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How to Remove Heat Stains From Wood

Brian Gregory

By Brian Gregory
Updated August 25, 2025

If you’re tired of heat stains on your wood furniture and surfaces, you can remove them easily with a few common household items. This article explains how to remove heat stains from wood using several simple techniques.

Getting Started: What Causes a Heat Stain on Wood?

Heat stains appear on wood surfaces when hot objects are placed on them. The cloudy white marks occur when the heat causes the pores in the wood to open, allowing moisture to enter in the form of steam. As the surface cools and contracts, it can trap moisture in the wood. The key to removing a heat stain is helping the wood release the trapped moisture.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Remove Heat Stains from Wood

Here are three things you can do to get rid of heat stains.

Gently Heat the Surface

Applying heat to the wood can help release trapped moisture. Here’s how to remove the moisture using the evaporation method.

Step 1: Clean the Wood

Wipe the surface clean with a soft microfiber cloth to remove any dust or residue that could become trapped beneath the wood’s surface during the removal process.

Step 2: Apply Heat

Gently heat the stain using one of these methods:

  1. Use a hair dryer on its lowest setting, moving it back and forth over the area for only a few seconds at a time. Avoid touching the wood with the hair dryer or letting the area get too hot.
  2. Place a clean, soft cloth over the stain and pass an iron on its lowest setting back and forth several times. Check your progress often and avoid keeping the iron on the surface for more than a few seconds at a time. If your iron has a water tank for its steam setting, make sure to pour the water out and let the iron dry overnight before attempting to use it on wood.
If either method works, the white marks should fade or disappear.

Step 3: Polish the Surface

Wipe away any remaining moisture and let the wood cool and dry completely. Apply wood polish to blend away any remaining imperfections.

Caution

Don’t leave the hair dryer or iron in one spot for too long, as it can worsen the stain. Keep the heat source moving continuously.

Use Petroleum Jelly

Sometimes petroleum jelly can help draw moisture out of heat-stained wood. Follow the steps below.

Step 1: Clean the Surface

Use a soft, clean microfiber cloth to wipe away any dust or grime that could prevent the petroleum jelly from penetrating the surface.

Step 2: Apply Petroleum Jelly

Spread a thick layer of petroleum jelly over the stained area using a clean cloth. Let it sit for a few hours, then wipe the surface clean. If the stain remains, repeat the process a few times.

Step 3: Polish the Surface

Ensure all petroleum jelly is removed, then apply a wood polish to blend away any uneven spots in the finish.

Refinish the Wood

If neither of the above methods works or the stain is severe, you may need to call a professional to refurbish the wood. They can sand away the stain and apply a new finish to make the wood look like new. If you have intermediate woodworking skills, you can also refinish the surface yourself. Check out our how-to for details.

How to Prevent Future Heat Stains

Once you’ve removed the stain, try these tips to prevent future damage.

  • Use coasters and placemats on desks, small tables and nightstands to protect them from hot cups and dishes.
  • Cover large wood surfaces, especially dining tables, with heat-resistant tablecloths and pot holders.
  • Wax or polish wood regularly, as a polished surface is more resistant to heat stains.

Recap: Key Takeaways

  • How Heat Stains Form: Stains can occur when heat opens the wood’s pores, allowing steam to enter and become trapped as the surface cools.
  • The Evaporation Method: You can use a hairdryer or an iron on a low setting to remove the moisture causing a heat stain if you’re careful to prevent the wood from getting too hot, which can worsen the stain.
  • Petroleum Jelly Method: Sometimes you can release trapped moisture in wood by covering the area with petroleum jelly and allowing it to sit. However, you may have to wipe and reapply several times.
  • Refinish the Wood: If you can’t remove the stain yourself, a professional can refinish the surface for you, or you can do it yourself if you have the necessary DIY skills.
  • Preventing Heat Stains: Use coasters, placemats and protective covers when placing hot objects on wood surfaces, and polish or wax regularly.

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