Yes Really, You Can Remove Water Stains From Wood With Mayonnaise – Here’s How

Removing water stains without harsh chemicals, which most families in the U.S. strive for today, is difficult and can become frustrating. However, some hacks, like using Mayo, are simple and more eco-conscious. These hacks can help breathe new life into old wooden surfaces and restore areas that have been heavily impacted by frequent moisture from beverages.

Number 1 Tip for Removing Water Stains

Firstly, “interior experts” in the U.K. recommend using mayo to remove water stains, noting that the oil in Mayo is, particularly, useful. Furthermore, it’s the “easiest way” to eliminate the stain, according to the experts.

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What to Do

Removing water stains with Mayo is a simple, few-step process.

Step 1- use a microfiber cloth to dab some of the condiment onto wooden surfaces. A small amount will do, depending on how large the water stains are.

Step 2- Place a paper towel over it.

Step 3- Let it sit for several hours.

Experts Explain

“The oil in the mayonnaise helps displace the moisture into the paper towel and off the table itself,” explains the interior experts at Beanbag Superbrand in the U.K. “Check on the stain after a few hours and if it’s gone, the mayonnaise can be removed and the table can be polished. If it hasn’t worked, repeat the process but leave the mayonnaise overnight.”

Alternatives for Removing Water Stains

The helpful Mayo tip is one of the easiest as it requires the least effort. However, some other options may work if Mayo doesn’t. The interior experts also suggest that certain types of toothpaste may do something similar. However, whitening toothpastes should be avoided to prevent lightening the wood’s color.

Steps to Remove Water Stains

This method is seemingly less effective and requires more effort. However, it’s worth considering as most people have toothpaste in their homes and still only takes a few steps to complete.

• Step 1- Put a generous amount of toothpaste onto a dust rag, as the microfiber rags will make it difficult to spread the toothpaste.
• 2- Rub it on the water stain and let it sit for a few minutes.
• 3- Remove the toothpaste with a damp cloth and allow it to dry.
• 4- Follow up with furniture polish, after it has dried, if desired.

If this doesn’t work, a baking soda and toothpaste mixture will make a stronger paste to help remove water stains.

Try an Iron

Although it’s more dangerous than the first few suggestions, using a hot iron could be a way to remove water stains. However, it only works for new stains that are still wet.

• Step 1- Set the iron to a low temperature.
• 2- Put a cloth over the water stain.
• 3- Gently, place the iron on the cloth. Be sure not to keep it in one place for too long as it can become a fire hazard.

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Or Use Vinegar to Remove Water Stains

Soak a microfiber cloth in equal parts water and vinegar then ring it out ensuring it’s damp but not soaking.

Firmly press the cloth down over the entire stain and let it sit for about an hour.

If that didn’t work, another suggestion for removing water stains includes adding baking soda. Put baking soda over the water stain and add a few drops of vinegar. The chemical reaction will make it easy to remove water stains with a soft-bristled scrub brush.

Lastly, Oil and Salt

As explained by the interior experts, the oil in Mayo is the key reason it’s so successful at removing water stains. Therefore, it’s unsurprising to learn that olive oil is a key component of this last recommendation.

• Step 1- Mix salt and olive oil to make a paste.
• 2- Apply the paste with a microfiber cloth.
• 3- Gently rub it over the water stain and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away.

Although removing water stains isn’t always easy, there are some eco-friendly options, using ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. These offer you peace of mind over your family’s wellbeing and breathe new life into old warn-out wood with water stains.

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