How To Get Rid Of White Heat Stains on Wood

White rings on the surface of a wooden table are signs of heat and moisture stains. Excessive heat causes the table to warm, which will then leave a cloudy, white discoloration on the surface. While the heat stains do not affect the functionality of the table, they will unfortunately make the table appear dull and filthy.

Getting Rid of White Heat Stains

Without a doubt, stains on most materials are an eyesore, especially if the splotches and shapes come in contrast with the look of an impressive article or furniture. Among the most common stains that can visibly ruin your home furniture are white heat stains. Fortunately, there are many common and inexpensive items that can help you get rid of white heat stains on wood and restore the beauty of your table.

Fighting Heat with Heat

 

1. Use an iron with steam capability and a white cotton cloth.
2. Put the cloth on top of the white heat stain.
3. Turn the iron on a low or medium setting.
4. Press the iron back and forth over the cloth. Make sure that the pressure and motion you apply when pressing is even and consistent.
5. Tap the steam release on the iron to allow the steam to hit the back of the cloth over the stain.
6. Iron the shirts for only 20 seconds.
7. Remove the cloth.
8. Apply finishing touches such as furniture polish or oil to the table and then wipe off with a dry cloth.
9. Notice those annoying white heat stains disappear like magic!

 

This method stands a good chance to work if the stain was caused by heat and moisture on the wood for less than 30 seconds.

 

Cover the Stain

 

For deep stains, there may be chances that the iron strategy will not work. Perhaps if you can’t afford to have it sent to a professional furniture restorer, all you need to do is to cover the stains with very nice doilies or tablecloths. If you want to show off your artistic sense and if you don’t mind getting paint stains, you can have your wood painted over, and then maybe you can varnish over the wood.

 

Hire the Services of a Professional Furniture Restorer

 

If you have more money than time, allow the furniture restorer to undo the white heat stains on your precious wood. Not only that you can save time and effort, you can also save yourself from damaging the furniture in your attempt to repair it yourself. Just make sure that the restorer boasts a positive reputation within the community or within the industry he belongs. Ask some feedbacks from previous clients so as not to compromise the value of your antique furniture.

 

Preventing White Heat Stains on Wood

The best way to protect your table from acquiring heat marks is to prevent direct contact of heat and moisture onto the surface.  Here are some preventive measures to help you save your furniture from stains.

• Cover your table with a padded table cover to provide cushion.
• Use placemats at mealtimes. Aside from preventing heat marks, placemats can also add a decorative touch to your table.
• Use trivets when serving hot dishes to keep heat and moisture above the table surface.
• Wipe up spills on wood tables to avert white stains.
• Do not use abrasive cleansers when removing heat marks to prevent further damage on the wood surface.

 

Buying a new table can cost you hundreds to thousands of dollars, but leaving white heat stains can also be very embarrassing. Fortunately, you can get rid of those unpleasant looking stains with the abovementioned methods. They’re worth a try!