How to Get Steam Marks Off a Table

The steam from a hot pot or plate placed on your wooden table may leave white marks on the surface of the wood. The steam marks can ruin the look of your furniture, and require special treatment to remove. Take your time when you are trying to remove the marks. Rushing through the job or performing the job with a heavy hand can cause even more damage, requiring costly and time-consuming repairs. If the first of the methods below doesn't work, move on to the second. If neither treatment removes the white stains, you may be forced to refinish the table. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Oil Mixture

1

Mix equal parts boiled linseed oil, gum turpentine and white vinegar.

2

Apply a liberal amount of the mixture to a clean rag.

3

Gently rub the rag against the steam marks in the direction of the wood grain until the white stain is gone.

Iron and Cloth

4

Plug in your iron to reach a medium heat.

5

Place a clean, white, lint-free cloth directly over the steam marks on the table. An old T-shirt works well.

6

Slowly and gently iron over the white cloth. Check often to be sure the T-shirt is not sticking to the wood. Do not rush. Keep the iron moving slowly over the cloth.

7

Remove the cloth when the stain is gone.

8

Apply lemon oil to another rag, and buff the entire surface of the table to restore its shine.