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How to Remove Heat Marks from Wood

Heat marks and stains are usually seen on top of wooden tables and are caused by a very hot object like a hot pot or pan. The heat from the cookware causes moisture on the surface of the wood and this leads to unsightly moisture rings and marks. This is different from burn marks where wood is burned or charred after coming in contact with fire or a flame. You can still remove heat marks on wood provided you treat it right away. Old heat marks may take a while to remove but nonetheless possible to treat as well.

Removing heat stains on wood

White rings on wood furniture are actually the moisture that has soaked into the top layers of the wood finish. This is moisture that gets into wax, which clouds up. These can be prevented by using a protective cover on your wooden table or using a glass sheet. Heat marks can be removed using a variety of easy to use home items. Find the right treatment from the techniques we have here.

Things you’ll need

• Hair dryer
• Petroleum jelly or mayonnaise
• Steel wool
• Lemon oil
• Toothpaste

Instructions

Heat it up with a hairdryer

Source: https://www.instructables.com/id/13-Unusual-Uses-for-a-Hair-Dryer/

You might say “Removing heat with heat?” Actually, heating the part will let the moisture evaporate completely from the wood surface. This is effective for new heat marks. You may use any kind of hair dryer for this technique.
Power on your hair dryer and use the lowest setting and place it near the water ring. Do not use the hair dryer directly over the mark but move it around so you won’t risk damaging the finish of your wood. Applying short yet hot treatments should gradually remove the mark. After two minutes, check the stain. Repeat as long as you don’t use heat on wood for more than two minutes.

Remove heat marks with toothpaste

Source: https://lifehacker.com/5412007/toothpaste-combats-water-marks-on-wooden-furniture

For old heat marks, use toothpaste. This is an effective stain remover that has great ingredients. It contains baking soda which is known to remove stains and odors. Choose the non-gel and whitening type toothpaste so you won’t make the mark worse.

Use your fingers to apply toothpaste to the heat mark in the same direction as the grain. Gently rub the toothpaste but don’t do it very hard. Remove it using a clean cloth. Use a moistened cloth to completely rinse the area with water. Wipe this with clean and dry cloth or towel and inspect the stain. You may repeat applying toothpaste if necessary.

Get rid of heat marks with mayonnaise

Source: https://www.fifteenspatulas.com/homemade-mayonnaise/

Mayonnaise or petroleum jelly has a thick yet creamy consistency. It is also cold and can remove stains because of its unique properties. You can use any brand and use only a small amount.

Use only a small amount of mayonnaise or petroleum jelly using a soft cloth. Rub this using a circular motion. You may repeat the steps if the stain remains on wood. You can leave it on the stain overnight too especially if you have old heat marks on wood.

Using lemon oil

Source: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Parker-Bailey-Lemon-Oil-16oz/dp/B007HWRG2O

Lemon oil will be able to remove stains and grime from wood. You can use lemon oil on its own this on its own or mix it with your regular dishwashing liquid to remove stubborn stains. Apply lemon oil on the affected area using the finest grade steel wool available. Use lemon oil to gently rub in the direction of the wood grain. Use a clean cloth to gently remove the lemon oil from the surface of your table or other wood furniture. Check if the stain remains and repeat the application of the lemon oil if necessary.

Conclusion

Heat marks are commonly seen in unprotected wood tables. The most common causes of heat marks are sadly very easy to prevent but still overlooked. These marks may be removed by simply wiping the surface or heating it but old stains and deep-seated rings could be a pain to remove. But if household items seem to be ineffective, you must consult a professional furniture refinisher to repair your table’s heat marks before these become out of hand.