Cleaning stained wood is a chore no homeowner wants to face. However, in most cases, a little hard work can go a long way to restore damaged wood surfaces. In the past I have had the unfortunate task of trying to remove water and other types of stains from wood. The following are the methods that have worked best for me:
Water stains: Depending on the size of the stain, it’s a good idea to sand off the finish from the wood piece. Next, use an old toothbrush dipped in regular household bleach to scrub the stain. Allow the bleach to sit for an hour or so, then apply more bleach and rub into the stain. Once the stain is gone, you will need to refinish the wood. If the stain persists, repeat the process.
Ink stains: For stubborn ink stains, you may need to use commercial wood bleach. To start, remove the wood finish, and apply the wood bleach with a brush. Allow bleach to sit for about five hours. Then, neutralize the wood bleach by applying a 2:1 mixture of water and vinegar with a sponge. Finally, dry the wood and refinish per the directions on the commercial wood bleach bottle.
If you are dealing with a fresh stain, you will have an excellent chance of restoring the wood to its original appearance. The quicker you treat a stain, the easier it will be to remove. With older stains it can be hit or miss. The good news is that in some cases old stains can be removed by applying a thick layer of mayonnaise and allowing it to sit overnight. In the morning, wipe it away with a thick cotton cloth. Another option is to use regular white toothpaste, not the gel type. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the water stain and rub gently with a soft cotton cloth. Then, wipe off toothpaste and polish the wood.