The Easiest Ways to Remove Heat Stains From Wood and More

by: Nini
July 10, 2024

source: Adrianne Sarah

Picture this: It’s one of those warm summer evenings, and you are having friends over for dinner. The guests are engaged and having fun, and everything is well and good. Then, someone puts a hot plate on your beautiful wooden table, and the beauty of the table is gone. At the end of the day, when all the guests are gone and the cleanup is done, there it is—a small white mark left by heat that spoils the otherwise perfect finish. Yikes! Don’t panic. Heat stains on wood are like unwanted guests, but the good news is they can be gotten rid of without much fuss.

Understanding the Problem

Heat stains, those light and white marks that you see on furniture, are formed when heat and moisture penetrate the finish and get into the wood. They can give your luxurious dining table or coffee table a whole new look that makes it seem like it’s Halloween all year round. Well, this is not really professional; in fact, it’s quite the opposite.

Solution #1: Olive Oil and Iron Magic

This method works great. Here’s what you do:

1. Olive Oil Massage: Put a half teaspoon of olive oil on the spot and rub it with a clean, soft cloth. The oil softens the stain on the wood.
2. The Ironing Trick: Next, put a tea towel (or any thin cloth) over the area. Set the iron to the lowest setting and use no steam. Glide the iron over the towel for 10 minutes, checking every 30 seconds.
3. Voila!: The stain should begin to lighten. It’s like magic!

Solution #2: Mayonnaise Method

Who would have thought that a simple item used in your sandwich would help eliminate heat stains?

1. Slather It On: Rub mayonnaise on the stained part of the wood. Use regular mayonnaise, not the low-fat kind.
2. Let It Sit: Let it sit for a few hours or even overnight for the best results, especially for stubborn stains.
3. Wipe Clean: Use a clean cloth to gently rub off the mayo and polish the surface. If any residue remains, clean it with soap and water.

Solution #3: Toothpaste and Baking Soda

Non-gel toothpaste and baking soda are perfect for removing heat stains from wood.

1. Mix It Up: Mix equal parts non-gel toothpaste and baking soda to create a paste.
2. Gentle Scrub: Apply the paste and gently scrub the area with a soft cloth in a circular motion.
3. Wipe Away: After a few minutes, wipe the paste off with a damp cloth and dry the area.

Solution #4: The Hair Dryer Approach

This process uses heat to draw moisture out of the wood in a systematic way.

1. Set the Stage: Plug in the hair dryer and set it to the lowest heat setting.
2. Direct the Heat: Move the dryer back and forth over the stain, holding it a few inches away. This may take some time.
3. Buff It Out: Once the stain begins to fade, gently wipe the area with a cloth.

Solution #5: Baking Soda and Water

If you’re out of toothpaste, you can still use baking soda alone.

1. Create a Paste: Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with water until it forms a thick paste.
2. Rub It In: Apply the paste to the stain and rub it in a circular motion with a cloth.
3. Clean Up: Wipe off the paste with a damp cloth and dry the area.

Prevention Tips: Don’t Let the Heat In

Now that your table looks good as new, here’s how to keep it that way:

• Use Coasters and Placemats: These protect your table from heat and moisture.
• Trivets for Hot Dishes: Never place hot dishes and pots directly on the table.
• Quick Action: If you spill something hot, wipe it up immediately.

Heat stains are annoying, but they’re not something that can’t be solved. You can restore the appearance of your wood furniture with some household items and a little work. So, the next time you see a heat stain, don’t run to the nearest store for an expensive product. Instead, use olive oil, mayonnaise, or baking soda.