8 Easy Ways to Remove Colour Stains from Wooden Furniture

How to remove stains from wood furniture? Did you just enjoy a glass of chilled lemonade but are now worried about the ugly white mark the frosted glass left behind on your antique wooden centre table? Worry not—removing stains from wooden furniture is no rocket science.

Stains on wooden furniture are indeed one of the most obnoxious sights, ruining the elegance and glamour of the wooden decor. Wood is durable but highly prone to staining. No matter how carefully you use the wooden furniture at home or in the office, you cannot escape the frustration of seeing unsightly stains on it.

How to Remove Stains from Wood Furniture

How to remove stains from wood? It’s a sheer challenge to deal with wooden furniture stain as there is no single remedy, which can remove all types of stains, and it turns essential to learn different techniques for tackling them. And since hiring a wood polish expert now and then isn’t practical, mastering a few DIY hacks concerning how to remove stains from wood furniture is the best solution.

1. How to Remove Ink Stains from the Wooden Furniture?

How to remove stains from wood furniture if it is of ink? An ink spot from a pen or marker can be a persistent menace, tarnishing the glamour of your wooden furniture. How can you remove stains from wood? You may have tried wiping them off with a damp cloth, but coloured stains are stubborn. Instead of using a water-soaked towel or mop, you may try isopropyl alcohol as a furniture stain remover.

You can easily find isopropyl alcohol in your hand sanitizer. Simply spray some hand sanitizer on the stain and rub it with an old piece of cloth. Once the stain is gone, gently wipe the affected area with a soapy cloth and allow the wood to dry.

•  this sentence looks repetitive. Rewrite it Mix toothpaste and bi-carbonate soda (baking soda) and apply it to the stain.
• Smear a little peanut butter over the mark and rub gently.  
• A spray of vodka can help lift the stain.
• Spraying a dash of hairspray on the patch may also do the trick.

If you are bothered by a coloured nail polish stain on your wooden furniture or floor and want to remove it, try using a spray of hairspray. However, avoid using nail polish remover, as it can damage the sheen and shine of the wooden surface. 

2. How to Remove Coffee Stains from Woody Furniture?

If you are a coffee enthusiast and have a spacious wooden sofa, a swing, or a large coffee table in your home, sipping a cup of coffee there may be your favourite pastime. But what if you accidentally spill coffee on the wooden surface, leaving behind a stubborn stain? You would desperately want to remove the coffee stain, but how do you remove stains from wood furniture?

Water alone may not be effective in removing coffee stains from wood. Instead of using water, try white vinegar as a furniture stain remover. Bingo!  The stain will disappear in no time. 

The process is easy. Sprinkle vinegar on the coffee spot and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. After that, use a clean cloth to wipe the stained surface, and your wooden furniture will be stain-free once again.

3. How to Remove Red Wine Spots from a Wooden Surface?

The key to removing a red wine stain from your wooden furniture is “acting fast”. Freshly spilt red wine is much easier to clean before it seeps into the wood. But how to remove stains from wood furniture if it is caused by wine and it is an old mark?

Simply mix dishwashing soap with water, spray the mixture on the affected area, and scrub the stain with a soft toothbrush. Once the wine spot is gone, gently rinse the area with water and pat the wood dry with a paper towel. The stain will be gone.  

However, if the red wine stain has dried and set in, you’ll need a stronger approach. Prepare a mix of baking soda and white vinegar in a 1:1 ratio. Apply the mix to the stain and allow it to sit for 30 minutes. Then, scrub the stained area with a soft-bristled toothbrush, applying enough pressure to lift the stain without damaging the wood surface.

Wipe the area with a microfiber cloth. If the stain persists, you may need to repeat the process until your wooden furniture is stain-free.

4. How to Remove Water Spot from Woody Surface?

We often use water as a cleaning agent, but what if water itself leaves a stain? How to remove water stains from wood? Do not worry, water stains can be removed with simple DIY hacks.   

• Use Mayonnaise from the Kitchen:  How to remove water stains from wood? Apply mayonnaise to the water stain as a furniture stain remover. Use a paper towel to lightly rub the mayo into the stain. Let it sit for a few hours, or for best results, leave it overnight. Then, gently wipe off the mayo with a microfibre cloth to restore your wooden surface.
• Try a Vinegar and Oil Mix: Make equal parts vinegar and oil, then apply the mixture to the water stain. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then pat the surface dry. That’s it,you are done!
• Toothpaste: A Natural Water-Stain Remover: How to remove stains from wood furniture when it is identified as a water stain? Toothpaste is an effective remedy for water stains. Apply a small amount to the stain and gently rub it with a damp cloth or microfiber. This is one of the easiest ways to remove stains from wood furniture.
• Try Baking Soda: Still wondering how to remove water stains from wood? Baking soda is another great option. Make a paste with water and baking soda, apply it to the stain, and let it sit for a while. Then wipe it away with a fresh microfiber cloth. Even the most stubborn water stains will disappear with this simple remedy.

Also Read: 12 Uses of Baking Soda in Daily Life & Household Cleaning!

5. How to Remove Oil and Grease Stain from Wood Furniture?

If you have a wooden dining table, oil and grease stains from food spills are a common sight. How do you remove such stubborn oil stains from wood? You can fix the problem with simple ingredients readily available in your kitchen.

