How to Remove a White Water Stain From an Oak Table

Iron Method

• 1

  Preheat your iron for several minutes. Set the iron to a low or medium setting.

• 2

  Lay a cotton towel on top of the white water stain.

• 3

  Rub the iron over the towel and water stain for several passes.

• 4

  Lift the towel to check the white water stain. If the stain presets, continue rubbing with the iron until the stain is no longer visible.

Toothpaste Method

• 5

  Combine equal parts non-gel toothpaste and baking soda to form a paste.

• 6

  Spread the paste on the white water stain. Rub the stained area of the oak table in a circular motion with a soft, damp cloth.

• 7

  Wipe the paste from the table with a damp cloth.

• 8

  Reapply the paste and rub into the table until the stain is gone.

Mayonnaise Method

• 9

  Dip a cloth into mayonnaise. Rub the water stain with the mayonnaise-covered cloth.

• 10

  Allow the mayonnaise to sit on the stain for 12 hours.

• 11

  Wipe the mayonnaise from the oak table with a damp cloth. Repeat the process until the stain is gone.

Mineral Spirits

• 12

  Saturate a clean cloth in mineral spirits.

• 13

  Rub the white water stain gently with the cloth. Rub in a circular motion.

• 14

  Observe the stained area for several minutes. The mineral spirits will soften the wax coating of the oak table, releasing and drying the white water stain.

Butter Method

• 15

  Rub butter directly on the water-stained oak table. Allow the butter to sit on the table overnight.

• 16

  Wipe the butter off the oak table with a damp cloth.

• 17

  Polish the wood as usual.

Olive Oil and Cigarette Ash Method

• 18

  Pour 1 tbsp. of olive oil into a small container. Add enough cigarette ash to the oil to form a paste.

• 19

  Rub the paste on the white water stains with a soft cloth. Continue rubbing until the stain is no longer visible.

• 20

  Wipe the paste off the table with a clean, damp cloth.

• 21

  Polish the oak table as you normally would.