How to Remove Liquid Stains on Wood Furniture

Glasses, vases and flower pots are common causes of liquid stains on wood furniture.

A liquid stain on wood furniture is a frightening sight. A ring or mark is likely left on the furniture, diminishing the appearance of the item. Use common household products to remove stains on wood furniture. Removing liquid stains from wood furniture at first sight provides the greatest chance for success; however, even if you don't catch the liquid stain early on, you can still remove it.

Things You'll Need

• Paper towel
• Mayonnaise
• Soft cloths
• Bowl
• 1 cup denatured alcohol
• 1/2 tsp. lemon oil
• Spoon
• Baking soda
• Plain white toothpaste
• Water

Instructions

Mayonnaise

1. Dip a paper towel into a jar of mayonnaise to scoop out a generous amount. Spread a thick layer of the mayonnaise onto the liquid stain.

2. Rub the mayonnaise into the wood gently using the paper towel. Allow the mayonnaise to remain on the wood for at least 4 hours. Ideally, the mayonnaise will stay on the wood furniture overnight.

3. Wipe off the mayonnaise with a damp cloth. Buff the wood furniture with a dry cloth.

Lemon Oil and Alcohol

1. Fill a bowl with 1 cup denatured alcohol. Add 1/2 tsp. lemon oil, and stir with a spoon to combine.

2. Dip a soft cloth into the bowl. Rub the mixture gently onto the liquid mark. Continue wiping, adding more of the cleaning mixture as needed, until the liquid spot is gone.

3. Buff the wood furniture with a dry cloth. Repeat this process, if necessary, until all of the mark is gone.

Baking Soda and Toothpaste

1. Fill a small bowl with equal parts baking soda and plain, white toothpaste. Stir the ingredients with a spoon to form a thick paste. Do not use toothpaste containing bleach, peroxide or any other additives or abrasives.

2. Dampen a soft cloth with water. Dip the cloth into the bowl to absorb a moderate amount of the paste.

3. Wipe the paste onto the liquid stain using a circular motion. Dampen a separate clean cloth with furniture oil, and wipe the paste from the wood promptly.

4. Repeat these steps, as needed, until the liquid stain is gone.

Tips & Warnings

• Always blot up any excess moisture from the wood prior to attempting to remove the stain. Use a thick layer of paper towels to dab at the affected area of the wood. Avoid rubbing, or you may spread the liquid further onto the wood furniture.

• Test the product you are using on a small, inconspicuous area of the wood prior to applying it to a more noticeable area. Leave the product on that area of the wood for several minutes to inspect for any unwanted changes to the wood.

References

• Cleaning Tips: Removing Water Stains From Wood Furniture
• Home Family: How Do I Remove Water Stains From Wood Furniture?