Need to know if I have to refinish a table...

Dianne
by Dianne
I have white spots on the finish of my wooden table. I used the table to iron curtains on, instead of getting the ironing board out. I steam ironed with several layers of towel under...but it went through and left a white finish. Is there a product I can use to get rid of the white...or will I need to refinish the wood?
White stains on wooden table from steam iron.
  16 answers
  • MN Mom MN Mom on Feb 05, 2016
    Hi Dianne You might have just brought the furniture wax to the surface when you used the iron. I would start by washing the table top with Murphys wood soap, wipe it dry and then apply a bit of Old English furniture refresher in the light wood tone. This is a liquid product available at many stores, even a grocery store. It just refreshes the wood tone, it doesn't actually stain the piece. Test it by wiping a bit on with a soft cloth. Hopefully this helps.
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Feb 05, 2016
    There are a lot of new methods that I have never heard of but interesting if they work .Rub some mayo into the white spots with a soft cloth and leave on about 30 minutes hen clean you table as you normally would or try using salad oil and white vinegar as a 50/50 mix and use the same process for applying.
  • Jodi Tregembo Jodi Tregembo on Feb 05, 2016
    I use mayonnaise, put it on the spots lile a paste and let it sit overnight and it should disappear
  • Barb Barb on Feb 05, 2016
    Try using a hair dryer. I read that someplace but have not had to try it so don't know if it works.
  • I have tried all of the above and have not seen any improvement in the spots. We first thought it was from water but discovered it was from heat. If you find an answer, I'd be interested!
  • 9530106 9530106 on Feb 05, 2016
    Believe it or not, try rubbing toothpaste on the spots. It has worked for me several times!
  • JoAnn Robinson JoAnn Robinson on Feb 05, 2016
    I think your success will depend on whether the marks are in the finish of the table or in the wax. If you have waxed your table in the past, the marks will be in the wax and easy enough to remove. Using cigar or cigarette ashes with a slightly damp cloth will work; just rub it with the grain.
  • Charmelle West Watkins Charmelle West Watkins on Feb 06, 2016
    Try 1 part vinegar:3parts olive oil. Tried the others with no luck, got rid of table before I saw this recipe online.
  • Rosemary D. Rosemary D. on Feb 06, 2016
    I am watching this comment section, because I get a white haze on the cabinets above my microwave when I use it for any length of time! they gradually (weeks) go away, but what the h#$% is it from?
    • See 1 previous
    • Chris Chris on Feb 06, 2016
      @Rosemary D. it is the steam from cooking that does that. Use your vent hood while cooking.
  • Barb Barb on Feb 06, 2016
    Try rubbing it with mayonnaise.
  • Reg Seymour Reg Seymour on Feb 06, 2016
    Howards "Restor-a-finish" has worked well for me in refurbishing antoqies that have that issue or have water circles from plant pots. I am in Canada but I am sure there is something like wherever you are.
  • Chris Chris on Feb 06, 2016
    I've had good success putting a folded tea towel over the mark and laying a medium hot iron (no steam) on the towel for 10 seconds at a time. Repeat until it's gone.
  • Ahmeans Ahmeans on Feb 06, 2016
    Start with "Restore a Finish" It comes in several shades so use the one that closest matches the wood. Walmart also sells a product for about $3 that says its to remove white heat rings - haven't tried it yet so I can't swear how well it works
  • Mary lou Mary lou on Feb 06, 2016
    The heat created moisture, which results in the white spots, usually if any polish or wax had been used on the table top. Rub it out with a soft cloth and some toothpaste. Works for me. Good luck.
    • 9530106 9530106 on Feb 06, 2016
      @Mary lou This was my suggestion also! It is so easy and really does work, doesn't it?!
  • Charb Charb on Feb 06, 2016
    Mayo works for water rings so give it a try. I used Helmans olive oil mayo. Check out charlesandhudson.com, they have 3 techniques. Toothpaste didn't work for me,but the room smelled minty fresh:)
  • CK CK on Feb 09, 2016
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvOOFjG-FEo Easy to view instructions.