Water damage can be a major source of frustration for homeowners, especially when it comes to wooden furniture. Whether it's a spilled drink or a leaky roof, water can cause discoloration, warping, and other damage that can be difficult to repair. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to reverse water damage on wood and restore your furniture to its original condition. One of the most effective methods for removing water stains from wood is to use a clothes iron.
Start by placing a clean, thick towel over the stain. With the iron on a low to medium dry setting, press on the towel (making sure the soleplate doesn't touch the wood) for several seconds. The gentle heat will warm the finish enough to release moisture into the towel. Another option is to use a mild solvent such as mineral spirits or paint thinner (odorless).
Wet a soft cloth with the solvent and then rub it gently until the stain disappears. Mayonnaise can also work well to remove an old white stain on wood. When you apply mayonnaise on the water stain and let it stand for a few hours, the oil from the mayonnaise will help remove the moisture and turbidity that accompanies it. Using an iron to cure water-damaged wooden furniture is a simple approach to treating swollen wooden furniture.
Most people know how to use an iron safely, so it should be easy. Along with the experience in the field and the latest equipment and tools needed to restore damaged wooden furniture, my advice with furniture is the same as with structural wood or generalized water damage (such as floors and walls). For minor category 1 (or less) water damage from clean water, you may be able to store that furniture yourself. You may not even think twice about freshwater stains on a wooden table when someone spills a few drops, but if that water is not cleaned, it can damage the finish of the table.
Dealing with water-related damage to wooden furniture can be frustrating, and water damage is unavoidable and unexpected. If the damage has already been done and now you have to figure out how to remove water stains from wood, do not be discouraged. The above method of repairing water damaged wood is perfect for outdoor decks, terraces and internal skirts and door frames. No matter what type of wooden furniture you have, it is essential that you equip yourself with the useful information and tips you need to prevent you and your furniture from having any additional discomfort when you encounter water damage. Yes, the methods described above using a clothes iron, mayonnaise or toothpaste can help eliminate or minimize water damage to the wooden table or other finished furniture.
Rub the toothpaste into the water stain, starting with the most discreet spot available to make sure the toothpaste doesn't damage the finish of your furniture. Although most wood finishes protect the surface, it is possible that the wood can be damaged by water. You can do a repair yourself and apply these tricks and tips to solve the problem with your furniture damaged by water, but in some cases, it may be too difficult to handle for a professional result. It is usually available in oil and water based options and can provide wood with adequate protection against potential water damage. That's why it's commonly used as an active ingredient in terrace cleaners, and that's why restorers use it to remove gray or black water stains on furniture (see “Oxalic acid breaks rust” below).
