Wood is a challenging material to clean. It is very porous, and therefore any liquid that comes into contact will leave a stain. Normally the woods that we have at home, whether furniture, floors ... are usually treated with finishes. Even so, it is still difficult to remove certain stains, such as moisture.
There are two types of moisture stains on wood: those that are white or those that are black. Light stains are those that have penetrated the finish but have not reached the wood. However, dark stains result from water that has penetrated the finish and the wood, making them deeper. Whatever the type of stain, there is a solution. Read along!
Importance of the Type of Wood to be Treated for Humidity
Before treating any wood, do some research on the type of wood and what finish or treatment it has. One finish is not the same as another, and if you don't know what type it is, you could end up damaging the wood more.
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If you have no way of knowing this type of thing because you cannot contact the manufacturer or look for it, do not worry, you can try the treatment you will apply in a small and inconspicuous area before doing it on the stain. This way, you will know if the result is optimal.
There are woods treated with waxes and enamels where the treatments will not work, and this layer will have to be removed first. But they can be confused with varnishes, so it is better to test first in a smaller and less visible area.
If it is an antique, consult an expert since a new finish or treatment could depreciate its value.
Remove Moisture Stains from Wood with Heat
Light or superficial stains are easier to remove. When it is recent, you can remove the moisture stain from the wood by applying heat to absorb moisture or water and dry the entire affected area. To do this, use a dryer on low power and at a safe distance (close but not glued) apply heat in a circular motion.
You can also use an iron with low, medium power. To do this, put a cotton cloth on the stain and iron gently. Check from time to time if the stain has disappeared.
Oil Treatment to Remove Moisture Stains from Wood
If the heat does not work or you do not dare to use it, on the surface moisture stains on the wood, you can try an oily treatment consisting of rubbing the surface with an oily substance. For example, you can use mineral oil or petroleum jelly, or even mayonnaise.
Wet a cloth with this substance and rub the stain until it goes away. Some stains will require you to leave the oily substance overnight or at least for a while.
The oil gets into the wood, replacing the water so that the stain visibly diminishes and disappears. There are also some commercial oily products specifically for wood stains.
Other Treatments to Remove Moisture Stains from Wood
Although it is not the first option of many people because they think that wood can be damaged, another way to remove moisture stains from wood when they are light is with mild abrasive treatments. For example, you can take a toothbrush with toothpaste and rub it over the stain. It is also an option to use ash from a cigarette with mayonnaise or petroleum jelly. After using them, you will have to rub with a brush or cloth to remove the remains.
Remember, first try the treatment you choose in a small piece, so you will know for sure if it is the right one.
Remove Dark Moisture Stains from Wood
The stains dark moisture is deeper. However, we can get rid of them even though the process requires further treatment.
To start removing the mark from blackened wood, keep in mind that the stain must be completely dry. In this type of stain, the first thing to do is remove the finish's surface layer, be it varnish, enamel, wax, or whatever is on the wood. Then the wood is treated directly, and, for this, we will first sand the entire surface.
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Once sanded, we proceed to apply the wood treatment. A very effective treatment that also does not affect the color of the wood is oxalic acid. Sometimes a single application is enough, but sometimes it requires several.
If you apply this treatment after it takes effect, you have to neutralize it with bicarbonate and water mixture by rinsing the area. If there are grooves due to humidity, you can apply the wood paste with a spatula.
Finally, the finishing coat is applied again, such as varnish. Allow to dry after applying a thick coat. You can also apply wood wax as a finish.
If you see that the sandpaper has left too much unevenness, before applying the varnish, sand the edges again so that it is not noticeable.
Avoid damp stains on wood - protect it.
Protect the wood, so the same thing doesn't happen again. Always use coasters or trivets to avoid spilling any liquid. In this way, you will prevent it from staining with water or other liquids. You can also put a transparent glass on a wooden table to have it always protected. The wax wood is ideal for floors and furniture so that in this way, liquids can not penetrate.
Adapted and translated by The Cop Cart Staff
Sources: Uncomo
