Wood furniture collects all kinds of marks: grease from dinner, ink from homework, wine, crayon, sticky spills and dark water spots. The right fix depends on what the stain is and whether it sits on the finish or has soaked into the wood. This guide explains how to remove stains from wood furniture, stain by stain, starting with the gentlest method and working up.
First: Is the Stain on the Finish or in the Wood?
| Sign | What it means | Approach |
|---|---|---|
| White or cloudy mark | Moisture or heat trapped in the finish | Gentle heat, mild abrasives; see our water ring guide |
| Mark you can feel or that wipes partly | Residue sitting on the finish | Clean it off with soap, oil or a solvent suited to the stain |
| Dark or black mark | Water or another liquid soaked into the wood | Usually needs bleaching and refinishing |
Most modern furniture has a sealed finish, so most stains sit on top and come off with the right cleaner. Always test in a hidden spot first.
What You'll Need
- Microfiber cloths
- Mild dish soap and warm water
- Baking soda
- Mineral spirits (for some stains, tested first)
- A pencil eraser or melamine sponge (used very gently)
- Furniture polish or paste wax for finishing
Stain-by-Stain Guide
| Stain | Try first | If it's stubborn |
|---|---|---|
| Grease and oil | A few drops of dish soap in warm water, wiped and dried | A light dusting of baking soda or cornstarch to absorb, then wipe |
| Food and drink | Damp soapy cloth, then dry | Baking soda paste, rubbed gently with the grain |
| Wine and coffee | Blot, then wipe with soapy water | Baking soda paste; dark marks in raw wood may need refinishing |
| Ink | Pencil eraser or a cloth with a drop of dish soap | A little mineral spirits on a cloth (test first); avoid soaking |
| Permanent marker | A dab of toothpaste (non-gel) or baking soda paste | Mineral spirits, tested; some marker may need touch-up |
| Crayon | Soften with a hair dryer and wipe | A tiny bit of mineral spirits |
| Sticky residue | Warm, then a little oil | See our sticker residue guide |
| Candle wax | Harden with ice, lift with a plastic card | Warm with a hair dryer and blot |
| White water rings | Hair dryer or iron over a cloth | Mild abrasive paste with the grain |
| Dark water or pet stains | Clean the surface | Oxalic acid wood bleach on bare wood, then refinish |
How to Remove Grease Stains
- Mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap.
- Dampen a cloth, wring it out well and wipe the stain with the grain.
- Rinse with a cloth dampened in plain water.
- Dry immediately.
- For leftover marks, sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch, leave it for an hour, then wipe away.
How to Remove Ink Stains
Fresh ink on a sealed finish often lifts with a clean pencil eraser or a cloth with a drop of dish soap. For older ink, dampen a cloth lightly with mineral spirits and dab, don't rub, testing first. Avoid rubbing alcohol on shellac and some lacquer finishes, which it can soften.
How to Remove Dark Water Stains
Black or gray stains mean water reached the wood itself, often reacting with tannins. They can't be wiped away. The fix is to strip the finish in that area, apply oxalic acid wood bleach to the bare wood, neutralize and rinse as directed, let it dry, then refinish. On valuable or veneered pieces, a furniture restorer is the safer choice. See how to refinish wood furniture.
Finish Up
After removing any stain, dry the area fully and buff it with furniture polish or a little paste wax to even out the sheen. See how to polish wood furniture.
Follow the Care Instructions
Many furniture makers list specific care instructions, and following them avoids damage. For the Rounded Edge Wood Grain Dining Table, for example, they say to wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth, clean spills immediately, avoid abrasive cleaners, harsh chemicals and excessive moisture, and use coasters, placemats or heat pads. Finishes listed as stain resistant, like the one on the Oval-End Dining Table, make everyday spills easier to wipe away.
What Not to Do
- Don't soak wood or leave water standing.
- Don't use bleach, ammonia or all-purpose sprays on finished wood.
- Don't scrub against the grain or use steel wool on a good finish.
- Don't use acetone or nail polish remover; they dissolve many finishes.
Preventing Stains
- Use coasters, placemats and trivets.
- Wipe spills right away.
- Put a desk pad or cutting board down for crafts and homework.
- Keep a fresh coat of polish or wax on older finishes.
Related guides: removing water rings from wood, removing sticker residue, removing candle wax and cleaning wood furniture.
Related: see our furniture care guide (by material).
FAQ
How do you get stains out of wood furniture?
Start with a damp cloth and a little dish soap, then try a baking soda paste. Use mineral spirits only for stubborn stains like ink, after testing.
How do you remove dark stains from wood?
Dark stains are in the wood itself and usually need oxalic acid wood bleach and refinishing.
Does vinegar remove stains from wood?
Diluted vinegar can help on some surfaces, but it can dull finishes. Mild dish soap is the safer first choice.
How do you get grease off a wood table?
Wipe with warm, soapy water, rinse, dry, and use baking soda or cornstarch to absorb any remaining oil.