How often do you see those pesky watermarks on your wooden furniture? If you want to remove them, you’re going to need some special tools.
Water damage can happen to anyone at any time. Whether it’s from a leaky faucet or a broken pipe, water can cause serious damage to your home.
The good news is that there are ways to fix these problems without having to replace your entire piece of furniture.
Water damage can be caused by a number of things, such as a burst pipe, leaking roof, or even a heavy rainstorm.
Regardless of the source, water damage can result in mold growth, mildew, and other unpleasant odors. Fortunately, there are several ways to clean up water damage.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at how to clean wood that has been damaged by water.
How To Remove Water Stains From Wood
First, we’ll start with removing any visible stains.
To get rid of water stains, you’re going to need to use a cleaning product specifically designed for this purpose.
You should also wear protective gloves when using these products because they contain chemicals that could irritate your skin.
You can find many different types of stain removers available online. Some work better than others, so it’s best to try out a few before deciding which one works best for you.
Once you’ve found a suitable product, apply it directly onto the affected area. You may have to repeat the process multiple times if the stain isn’t completely removed after the first application.
Next, let the product sit for about an hour. Afterward, wipe away any excess residue with a damp cloth.
If you notice that the stain hasn’t disappeared after waiting for an hour, then reapply the product again. This time, wait for another 30 minutes before wiping off any leftover residue.
Finally, once the stain has fully dried, give the surface a light sanding to ensure that all traces of the stain have been removed.
How To Clean Water Damage From Wooden Furniture
Now that we know how to remove water stains from wood, let’s move on to cleaning the actual wood itself.
When cleaning wood, it’s important to remember that not all woods are created equal. For example, oak is much more porous than pine, and will absorb moisture faster than pine.
As a result, oak furniture tends to attract more water stains than pine furniture.
However, regardless of what type of wood you own, you’ll still need to follow the same steps outlined above.
In addition, you’ll also need to make sure that the wood is dry before applying any new finish.
This means that you shouldn’t use a wet rag to wipe down your wood. Instead, use a soft towel or sponge.
Afterwards, allow the wood to air dry for at least 24 hours before finishing.
How To Restore Water Damaged Wood
After getting rid of any remaining water stains, it’s finally time to restore your wooden furniture back to its original state.
Fortunately, there are plenty of options available to help you do just that.
For starters, you can always opt for a natural solution like soap and warm water. Simply mix together 1 part dish detergent (like Dawn) with 2 parts hot water.
Then, rub the mixture into the wood until it becomes slightly moist. Afterwards, rinse the wood thoroughly with clear water.
Another option is to use a commercial cleaner. These cleaners are usually made up of various ingredients including vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, and even hydrogen peroxide.
The key here is to make sure that the cleaner you choose contains no harsh abrasives.
Lastly, you can always go the DIY route by mixing together some white vinegar with water in a spray bottle. Then, simply mist the wood with this mixture.
What Can Cause Wooden Furniture To Have Water Stains
There are several factors that can cause your wooden furniture to develop water stains.
First, if you live in a humid climate, then it’s likely that your furniture will become stained due to condensation.
Second, if you leave your windows open while sleeping, then it’s possible that you could wake up to find that your wooden furniture has developed water stains.
Third, if you’re storing your furniture outside, then it’s possible for rainwater to get trapped inside the seams of your furniture.
Fourth, if you’ve ever left your coffee cup sitting on top of your table, then you may be surprised to learn that it’s possible for the liquid to seep through the cracks in your table.
Fifth, if you’ve ever spilled anything acidic onto your wooden furniture, then it’s possible those spots will never come out.
Finally, if you’ve ever used an oil-based paint, then it’s possible these spots will remain.
Regardless of which factor caused the stain, the good news is that you don’t have to throw away your old furniture.
Instead, you can easily remove the stains using one of our easy-to-follow methods above.
How To Prevent Furniture From Becoming Water Stained
If you want to prevent your wooden furniture from becoming water stained in the first place, then you should take certain precautions.
First, you should ensure that all of your furniture is properly protected against moisture. The best way to protect your furniture is to seal it with a quality finish.
Next, you should avoid leaving your windows open when you sleep. If you do so, then you’ll increase the chances of waking up to find that your furniture has developed water stains!
Finally, if you store your furniture outdoors, then you should keep it covered at all times. This will help to prevent rain or other liquids from getting trapped inside the joints of your furniture.
Final Thoughts
Wooden furniture is a beautiful thing, but it also requires maintenance. The best way to keep your wooden furniture looking as new as the day you bought it is to regularly maintain it.
In fact, most people tend to overlook their wooden furniture because they think it’s too expensive to care for. But caring for your wooden furniture doesn’t mean spending money; it means taking the right steps to ensure its longevity.
Whether you want to give your wooden furniture some tender loving care, or an extra coat of paint, we hope that you found this article helpful!
