How do I remove stains from my bare oak table top?

I would sand it a little more to try to get below the stain, but then apply a pre-stain wood conditioner which will help even out the stain and prevent blotchiness. I think your cat stains will dissappear

Sanding will take care of it but since this was liquid damage, it has seeped into the wood deeper and you will need to do more sanding.

After you have gotten all the stains out, I would clean with denatured alcohol. It should not change the appearance of the wood but will clean it and dry quickly. Then you will be ready to do whatever you want to finish the wood.

Yes I would try just to wash it with a bleach cleaner no special cleaner needed use Clorox cleanup and maybe a scrubby plastic when done rinse and dry it with a towel then let it totaly dry at least 24 hours

Here are some ideas: https://www.wikihow.life/Get-Stains-out-of-Wood

Louise,

I had cats for many years and they get places we don't like or expect them to get lol

Here is a good idea for cleaning your beautiful table.

http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-remove-stains-from-unfinished-wood/

Louise: you may need a small power sander (like from WalMart)

Hi Louise, sorry you have stains on your table. Hope this video helps you. Showing results for how to remove stains from unfinished oak table

Search instead for how to remove staine from unfinished oak table

Featured snippet from the web

Suggested clip · 110 seconds

www.youtube.com › watch

Some common household products like baking soda or petroleum jelly might help. Check out these tips.

You should sand thoroughly. Start with a low grit such as 80 to see if this removes the stains. If not, go lower to 60 then 40. Once the stains go away, sand up to 220 grit and stain/seal as you see fit.

Hope this Helps! Jeremy - https://pahjodesigns.com

Wood really needs to have a finish. Anything you apply will leave a ring. Sand out the best you can then apply whatever "hard" finish you like, not just tounge oil. Do not apply petroleum jelly to raw wood. It will prevent all other finishes to stick and will stain.

Get ahold of a random orbit sander. Borrow one from a family member or friend, or purchase one. With this type of sander you can sand in any direction...you don’t have to sand in the direction of the grain. Another advantage is it’s nearly impossible to mess it up unless you hold the sander in one spot for a long time. These sanders can remove a lot of material quickly. Don’t push down too hard though, let the sander do the work. Definitely do not use a belt sander. Unless you have considerable experience there’s a high probability you will irreparably damage the top. Start sanding with an aggressive sandpaper...I would recommend 60-grit. Keep the sander moving and change the sandpaper frequently. Once the stains are gone sand with progressively finer sandpaper down to a 220-grit.

This is how I do it on my oak table.

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/repair/furniture/how-to-remove-a-water-stain-from-your-wood-furniture-in-5-minutes-39242413