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How to Remove Heat Stains From Wood

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published December 9, 2024

There is always the risk of an accidental stain on your wood furniture. Heat stains appear when hot objects are kept on table, leaving a white imprint on the wood. Fortunately, removing these stains with a few household items is easy. This article will guide you on how to remove stains from wood.

Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

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

Here are some effective methods to remove heat stain on wood table:

1. The Iron Method

Best for: Light heat stains.

Steps:

  • Empty the iron: Make sure it has no water and preheat it to the lowest temperature it can reach.
  • Cover the stain: Cover the heat stain on the wood table with a clean, soft cloth.
  • Iron the stain: Move the iron over the cloth several times, clockwise or counter clockwise, for about a minute or half a minute.
  • Check the results: Lift the cloth and look at the area. If the stain remains, continue ironing until it is removed.

Tip

Leaving the iron on one spot briefly can worsen the situation, so keep moving it continuously.

Tip

The earlier you attend to heat stains, the less challenging it will be to strip the stain from wood completely.

2. Toothpaste and Baking Soda Method

Best for: Stubborn heat stains.

Steps:

  • Mix the paste: Fill a clean container with non-gel toothpaste and then the other half with baking soda to create a paste.
  • Apply the paste: Apply the paste to the heat stain using a soft circular motion.
  • Wipe it off: Allow the paste to stand for a few minutes. Remove by wiping it clean with a soft cloth.
  • Polish the surface: End by wiping it gently using a clean and dry cloth, then polish the surface with wood polish to restore its shine.

3. Petroleum Jelly Method

Best for: Overnight stain removal.

Steps:

  • Apply petroleum jelly: Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly on the heat-stained wooden table.
  • Let it sit: Cover the jelly on the stain with a dry cloth and leave it for the night.
  • Wipe and polish: In the morning, wipe it off with a cloth and then polish the affected area.

4. Mayonnaises or Olive Oil Technique

Best for: Light and fresh stains.

Steps:

  • Spread the mayonnaise or olive oil: Gently rub a little mayonnaise or olive oil over the stain to remove it.
  • Let it sit: If the stain is hard to remove, wait a few hours or overnight.
  • Buff the area: With a cloth, clean it and then rub the surface to polish it.

5. Steel Wool and Oil Method

Best for: Older and stubborn heat stains

Steps:

  • Rub with steel wool: If the stain is fresh, use fine steel wool to gently scrub it, accompanied by a few drops of olive oil or furniture polish. Press gently while cleaning so that you do not apply pressure that can scratch the wood surface.
  • Wipe clean: Once you have finished, dry it by wiping it with another clean cloth, such as a microfiber cloth.

Caution

This method can strip the finish of your wood surface, so it should be done carefully.

How to Prevent Heat Stains

Once you’ve successfully removed the stain from the wood, here are some tips to prevent future stains:

  • Use coasters or placemats: Coasters prevent extreme contact between hot dishes, cups, pans and wooden surfaces.
  • Protect with tablecloths: For larger areas such as dining tables, heat-resistant tablecloths or pads should protect the wooden surface.
  • Wax or polish regularly: The ideal polished surface does not stain easily or get damaged when exposed to heat.

When to Call a Professional

If these methods on how to remove stains from wood don’t solve the problem or the heat stain on the wooden table is severe, then a professional should be hired. They can protect wooden surfaces from stains and help refurbish your furniture without further deterioration.

Using Stain Remover or Stripping Gel for Heat Stains

If traditional methods like heat application or homemade solutions don’t work, consider using a wood stain remover or stripping gel for more stubborn heat stains. These products are specifically designed to tackle deep-set discolouration while preserving the integrity of the wood. Here’s how:

  1. Choose the Right Product: Select a stain remover or stripping gel suitable for your wood type and finish. Always read the label to ensure compatibility.
  2. Prep the Surface: Clean the stained area with a damp cloth and let it dry completely. Cover the surrounding area to protect it from spills.
  3. Apply the Product: Using a clean brush, apply a thin, even remover layer over the heat stain. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and wait time.
  4. Wipe Away Residue: Use a soft cloth or scraper to gently remove the product. For deeper stains, you may need to repeat this step.
  5. Refinish the Wood: Once the stain is gone, lightly sand the area and apply a matching wood finish to restore its original look.

Following these various methods on how to remove heat stains from wood allows the removal of heat stains without difficulty and time consumption. If applied correctly, these methods are exceptionally functional and make your furniture look new again. Whether you opt for the iron method, toothpaste, baking soda, or mayonnaise, the trick is to work fast and mind the area to avoid further harm. These measures described above can help prevent the formation of stains on wooden surfaces and keep wooden products in worthy shape.

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