Asked on Jan 13, 2018

How do you get steam stains off wood kitchen cabinets?

How do you get steam stains off wood cabinets? Our electric one cup coffee pot sat under our cabinet and the steam it generated has caused our cabinet door to have a white haze on it. We tried normal cleaning & oils but it didn't make a difference. HELP!!!

  6 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Jan 13, 2018

    try coconut oil or rub a walnut on it

    • Maynard Maynard on Jan 15, 2018

      I'm assuming you mean the meat inside the shell, which contains lots of walnut oil. Rubbing the walnut shell will do nothing. Having said that, i will remind you that walnut oil, being organic, is subject to spoilage. Oil turns rancid over time, it oxidizes and smells terrible. Rubbing the white away with steel wool, and recoating with polyurethane is probably your best bet. After the white is gone, lightly rub down the rest of the door to scuff the existing finish, then redcoat the entire door so it will look uniform after it dries.

  • Jacx Jacx on Jan 14, 2018

    The water has reacted w the finish. You may have to sand it off, till the white is gone, then reseal. Use a good quality plastic sealer. Move the pot!

    You might try buffing it w 3 xxx steel wool til it looks better. Might need to touch up the stain no matter what you do, then seal it. Requires work!


  • Marilyn Hill Marilyn Hill on Jan 16, 2018

    Rub with mineral oil to restore the wood. As a professional with Country Kitchens we find small scratches, steam amd water damage can easily be covered by this simple method.


  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Mar 02, 2024

    The best solution is to have a Fan extractor or wipe down your cabinets every time and leave them dry!

  • Using your hairdryer is the simplest way to accomplish this. First, turn it to the lowest heat setting (not "cool") and point it straight onto the stain, keeping a few inches away from the wood's surface. Blow heated air at the stain from side to side until the stain goes away.

  • Deb K Deb K on Mar 10, 2024

    Hi Elayne, hope this helps you.

    Step 1: Create a mixture by combining equal parts of white vinegar and baking soda. ...

    Step 2: Dip a clean, soft cloth or a sponge into the mixture, ensuring it's damp but not soaking wet.

    Step 3: Gently rub the affected areas of the wooden cabinet doors using a circular motion.