Home Garden

How to Remove Oil From Pine

Any kind of oil, from mineral to olive oil, can leave a stain on pine. Pine is a particularly absorbent wood. If the oil is noticed quickly after the spill, it is possible to absorb it without damage to the surface. However, if the stain has soaked in, you may need to use stronger solutions to get it out or sand it down.

Things You'll Need

  • Baking soda or cornstarch
  • Broom
  • Rag
  • Oxalic acid
  • Sandpaper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch over the oil.

    • 2

      Allow the baking soda or cornstarch to sit on the oil for at least 30 minutes.

    • 3

      Sweep the dust of the soda or cornstarch off the wood with a brush or broom. Wipe the remaining residue off with a damp cloth.

    • 4

      Wash the area, if needed, with a degreasing dish detergent or a citric acid-based cleaner.

    • 5

      Apply one part of oxalic acid mixed in one part hot distilled water on an oil stain that cannot be absorbed. Use a paintbrush or rag and make even strokes over the stained area.

    • 6

      Rinse the area with clear water once the stains have disappeared.

    • 7

      Sand down the area bleached by the oxalic acid and refinish if necessary. Pine wood is often light in color and may not need to be re-stained, but you may need to reapply lacquer or polyurethane.