How To Remove Heat Stains From Wood: The Ultimate Guide

Published September 26, 2023

Wood is among the most preferred materials for furniture. This is due to its beautiful and classy aesthetic. It somehow has this inherent ability to make a room more elegant instantly. But, the main tradeoff for all these fantastic qualities is that it is more prone to staining and damage than other materials.

Wood tables often get distinct, white heat stains from repeated use over time. Whether from a hot coffee mug, a freshly delivered box of pizza, or anything hot in general. These stains can take away from the wonder of wood furniture. But don’t worry because many solutions have popped up left and right.

Here’s how to remove heat stains from wood to keep your furniture looking spick and span.

How does heat cause stains in wood furniture?

Heat can cause stains through a combination of heat and moisture. When wood comes in contact with something hot, its pores expand, through which water enters. When the wood cools down, the water is trapped in the wood, which can cause damage. Moisture in wood can alter its appearance, most notably by leaving white heat marks.

How To Remove Heat Stains From Wood

Here are a few known methods to remove heat stains from your wood furniture.

1. Using heat

It seems almost counterintuitive to remove heat stains by applying more heat. But, this method has proven effective in removing these white stains. People use two well-known tools to apply heat: an iron and a hairdryer.

Hair Dryer Method

Step 1: Plug your hairdryer and set it on the lowest heat setting

Step 2: Point it directly at the stain

Step 3: Slowly pan the hairdryer evenly over the stain until it disappears.

Iron method

Step 1: You must grab a clean piece of cloth, a small towel or a T-shirt

Step 2: With this, you’ll want to cover the heat stain completely.

Step 3: Drain all the liquid from your iron, then turn it on to a low heat setting.

Step 4: Run your iron over the cloth for a few minutes, regularly checking to see if the stains have disappeared.

Step 5: Repeat this process if you can still see the stains.

2. Toothpaste

Toothpaste has been known to be a fantastic way of attacking stains because it is alkaline, which stains react to uniquely. Make sure to use regular toothpaste and not the gel kind.

Step 1: You can use a damp piece of cloth, but make sure to wipe it dry afterward.

Step 2: Mix some toothpaste with baking soda to create a paste you’ll use.

Step 3: Apply this paste directly over the stain and wait a few minutes for it to interact with the wood.

Step 4: After about 10 minutes, remove the paste with a clean cloth.

3. Oil-based products

Some oil-based products may also prove helpful against heat stains. While unconventional, petroleum jelly and mayonnaise could be the solution you’re looking for.

Step 1: To use this method, get enough of your oil-based product to cover the stain.

Step 2: Apply the product to the stain and leave it overnight.

Step 3: The next day, wipe it up with a clean cloth.

4. Lemon oil

Some people also recommend using lemon oil to remove heat stains. Lemon oil is known for its effectiveness in eliminating wood stains. It acts as a natural cleaning agent. It helps to restore the appearance of wood by removing dust, dirt, grease, and old stains.

Here are the steps to effectively remove wood stains using lemon oil:

Step 1: Clean the wood surface by wiping away any loose dirt or debris using a soft cloth.

Step 2: Mix a small amount of lemon oil with water in a spray bottle. The ratio can vary depending on the manufacturer’s instructions, but typically, a few drops of lemon oil per cup of water is enough.

Step 3: Spray the lemon oil mixture onto a clean, soft cloth or a wooden surface. Gently rub the fabric over the stained area, applying slight pressure to lift the stain. Work in sections.

Step 4: After applying the lemon oil mixture, allow it to sit on the wood surface for a few minutes.

Step 5: Remove any excess lemon oil from the wood surface using a clean, dry cloth.

5. Wood Restoration

The solutions we mentioned above are quick DIY methods. But some stains are much tougher than others, requiring extensive treatment. An overall wood restoration will do you good if the stains are too deep to be treated with these methods.

Step 1: To apply this method, you have to sand the surface of your furniture to remove the finish.

Step 2: Sand it down just deep enough that you get the stain.

Step 3: You’ll want to replace the finish with an oil or lacquer to protect and preserve your furniture.