rag.

5. Mix cigar or cigarette ashes with a few drops of water to create a paste. Rub the paste lightly over the water stains, using a soft cloth until they disappear. Wipe over the area with a damp rag to remove the residue.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean the wood with a high-quality wood cleaner once the water stains are gone to restore the shine of the wood.

References

• Reader's Digest: 7 Ways to Remove Water Rings