Basically, it's moisture. Whether you have water rings or heat marks, those white stains are the result of moisture penetrating a wood's protective finish. This happens with both cold and hot items, but the process of dealing with them are the same.
Use of Vinegar to Remove White Spots from Wooden Surface
Mix in equal proportion some olive oil and vinegar and apply it with a soft cloth while moving with the wood grain to clear the white rings left by the wet glasses on the wood surface.
There are many types of mold, but the one most likely to show up on wood is called “white-rot fungus.” It's relatively easy to identify, as it looks very much like a white powdery growth. It also smells musty. If you can clean it off your wood easily with soap and water, then the mold growth is not white rot.
Basically, it's moisture. Whether you have water rings or heat marks, those white stains are the result of moisture penetrating a wood's protective finish. This happens with both cold and hot items, but the process of dealing with them are the same.
Basically, what happens is this: When a hot object is placed on the surface of the wood, its pores expand (yes, even if it's sealed!), allowing the moisture created by heat and steam to steep into the surface and settle in the wood, leaving behind discoloration and white heat marks.
Are those white markings in my oak furniture normal? Yes, they are! These mysterious marks are called “Medullary rays”. They are completely natural and add a rich character and beauty to your oak piece.
Most heat stains on wood aren't permanent. There are a few popular ways to remove heat marks (aka heat stains). Check out this video to see how easy it is to use an iron on a heat stain. You CAN Fix White Heat Mark on Wood Tables with your Iron!
Watermarks -- or water stains -- are often caused by cold glasses, spills, or hot dishes places directly on the wood. Luckily, though, they aren't always permanent. This guide will guide you through the process of removing these stains. But first, remember: even a quick touch-up can damage an heirloom.
Lemon or vinegar
The simplest way to remove a water stain is by rubbing it with lemon water or vinegar. Mix equal parts vinegar and water; or squeeze one lemon into a cup of water. Then, lightly scrub the solution over the stain, moving in the direction of the wood grain.
The most common method for getting water stains out of quality wooden furniture is by using baking soda. This is most effective with stains that have just occurred, so old water rings may not budge, but a new one will disappear.
Heat stains often have a white appearance like shown below. These stains can cause your wood surface to look worn and unfinished. If you let the hot item sit on the surface for too long, it might even start to turn black and give a charred appearance.
Mayonnaise. Yes, you read that right. Mayonnaise is a tested method for removing heat stains from wood furniture. Mayonnaise is packed with dense, natural oils that penetrate the pores of wood to free the moisture trapped inside.
hazy white stains are caused by moisture trapped between the finish on your table, and the wood itself. They are caused by water or condensation sitting directly on the wood.
Removing stains from wood with toothpaste and baking soda
Apply a little toothpaste to a damp cloth and rub the stain gently. Most toothpastes contain a mild abrasive that can help to remove the stain. If toothpaste alone didn't work, then you can step things up a little by adding some baking soda to the toothpaste.
How does vinegar darken wood? Vinegar causes steel wool to oxidize, or basically rust. That rust “dyes” the vinegar. Then, that vinegar reacts with the color of the wood that you apply it to, giving it a new, deeper color.
Remove White Heat Stains with Petroleum Jelly
Use a soft cloth or paper towel to apply vaseline directly on the heat stain. Rub the vaseline in, and let it sit overnight to work on the stain. The next morning, wipe the vaseline off, and use a microfiber cloth to buff out the surface.
A protective table cover can do a great job of preventing food stains. Table protectors can be used for any furniture at home which you want to prevent from scratches, scraping and staining. This heat protective table covers can be used on coffee tables, drawers, tv tables, bedside tables, and others.
There are many different options available on the market when it comes to wood stain, from oil-based and gel to water-based and varnish wood stains. There's no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing a wood stain, it all depends on the desired finish look and the level of protection you require.
Wood stains, which can be oil- or water-based, contain dyes or pigments that soak into the wood to accent the grain. Clear wood finishes—varnishes, shellacs, lacquers, natural oils and water-based finishes—protect wood from moisture or sunlight.
Unlike the Ziehl–Neelsen stain (Z-N stain), the Kinyoun method of staining does not require heating. In the Ziehl–Neelsen stain, heat acts as a physical mordant while phenol (carbol of carbol fuchsin) acts as the chemical mordant.
If the stain remains, treat again with 100 percent hydrogen peroxide for 10 minutes, and allow the wood to dry completely. If the stain is still present, try the chlorine bleach method. For chlorine bleach, start with a solution of 4 parts water to 1 part bleach. Follow the same instructions for hydrogen peroxide.
White Vinegar
Even though vinegar is a natural, safe cleaner and disinfectant, the acidic formula is also tough on stains and safe for wood. Soak some paper towels in white vinegar and layer them over the stain. Let the soaked towels sit for about 30 minutes to penetrate the stain.