How to Remove Water Damage From Wood

Remove water damage from wood furniture and floors using various remedies.

If not immediately cleaned, water spills, wet glasses or vases or wet clothes will leave damage to your wood furniture and floors. Unavoidable white marks and rings show up when water seeps into the wood. Luckily, there are various ways you can use to remove the water damage from wood. Depending on how the particular wood finish reacts to treatment, you may need to try a few different methods.

Things You'll Need

• Thick towel
• Iron
• Baking soda
• Regular white toothpaste
• Cleaning cloths or sponge
• Vinegar
• Water
• Furniture polish

Instructions

Iron Method

1. Lay a thick towel over the stained area of the wood.

2. Set your iron to a low settting and allow it to heat. Press the iron on top of the towel for about 10 seconds, making sure the iron does not touch the wood. The heat will allow the moisture on the wood to be absorbed into the towel.

3. Lift the towels to check the wood. As needed, repeat these steps until the stain is gone. Buff dry and apply some furniture polish to the stained area.

Toothpaste and Baking Soda Method

1. Mix together one part baking soda and one part white toothpaste (non-gel) to form a paste.

2. Dampen a soft cloth with water. Dip the cloth into the paste. Rub it into the stain in a circular motion, working on one small section at a time. You may need to apply the paste several times to completely remove the stain.

3. Wipe the area with a damp cloth and then buff dry. Apply some furniture polish to the wood.

Vinegar Method

1. Mix ½ tsp. of white vinegar with a cup of cold water

2. Dip a clean cloth into the solution and rub the stained area with it.

3. Wipe dry, and then apply furniture polish.

References

• Home Family: How Do I Remove Water Stains from Wood Furniture
• Good Housekeeping: Quick and Easy Fixes for Damaged Wood