Mix a solution of one cup of white vinegar and one cup of cool water. Spray solution onto the stain (Be careful not to soak the area). Use a clean towel or cloth to blot the stain. Work from the outside edges of the stain to the center.
Diluted household bleach is one of the most effective stain removers for clothes and linens. Always check clothing labels for directions on the use of bleach. When diluted properly, bleach is safe for cotton, linen, rayon, and synthetics such as nylon and polyester.
The best way to remove stains from wood furniture is by using oxalic acid. Professional furniture restorers have been using this very safe and easy to apply treatment for decades. Oxalic acid is very effective at removing food and drink stains, including spilled red wine and water marks.
If you plan on removing the varnish and then painting the wood, sanding can be an effective way to get rid of the varnish while prepping the wood at the same time. It's also a natural and chemical-free way to remove varnish. It can however be labour-intensive: Start with 150-grit sandpaper and sand the entire surface.
Wearing rubber gloves, dip a brush into a bowl of bleach and apply it lightly to the stained area. Allow the bleach to sit for a few hours as the stain fades to its original color. Remove the bleach with a damp sponge, and apply vinegar to neutralize the wood and prevent further lightening.
If you're dealing with water rings or food stains on your wood, you can use a little olive oil and vinegar (mixed equally) to remove those stains without stripping your actual wood stain. Just rub the solution in the direction of the wood grain, let it sit, and then wipe it away with a damp towel.
Acetone-based nail polish remover works as well as rubbing alcohol when it comes to lifting permanent marker stains from wood. Avoid any aggressive scrubbing, as it could damage the finish on top of the wood.
To start, vinegar works as a very effective household cleaner because it is an acid. Acids remove stains and clean by adding a chemical charge to the stain's molecules. Much like a magnet being pulled by another magnet, these newly charged molecules become attracted to the positive and negative charges in water.
“A paste of vinegar and baking soda can remove even the toughest stains,” she says. There's a misconception that vinegar will remove color from clothes but in fact, it's gentle enough to use on most fabrics, vinegar can actually restore and brighten color in fabric and can also prevent fading.
A chemical stripper loosens wood stain to make it easier to remove. While you can take off stain without it, the process will take longer and be more difficult. In some cases, you may be unable to remove stain altogether without a stripper. There are two main types of strippers: solvent and caustic.
Use a carbide scraper to remove stain from wood without sanding, but you can also use a chemical stripper. If you are using a chemical stripper. First, remove dust and debris with a damp cloth, lay cardboard on the floor, and place the project on buckets.
Even though vinegar is a natural, safe cleaner and disinfectant, the acidic formula is also tough on stains and safe for wood. Soak some paper towels in white vinegar and layer them over the stain. Let the soaked towels sit for about 30 minutes to penetrate the stain.
Diluted vinegar can dissolve the finish that protects the wood and leave it looking cloudy, dull, or scratched. (The same goes for wood furniture.)
Using Mild Abrasives (Toothpaste/Baking Soda/Salt)
Buff out water stains on wood with a mild abrasive. Using a non-gel (plain white) toothpaste, baking soda paste or salt paste (adding a few drops of water to form the pastes), gently rub the mixture into the stain. Be sure to go along the grain of the wood.
Mineral spirits can remove oil-based wood stains and acetone can be used to help remove water-based wood stains and other difficult stains. However, use acetone cautiously because it can remove the dye from some clothing.
Use Steel Wool to Lighten Stained Wood
Steel wool is a viable option to lighten wood without sanding. Start by dampening your 0000 steel wool in warm water. Run the steel wool along the grain of your wood to avoid scratching it.
Citristrip is a good alternative to Minwax If you're looking for a less toxic varnish stripper. Aside from Minwax, Citristrip was the best for removing finish.