Fixing Water Damage in Wood Furniture With Paper Towels and an Iron

An iron can help remove water damage from wood furniture.

Water damage can ruin the appearance of wood furniture, especially if it’s a large water ring on a dining table or sideboard. While it may seem counterintuitive to apply heat to a piece of furniture that already has damage on it, using an iron can effectively remove water damage. With a protective piece of paper towel between the iron and the wood, you can remove a water mark within minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Thick paper towel
• Iron
• Hairdryer

Instructions

1. Place a folded piece of thick paper towel over the water damage on the wood. Avoid paper towel with ridges -- a flat towel is better.

2. Set the iron on the lowest heat setting. Pass the iron over the folded napkin and leave it for no more than two seconds. Lift up the towel to check the stain, and repeat until the stain is lightened.

3. Use a hairdryer instead of an iron if the water damage is on a part of the furniture that is curved or recesses and an iron won’t sit flat on it.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid water damage by placing all cups and glasses on coasters and any potted plants on water trays.

• Treat water damage as soon as you find it. The longer it sits, the tougher it will be to remove.

• Don’t use an iron directly on the wood, and don’t use an iron with the steam setting on.

References

• Apartment Ratings: How to Remove Water Stains From Wood