Water stains on furniture fall into two categories: white and dark. White stains occur where water becomes trapped in the finish or the thin layer of wax on the surface, while dark stains indicate that water has penetrated through the finish into the wood, taking more effort to remove. 

    Keep reading to learn top tips for treating and removing white and dark stains from wood furniture and how to prevent these stains in the future. 



    How to Treat White Water Stains

    White stains in wood finish will often disappear on their own after drying for a few days. If the stain persists, try placing a dry cotton cloth over the affected area and going over it with a hot iron without steam. Apply light heat just long enough to evaporate the moisture trapped in the finish. Just be sure to use caution during this process, as excessive heat can damage the finish.

    If the white stain remains, mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the solution over the stain and let it sit for five minutes before wiping it with a clean, dry cloth. The vinegar helps break down the wax and dried water marks.

    Today’s Homeowner Tips

    Mineral spirits can also remove trapped wax that’s causing the stain. Dampen a soft cloth with the solvent and gently wipe the area, taking care not to oversaturate the cloth. Always test mineral spirits on an inconspicuous spot first to ensure it doesn’t affect the furniture’s finish.

    As a last resort for white water marks, try wiping the stain lightly with a cloth dampened with denatured alcohol. Use the alcohol conservatively, as it can damage some furniture finishes.


    How to Treat Dark Water Stains

    Dark stains present more of a challenge, as they signify water penetration through the protective finish to the bare wood underneath. To remove the stain, you’ll need to sand and refinish the affected area on your wood furniture.

    Take the following steps to remove dark water stains from your wood furniture.

    1. Sand the finish surrounding the affected area with 220-grit sandpaper until you reach bare wood. Take care not to sand too aggressively — the goal is only to penetrate the finish, not sand the wood surface.
    2. Once you hit bare wood, wipe the exposed area with a cloth dampened with denatured alcohol to clean it. 
    3. Let the alcohol fully evaporate. 
    4. Using a small artist’s paintbrush, apply a coat of clear shellac to the sanded section. This step will seal the exposed wood.
    5. After the shellac dries, lightly sand again with 400-grit paper to smooth and blend the transition between the shellac patch and the surrounding finish. 
    6. Apply a final wipe of denatured alcohol. 
    7. Layer a topcoat of polyurethane, varnish, or other protective finish to the sanded area to match the sheen of the existing surface. I suggest doing this with a small foam brush.

    With careful sanding and blending, this technique can make a dark water stain virtually disappear. However, it requires patience and skill to execute correctly. Consider consulting a professional furniture refinisher for anything beyond a basic finish repair.

    Get Your Estimate From Cleaning Professionals
    Match with a cleaning professional to help you maintain your busy household

    How to Prevent Water Marks

    Once you’ve removed a water stain, it’s important to take steps to prevent future staining. Using these simple precautions, you can avoid water damage to your furniture.

    • Use coasters under all glasses. Quality coasters with felt bottoms absorb condensation.
    • Wipe up spills immediately. Never let moisture sit on furniture surfaces, as this increases the chance for it to mar the surface of your furniture permanently. 
    • Place mats under flower vases or houseplants.
    • Apply a layer of paste wax to the furniture every six months. The paste wax makes the surface more water-resistant and gives your furniture a nice sheen. 
    • Attach self-stick felt pads to the bottom of the furniture legs. 
    • Don’t place furniture in front of air conditioning vents, as cold air can cause surface condensation.

    So, Is Removing Water Stains From Furniture Difficult?

    Water stains present a stubborn challenge for furniture finishes. Light white stains in the surface wax may dissipate independently, but deeper stains often require solvents, sanding, refinishing, and other intensive steps to fix. 

    Taking preventative methods to avoid stains altogether is a better idea than repairing water stains later. Use coasters, promptly clean spills, and take steps to mitigate moisture on furniture. With some diligence, you can keep your furniture stain-free and looking like new.


    FAQs About Water Stains on Furniture

    How do you remove water stains from wood furniture?

    For light surface stains, wipe the area with a dry cloth and hot iron or use a vinegar solution. For deeper stains, sand and refinish the affected area to make your furniture look like new again.


    What removes white water stains from wood furniture?

    Applying mild heat, mineral spirits, or denatured alcohol may lift white water marks from the finish. However, it’s best to avoid excessive moisture, heat, and scrubbing, which can permanently damage the wood furniture.


    What is the best way to prevent water stains on wood tables?

    The best way to prevent water stains on wood tables is by using coasters, wiping spills immediately, applying paste wax every six months, attaching felt pads to legs, and avoiding placing furniture near A/C vents. These steps help prevent water damage.


    Can you remove water stains from wood furniture?

    You may be able to remove light white stains. However, dark stains penetrating the bare wood require extensive sanding, refinishing, and blending that may not fully restore the finish. If you have severe water stains, consult a professional to learn what your best options are.


    How do you remove old dried water stains from wood?

    To remove old or dried water stains, sand the finish to bare wood and clean it with denatured alcohol before sealing, sanding again, and applying a new topcoat. I recommend refinishing if the water stains are extensive.


    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Amy DeYoung

    Amy DeYoung

    Contributor

    Amy DeYoung has a passion for educating and motivating homeowners to improve their lives through home improvement projects and preventative measures. She is a content writer and editor specializing in pest control, moving, window, and lawn/gardening content for Today’s Homeowner. Amy utilizes her own experience within the pest control and real estate industry to educate readers. She studied business, communications, and writing at Arizona State University.

    Learn More

    photo of Lori Zaino

    Lori Zaino

    Lori Zaino is a freelance writer and editor based in Madrid, Spain. With nearly two decades of editorial experience, she’s written and edited for publications like Forbes, CNN, Insider, NBC, Newsweek, The Points Guy, The Infatuation, and many others. Having just completed her first home renovation, she’s more interested in home improvements than ever, dedicated to bringing you fresh and accurate content to help you update your living spaces.

    Learn More