How To: Remove stains from wood furniture

Learn how to remove stains from wood furniture.

Make your wood furniture look like new again by getting out rings and spots.

You Will Need

* Clean, white cloths
* Baking soda
* Plain white toothpaste
* White sponges or cloths
* White vinegar
* Hydrogen peroxide
* A clean toothbrush
* Window cleaner

Step 1. Clean stains immediately

Blot spills immediately with a clean, white cloth, and then clean the spot as quickly as you can. The more time that elapses, the more difficult it will be to remove stains.

Step 2. Tackle white marks

To remove white marks on wood, like the rings left by a hot mug or a wet glass, make a paste of equal parts baking soda and white toothpaste (not gel).

Step 3. Rub it in

Gently rub it into the stain with a sponge or cloth, using a circular motion, until the stain disappears.

Step 4. Wipe and buff

Wipe the surface with a clean, damp cloth before buffing with a clean, dry cloth.

Step 5. Take out dark spots

If water damage has left dark spots on wood, try dabbing gently at the stain with a clean, white cloth soaked in vinegar. Or brush hydrogen peroxide on the stain with a clean toothbrush once a day for a week.

Step 6. Remove dog spit

Try removing dog saliva stains from hardwood floors by spraying window cleaner on them and wiping clean.

Fact: Moving furniture in order to clean is the third most dreaded cleaning activity of American adults, after washing windows and shampooing carpets, according to a survey.