You’ll need to know how to remove water stains from wood and walls without damaging them if, for example, a cold glass has left a ring on your dining table or you have splashes on the wall.
While it may seem counterintuitive that water can leave stains, it is not always pure and the impurities it contains can cause stains. Also, you’ll find that some materials or fibers just don’t respond well to moisture. Essentially, water spots are faint white marks of mineral deposits formed where water evaporates. White water stains often appear when moisture becomes trapped in the wood finish. Water stains not only look unsightly, they can also be difficult to remove without ruining surfaces.
Fortunately, there are ways to remove water stains from wood and walls without damaging them. how to know How to remove candle wax from wood, all you’ll need are a few household items found in your kitchen and some careful application. So before you tackle those unsightly marks, follow these top tips on how to remove water stains from your home and keep it spotless.
How to remove water stains from wood
First, we’ll cover how to remove water stains from wood. Maybe you left a cold drink on your beautiful wooden table and forgot the coaster, or kept a glass of water on your nightstand. Either way, you should be able to repair the damage using the following methods.
1. Make a homemade wood stain remover
1. First, create a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and olive oil in a small bowl. Then, dip a clean cloth in the solution to apply directly to the stain.
two. Then gently wipe in the same direction as the wood grain until the stain is gone. Finish by wiping with a dry cloth. White vinegar is a great stain remover and DIY cleaning productwhile olive oil acts as a natural furniture polish.
2. Use baking soda or salt
1. First, make a paste with a tablespoon of baking soda and a teaspoon of water. Then, dip a clean cloth into the paste and gently rub the stain in a circular motion until it disappears. Be careful not to use too much water or you will make the stain worse.
two. Alternatively, if you don’t have baking soda, you can use a tablespoon of salt instead. Then, after removing the stain, restore the shine with a wood polish.
3. Brush it with a toothpaste solution
1. Using a standard gel-free toothpaste, apply a drop of toothpaste to a clean cloth before gently buffing away the stain.
two. Gently rub the stain until it is completely removed, before wiping off any residue with a clean cloth or paper towel. Then use a wood polish to shine the surface.
Avoid using a gel toothpaste as this can stain or discolor the surface and cause further damage.
4. Use mayonnaise or Vaseline
1. Apply some mayonnaise or Vaseline to a soft cloth and gently rub the stain in circular motions. Continue like this until the stain is removed. Alternatively, you can let it sit for a few hours or overnight with a paper towel on top, to allow it to work on the stain.
two. Once the stain is removed, wipe away the residue with a clean cloth and finish by buffing. The oil in the mayonnaise works well to remove any cloudy residue on the wood finish.
How to remove water stains from walls
It is quite common to find water-stained walls and wallpaper, especially in areas where running water is usually used, such as the kitchen or bathroom. Fortunately, you can also remove these stains.
1. First, add a teaspoon of dish soap to a quart of warm water in a bucket. Then add plain water to another bucket to rinse. It is best to put down a floor protector to prevent water from soaking into the floor or carpet.
two. Next, dip a clean sponge into the soapy water and wring out the excess until damp. Then start at the top of the stain to gently run in a circular motion until removed. Rinse the sponge several times in the water when necessary.
3. Once the stain is completely removed, dip another sponge into the clean water and “rinse” the stain until all soapy residue is gone. Use a lint-free cloth to clean the area, then let it air dry. If you have other markings on the wall, you may need to check How to clean painted walls to remove stains.
How can I prevent water stains on wood?
- Always use coasters, pads or mats to support your glasses or mugs. This will protect the surface of the wood from moisture.
- Use a quality wood sealer to act as a protective barrier against stains. You can find one at your local hardware store, or if you prefer natural products, we recommend HOPE’S 100% Pure Tungsten Oil, Natural Wood Waterproof Finish & Sealer ($19 (opens in a new tab), Amazon (opens in a new tab)), which is free of toxic solvents
If you need to repaint, check out our guides on how to paint a room like a pro, how to paint a ceiling, and how to paint kitchen cabinets to transform kitchen cabinets on a budget. If you’re stripping walls, you’ll need to know how to remove wallpaper before painting.
