How to Get a White Spot Out of a Wood Table

When the finish on your tabletop develops a white stain, it can be annoying, but in most cases it isn't a serious problem. The stain may be the result of moisture or standing water, or someone may have placed a hot dish on the table. In either case, you'll probably be able to remove it without refinishing the table. As long as the stain is in the finish, and not in the wood underneath, you can remove it with everyday household items. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Wash the tabletop, then spread a towel over the mark. Set an iron to high heat and turn on the steam. Place the iron on the towel over the mark and let it sit for about a minute. You can also try setting the iron to a lower temperature and rubbing it into the towel over the stain. This method will work best if the finish is varnish or polyurethane.

2

Dampen a rag with acetone, or nail polish remover, and dab the stain repeatedly until it disappears. This method may work if the finish is lacquer or shellac. Don't rub the tabletop, or the acetone will damage the finish.

3

Make a 50-50 mixture of baking soda and toothpaste and rub it into the stain. Use white toothpaste for this instead of the gel type. You can also try baking soda mixed with a little water, or just toothpaste.

4

Rub in mayonnaise, a paste of olive oil and salt, or a 50-50 mixture of olive oil and vinegar. Allow it to sit for up to an hour, then wipe it off.

5

Spread petroleum jelly on the stain and rub it in. Let it sit overnight, then wipe it off.

6

Spread polishing compound on the stain and rub it in with a polishing cloth. This compound is used for removing stains from automobile finishes and is available at car-parts stores. If the stain is close to the surface, or is embedded in the layer of wax covering the finish, you can rub it out -- without damaging the finish.