As furniture repair specialists we often get questions on furniture care and repair. Here is one of our frequently asked questions:
How can I remove white watermarks from wood furniture?
White water rings are common on wood furniture. We have listed a few methods you can try at home to remove the watermarks. Please keep in mind that with a variety of wood finishes out there, what may work for some may not work for others. It is always a good idea to test the procedure in a small area first to make sure it won’t further damage the wood.
A cold glass of water placed on the table, without a coaster, may leave a white ring. It is important to treat this problem as soon as possible. Simply wipe up the water on the table and gently warm the area with a blow dryer to get rid of the ring.
If the white ring was caused by placing a hot cup of coffee directly on a coffee table or placing a hot dish directly on the kitchen table, then the DIY repair requires a bit more effort.
Here are 4 DIY methods for removing white watermarks from wood furniture:
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Mayonnaise Method:
Using a soft rag, gently rub mayonnaise into the water ring and let it sit for 3 to 4 hours then wipe away.
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Petroleum Jelly Method:
Using a soft rag, gently rub petroleum jelly (Vaseline) into the white ring, leave on overnight then wipe away.
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Ironing Method:
Set a steam iron on low to medium heat. Cover the water ring with a white t-shirt then iron in a gentle back-and-forth motion over the spot. Keep checking the spot after a few seconds to see if it is working. Continue ironing until the spot disappears.
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White Toothpaste:
Dab a bit of white toothpaste (not gel) on a cotton swab or rag and gently rub it on the water stain. Be careful not to rub too hard and try your best to rub only the stain. Then clean up with a damp towel.
For most of these methods, if the water ring is not gone, it may at least be minimized.
Always proceed with caution when attempting these do-it-yourself repairs. If you are dealing with fine furniture or an antique, or if you do not want to risk further damage to your furniture, we recommend that you contact an experienced furniture repair company such as Salpeck’s Furniture Service. In many cases, the repair can be done in your home.
Of course it is better to prevent the white rings in the first place. Follow your parent’s advice and always use a coaster under your beverage!
Looking for other furniture care or repair tips? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page
For professional furniture repair in the Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina area, give us a call at 919-449-7902