How to Remove Water Stains From Wood With Mayo

Water stains on wood surfaces are caused by heat and moisture absorption. These stains often occur when a dripping glass or hot mug is set directly on the wood. Furniture cleaners are rarely successful at removing these unsightly marks, but the protein and oil in mayonnaise are sure to do the trick.

Things You'll Need

• 2 tbsp. mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp. cigarette ashes
• Bowl
• Spoon
• Clean cloths
• Saddle soap
• Bucket

Instructions

1. Stir 2 tbsp. of mayonnaise and 1 tbsp. of cigarette or cigar ashes in a bowl with a spoon.

2. Scoop up some of the mixture with a clean cloth, and smooth the mayonnaise and ash mixture onto the water stain on your wood furniture or flooring. Cover the entire stain, then allow the mixture to remain on the wood for 10 minutes.

3. Wipe up the mayonnaise on your wood surface with a clean, dry cloth. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 a few times, if necessary, until the water stain is gone.

4. Mix one capful of saddle soap with half a bucket of warm water. Wash your wood surface with the solution to remove any greasiness left by the mayonnaise, and dry with a clean cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also use mayonnaise to help remove crayon stains from walls.

• In the absence of mayonnaise, substitute olive oil and mix it with the ashes to remove water stains from wood.

• Old water stains in your wood furniture or flooring might require you to repeat the stain removal process several times or leave the mayonnaise mixture on overnight.

References

• Good Housekeeping: Heloise Hints -- How to Remove Water Marks on Wood
• Apartment Therapy: More Miraculous Uses for Mayonnaise -- Wipe Out Water Stains on Wood Surfaces