How to Remove Oil Stains From Oak Furniture
When cared for properly, oak furniture can give the owner a lifetime of usage and become a family heirloom that is passed down from generation to generation. Over time your oak furniture can become stained from heat, water and even oil. Oil stains will cause furniture to look dirty and dingy. Removing oil stains can be quite difficult. When faced with oil stains, some people try to bleach them out. However, according to Utah State University Cooperative Extension "Bleaching does not remove grease or oil stains". Instead, use a dry cleaning spot remover for older oil stains. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Dry cleaning spot remover
- Stiff brush
- Fine-grit sandpaper
- Soft cloth
- Wood finishing of your choice
- Wood polish
- Iron
- Blotting paper
Instructions
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Old Oil Stains
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Apply tetrachloride--dry cleaning spot remover--to the oil stain.
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Scrub the area with a stiff brush until the stain is removed.
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Allow the oak to dry completely before continuing. This could take 24 to 48 hours.
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Sand the area of the stain with a fine-grit sandpaper. Brush off shavings with a soft cloth.
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Refinish and polish your oak furniture as you normally would. See the Resources section for more information on refinishing.
New Oil Stains
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Preheat your iron, on a medium setting.
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Place a piece of blotting paper on top of the stain. Blotting paper can be found in the health and beauty section of department stores ane many stationery and office supply stores.
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Place the heated iron on the blotting paper. Move the iron in a steady back and forth motion.
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Lift the blotting paper after a few passes from the iron to check the condition of the stain. Stop ironing when the stain has been removed.
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Polish your oak furniture as your normally would.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear rubber gloves when working with any chemicals.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Warm wood from old furniture image by giacomo scandroglio from Fotolia.com
