How to Prevent Water Stains on a Table

Water stains on a wood table are caused by direct contact with moisture or moist heat. A dripping water glass or hot casserole dish left on an unprotected table surface is enough to leave a white ring or mark in the wood. These stains exist not only on the surface of the table, they also absorb into the wood, making them difficult to remove. While it's possible to remove water stains, preventative measures are the best tactic to protect your table's surface.

Things You'll Need

• Place mats
• Coasters
• Hot pads
• Clean cloths
• Furniture polish

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Protect your table by using place mats and coasters for meal time. Position a place mat at each spot occupied at the table and add a coaster for the accompanying glass.

   • 2

     Set a hot pad on the wood table top for each hot dish you'll place on the table. A hot pad or trivet keeps the heat and moisture in the casserole dish or pot from coming in direct contact with the table.

   • 3

     Polish the wood table surface regularly using a wax or polish made specifically for the wood finish. Rub the polish into the wood to apply a protective coat to keep water and moist heat from absorbing into the wood.