• Try Baking Soda: Make a smooth paste of baking soda and dishwashing detergent. Apply the mixture to the oil-and grease-affected area, allowing it to settle and dry for 15-20 minutes. Then, rub the patch with a clean cloth or paper towel. Finally, rinse the area with clean water and let it air dry.
• Cornstarch Can Help: Cornstarch is an excellent oil absorber. Mix it with rubbing alcohol and apply it to the oil and grease stain. However, this method takes time. It may need to sit overnight to work effectively and remove stains. 
• Try Mayonnaise: Apply a small amount of mayonnaise to the oil stain and let it dry for 30 minutes. Now, clean the mayonnaise carefully with a damp cloth, followed by a gentle wash with clean water. However, the mayonnaise trick is the best remedy for a fresh stain. The remedy may not be effective on older oil or grease stains.

6. How to Remove Dark Stains from Teak Wood Furniture

Dark stains on teak wood furniture or wooden surfaces are usually caused by long-standing liquid spills. These stains are stubborn and may require extra effort to remove. For example, how to get mould out of wood? If the stain is on a less visible corner of the furniture, you can try using oxalic acid on it.

However, if oxalic acid is unavailable, or you prefer not to use it, wood bleach is an excellent alternative for removing stains from wood furniture. Apply the bleach, wait for 30 minutes, and then wipe off with a soft towel.

You may need to repeat the process to fully restore the furniture’s original look.

7. How to Remove Sticky Marks from Wood

Yes, sticky residue on wooden furniture is a real nuisance. Fortunately, it’s easy to remove using vegetable oil from your kitchen. Rub the oil into the sticky area and let it sit for a couple of hours.

Then, gently wipe it off with a paper towel soaked in soapy water or a hand towel. This method works best for varnished wood, as oil can stain untreated wood. If you don’t have vegetable oil on hand, try using mineral oil or nail polish remover to get rid of the sticky residue.

For extra effectiveness, apply furniture polish on the affected area and rub gently but consistently. This will help remove the unsightly sticky mark, restoring the wood’s clean and polished appearance.

8. How to Remove Heat Marks from Wood?  

If there is a heat mark on the wood, can you remove it? The answer is yes! With the help of a readily available and inexpensive product, you can remove the heat marks from wooden surfaces. The product is bicarbonate of soda, commonly known as baking soda.

How to Use Baking Soda to Remove Heat Marks?

• Make a thick, smooth, and gluey paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water.
• Apply the paste to the heat mark and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
• Wipe off the paste with a moist tissue or a soft piece of cloth, and you are done!
• If the stain is stubborn, repeat the process, and the visibility of the mark will gradually fade.

Baking soda has disinfecting properties, so while removing stains, you are also sanitizing the wooden surface.

How to Prevent the Risk of Staining Wood?

Prevention is always better than cure. Therefore, it is best to protect wooden furniture and surfaces from stains. Let’s learn the essential points:

• Proactive care is the best way to maintain the natural sheen and beauty of wooden furniture.
• Apply a protective layer of varnish, polyurethane, or wax. These coatings create a barrier against liquid spills.
• Do not place hot objects directly on the wooden surface, always use trivets and pads. Keep your wooden furniture dust-free. Clean handles and surfaces with a soft cloth regularly, and don’t allow oil or grease to sit on the wood. 

Protect outdoor wooden furniture with a weather-resistant finish to protect against climate damage. Always test any cleaning solution on a discreet spot on your furniture first to ensure it does not damage the wood polish. Identify the stain type before selecting a cleaning method. Choose the most suitable solution and application technique based on the nature of the stain.

Finally, by combining proactive care with protective coatings and polishes, you can easily maintain the stain-free and polished look of your wooden furniture. Your wooden furniture is your prized possession. Protect it, so it mesmerises everyone with its elegance and timeless beauty.

FAQs on the Removal of Coloured Stain from Wood

1. How to Remove Oil-Based Stains from Wood Without Sanding?

To remove oil stains from wood without sanding, use kitchen paper towels or a few old newspapers to blot the oil from the affected area. Once the oil is absorbed, clean the stain using dish soap and water to remove stains from the wood surface.

2. How to Remove Grease Stains from Wood Veneer?

To remove grease stains from wood veneer, use a mild solution of white vinegar and water or dish soap and warm water. Apply either solution to the stain, but never scrub. When wiping, always move in the direction of the wood grain to prevent damaging the symmetry of the veneer.

3. How to Get Oil Stains Out of Teak Wood?

To remove oil stains from teak wood:

1. Blot the oil as much as possible with a soft cloth.
2. Clean the stain with a mild soap and water solution using a soft-bristled brush.
3. If the stain is stubborn, lightly sand the area with fine-grit sandpaper.
4. Finally, apply teak oil to restore the wood’s appearance.

4. Can You Remove Tea Stains from Wood Surface?

Yes, you can remove tea stains from wood using a white vinegar and olive oil mix, white toothpaste, or mayonnaise. Gently rub the stain, then wipe it clean. Always test on a hidden spot first to avoid damage. These simple household tricks can help restore your wooden surface effortlessly!

Read More: How to Remove White Stains from Wooden Surface?