How do you clean incense stains off of wood furniture?

Stains on wooden furniture are annoying, but by following these tricks you can remove even the most difficult ones. They will be like new.

Wooden furniture is key to achieving a natural and elegant decoration. They form the backbone, for example, of the most modern rustic style. But no matter how much pampering and care we give to our wooden furniture (whether they are in the living room, kitchen or any other room), sometimes it cannot be avoided that they end up with an annoying stain. But how is wood cleaned?

Forgetting to place coasters at the last house party or a simple oversight can leave your favorite piece of wood stained. Luckily, there are tricks with which to leave your furniture as new.

First of all: remember how special wood is

Although it sounds obvious, do not forget that, after all, wood is a porous material and anything that rests on it can change its original state. This, of course, can improve its appearance thanks to the patina it gives it, but it also requires that we protect it much more than other materials such as metal or glass. In any case, weathered wood also has its charm, as the famous wabi sabi style has already demonstrated, which proposes natural wood with the visible patina of time.

How to prevent stains on wooden furniture

Wood is one of the most sustainable materials but you have to take care of it to make it last. So, in order for it to last much longer, it is best to avoid spoiling it. An effective way to protect our wooden furniture from unwanted stains is to treat the furniture with some type of protective product beforehand. For example, with varnishes we can protect them from stains. Although it is true that, although they do not completely hide the beautiful grain that gives wood so much personality, they can tone it down a bit in sight. The good thing is that it can last for years without having to be reapplied.

The dyes have a finish very similar to that of the varnish, although they can be of different colors (by the way, if you look for them that are respectful with the environment, we will all win). However, remember that waxes or oils, although they are the most natural, will not completely protect them from stains. A decorative advice? Always keep in mind that, in addition to varnishes, the best friends of wood are tablecloths, trivets or coasters. This way you will avoid a misfortune before it happens.

The faster the better

Once the accident has occurred, remember that the first thing you have to do whenever you spot a stain is to clean it quickly. In this way, it will be easier to remove it and prevent it from passing through the wood, since the more time passes, the more the stain will have penetrated through the pores of the wood.

Remove white stains from wood

If the stain you have to deal with is white, don't be alarmed. Most often, the liquid has leaked only into the surface layer, and you can easily fix it. If the stain is recent, you can try using a heat source, such as a hair dryer or an iron on a towel, to try to remove the moisture.

If the heat is not enough, moisten a cloth with a little Vaseline or oil and rub in the direction of the grain. Then, let it rest for 8 hours and repeat a second time if the first was not enough.

get rid of dark stains on wood

If the color of the stain is dark, it most likely has penetrated into the wood. But let no one be alarmed, there is a solution! The first step is to remove the layer of varnish or enamel from the area, in order to treat the wood directly.

In these cases, the most recommended is to apply oxalic acid on the stain until it disappears. The trick is to rinse with water and baking soda to neutralize the acid. Finally, reapply the coat of varnish to the area.

Depending on the type of stain

It is not the same as spilling some water, wine or oil. Therefore, regardless of the color and if you know what the liquid or substance in question has been, you must operate differently.

Water stains: They are not the most complicated to remove, but they can spoil a piece of furniture that has not been treated. The best? Dry the surface as soon as possible. If you see that the mark does not go away, you can apply cream metal cleaner in the direction of the grain of the wood.

Grease stains: This is something more serious. Act quickly and remove excess grease with absorbent paper, then attack with a mixture of vinegar and warm water in equal parts.

Alcohol Stains: Alcohol is especially dangerous when it comes to waxed wood. Remove the liquid as soon as possible and apply wood wax as quickly as possible with the surface already dry. Hasn't he come out? Try cream metal polish applied in the direction of the grain.

If it's already too late...

Or if the stain and the damage are so big that there is no remedy, there is no need to throw in the towel. There is always the option of trusting a professional: a cabinetmaker or restorer can sand and re-varnish your wooden furniture, it is a very sustainable option. Or join the trend of lacquered wood furniture in intense colors and give a new life to the pieces with this upcycling.