Whether it’s because of hot steam from a coffee pot, a big pot of water boiling, or a change in humidity, my wood cabinets are always at risk of water damage ruining their beauty. So when it’s time to clean them, I always think, “Here we go again!”
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to remove water stains from kitchen cabinets. Mayonnaise, toothpaste, vinegar and olive oil, an iron, a hairdryer, or baking soda all work.
Types of Stains
There are two types of water stains on wood cabinets: white and dark.
- White water stains: These stains occur when moisture is trapped in the wood’s finish. They have a white tint.
- Dark water stains: When the moisture seeps into the wood itself and begins to grow mold, you’ll see water rings that are darker in color. They’re a result of white water stains left untreated.These require a different kind of treatment, which we discuss at the bottom.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is my personal favorite way to remove water stains. The primary ingredients in mayonnaise – oil, vinegar, and egg yolks – work together to break up white water stains.
The oil penetrates into the finish and displaces the moisture that caused the stain. The fats from the egg yolks contain the wood, possibly restoring its shine. The acidity from the vinegar breaks down the stain.
What You’ll Need
- At least 1 microfiber cloth or paper towel
- Mayonnaise
Steps
- Step 1: Blot dry. Blot the stain dry to prevent water damage.
- Step 2: Add mayonnaise. Dab mayonnaise onto the stain with a microfiber cloth or paper towel.
- Step 3: Let sit. Let the mayonnaise sit on the stain for at least 12 hours. Put the cloth or towel on top of it.
- Step 4: Wipe away mayonnaise. Wipe away the mayonnaise with a clean, dry cloth.
- Step 5: Buff It. Buff the surface lightly with a clean microfiber cloth (a different one) to restore its luster.
Toothpaste
White toothpaste also works to get rid of water stains. Unlike non-gel or whitening varieties, white toothpaste has an abrasive (usually baking soda) that lets it remove the surface stains from wood without damaging its finish.
What You’ll Need
- White toothpaste
- A soft, damp cloth
- A clean, wet cloth
Steps
- Step 1: Apply Toothpaste. Place a pea-sized drop (about as much as you would use when brushing your teeth) onto a soft, damp cloth.
- Step 2: Rub It In. Rub the toothpaste into the surface, working in circles until the stain is completely removed.
- Step 3: Wipe Clean. Wipe away any residue with a clean, wet cloth.
Vinegar and Olive Oil
Vinegar and olive oil are another combination that works against water stains. The vinegar removes the stain and the olive oil cleans the cabinets.
What You’ll Need
- Vinegar
- Olive oil
- Small bowl
- One microfiber cloth
- One clean, wet cloth
Steps
- Step 1: Mix Vinegar and Oil. Mix equal parts vinegar and olive oil in a small bowl.
- Step 2: Add to Cloth. Soak a microfiber cloth in the mixture so it’s wet but not dripping.
- Step 3: Place Cloth on Stain. Press the cloth on the stain and press down gently. Make sure the cloth covers the entire stain. Let it sit for an hour.
- Step 4: Wipe It Down. Wipe the mixture in the direction of the wood grain until the stain disappears.
- Step 5: Wipe Clean. Wipe away any residue with a clean, wet cloth.
Iron
The heat from the iron evaporates the moisture in the stain, removing it without damaging the wood. Be careful not to burn yourself.
What You’ll Need
- Clean cotton cloth
- Iron
Steps
- Step 1: Wipe Down Cabinets. Wipe down your cabinets with a soft cloth to ensure it’s clean and dry.
- Step 2: Lay Cloth. Place cloth on top of the stain.
- Step 3: Turn Iron On. Set the iron to a low temperature and wait for it to warm up to about 110 – 150°F.
- Step 4: Set Iron on Cloth. Once the iron is warm, place it on top of cloth over the water stain.
- Step 5: Repeat Until Finished. After about 20 seconds, remove the iron from the cloth and check the stain. If it’s still there, place the iron back on and keep it there for another 20 seconds. Repeat the process until the stain is removed.
Hairdryer
As soon as a water stain appears, get your hairdryer. It’ll dry up any fresh water stains on the wood’s surface.
What You’ll Need
- Hairdryer
- Cloth
- Furniture oil or olive oil
Steps
- Step 1: Turn On Hairdryer. Plug in the hairdryer and turn it to medium heat.
- Step 2: Dry the Stain. Aim the hairdryer two inches from the stain and hold it until the stain disappears. Wipe the stain away with a cloth as you apply heat to it.
- Step 3: Polish. Polish the wood with furniture oil or olive oil to restore its shine.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is gentle but abrasive, letting it free the moisture that’s trapped under the surface of your wood. It works best with stains that just popped up.
What You’ll Need
- Baking soda
- Water
- Microfiber cloths
- Furniture wax
Steps
- Step 1: Form Paste. Put 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a spoonful of water and add water slowly until you make a paste.
- Step 2: Rub In. Apply the paste to your microfiber cloth and rub the affected area for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Step 3: Wipe Clean. Once the stain goes away, wipe the area clean with a dry microfiber cloth.
- Step 4: Reseal Finish. Apply furniture wax to reseal the finish.
Dark Water Stains
Dark water stains are much harder to get rid of than white water stains because you need to remove the water and clear away the mold. The only way to get rid of them is to resand the cabinet.
The size of the stain determines what you should do. If the stain is small:
- Sand it out by hand using 150-grit sandpaper, moving in the direction of the wood’s grain.
- Kill the mold with mold and mildew cleaner.
- Refinish the wood with the same stain or varnish as the rest of the cabinet.
If the stain is large, you’ll need to contact a professional.
Water You Waiting For?
Whether you use mayonnaise, toothpaste, vinegar or olive oil, hairdryer, baking soda, or an iron, getting water stains off of wood cabinets isn’t hard. I did it, and you can too.
But if you’re not confident in your ability to do it right, or just don’t want the bother, contact us. Home Gnome has cleaning professionals and cabinetry professionals who can tackle the job expertly, and at prices you’ll love.
Main Photo Credit: elabracho / Adobe Stock
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