Teak wood makes a great material for outdoor use. It is a hardwood that is strong, durable, and resilient to various weather conditions. Teak has a warm and rich color that makes the home look inviting and relaxing.
Teak is also water-resistant but it does not mean that it is not susceptible to watermarks. We sometimes forget to use coasters for cold glasses which can result in a teak, or any wood table, to have watermarks.
There are several ways to remove watermarks off a teak table using things that are already in your house. Using mayonnaise, toothpaste, and even a hair dryer can be an effective way in removing water stains on your teak table.
Aside from these methods, we will discuss other ways how to get water marks off a teak table. If you are ready to restore your teak table to its former beauty, read on!
Why Is It Important To Get Water Marks Off A Teak Table
Teak wood is one of the popular choices when it comes to furniture. It is a strong and durable wood that can withstand various weather conditions. Teak wood is typically used for outdoor furniture as it can last long without rotting or warping.
With that being said, teak furniture is still susceptible to water damage. If left untreated, the wood will start to rot, warp, and crack. Leaving water stains on teak wood tables will make the water trapped beneath the surface of the wood.
Light water stains on a teak wood table mean that the water has not yet penetrated the wood’s surface while a dark water stain already has.
Water rings are mostly caused by placing cold glasses or hot dishes on the table’s surface. The easiest way to prevent watermarks from staining your table is by using a coaster for the glasses or a trivet for hot dishes. Wiping the water off as soon as possible will also prevent watermarks on your table.
How To Get Water Marks Off A Teak Table
Before you remove any water stains on your teak table, check whether the stain is light or dark in color. You don’t have to replace your teak table the moment you see any water stain on it. Most of the time, the water stains can be removed and the wood can be restored back to its golden honey color.
Here are some of the things you can use to remove water stains off a teak table.
Mayonnaise
You probably wonder how mayonnaise can remove water stains. Mayonnaise has oils that can displace the moisture on the watermark which can remove the stain.
To remove water rings using mayonnaise, you will need a moderate amount of mayonnaise and a paper towel.
1. Start by putting a moderate amount of mayonnaise on a paper towel and dab it on the wooden surface where the water stains are.
2. Place the paper towel on top of the stain and leave it there for a couple of hours or overnight.
3. After a couple of hours (or overnight), remove the paper towel and use a clean dry cloth to wipe off the mayonnaise on the table’s surface.
4. You can finish it off by polishing your teak table.
White Toothpaste
Another effective way to remove water rings off a teak table is by using white toothpaste.
1. Put a generous amount of toothpaste on a clean cloth or paper towel.
2. Rub the toothpaste onto the water stains. Make sure to not scrub too hard. Gently rub the toothpaste onto the stain using a circular motion and make sure to not rub the toothpaste where there are no watermarks. This can strip away the shiny surface of the teak table.
3. If there are any dark-colored water rings on the teak table, put equal amounts of toothpaste and baking soda onto a damp cloth. Rub the mixture over the dark stains using a gentle circular motion.
4. Wipe the toothpaste residue off with a clean lint-free cloth or paper towel to finish.
Vinegar or Lemon With Salt
Mixing vinegar or lemon juice with salt is an effective way to create a thick paste to remove water stains.
1. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water and add a teaspoon of salt to the mixture to create a thick paste. You can also substitute the juice of a whole lemon for the vinegar. A teaspoon of baking soda is also a good substitute for the salt.
2. Rub the paste mixture onto the light-colored water stains then wipe the residue off with a clean damp rag.
3. You can polish your teak table to finish it off.
Hair Dryer Or Iron
Using a hair dryer or iron works best when the watermarks are still damp. The heat from the hair dryer or iron will evaporate the moisture on the wood’s surface.
If you are going to use a hair dryer:
1. Plug the hair dryer and put it in the lowest setting.
2. Move the hair dryer over the water stains. Make sure to not focus the hair dryer directly in one place as it can overheat the surface.
3. When there are no more watermarks, switch off the hair dryer and unplug it.
If you are going to use an iron:
1. plug the iron and set it at the lowest temperature. Let the iron warm up.
2. Lay a clean cotton cloth over the watermark and set the iron on top of the cloth for a few seconds then lift the iron up.
3. Check for any remaining water marks under the cloth. If water stains are still there, repeat the process until the water stain is gone.
Commercial Wood Cleaners
If none of the DIY methods above work, or if you have a particularly stubborn watermark on your teak table, you can use commercial wood-specific products. Apply wood polish or wax on the wood’s surface and leave it on for about 6 to 8 hours. After a couple of hours, wipe the polish off with a clean rag.
If you are going to use commercial products, make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure to also do a test spot to make sure the product will work on the stain.
Refinish Your Teak Table
If you are up to the task, you can refinish your teak table to remove any dark water stains.
1. Start by cleaning your teak table and make sure it is dry.
2. Sand the table’s surface by using 60-grit sanding paper. Finish sanding the table by using 120-grit sanding paper. Make sure to avoid using steel wool on your teak dining room table (or any teak furniture) as it can damage the surface and scratch the furniture polish.
3. Wipe off any excess sawdust with a clean lint-free cloth and coat the table evenly with a thin layer of teak oil using a natural bristle brush.
4. Let the oil sit for about 15 minutes then wipe any excess oil with a clean lint-free cloth. If you don’t wipe any excess oil off, you will have a sticky residue on your table’s surface.
5. Leave the teak table undisturbed for at least 24 hours before using it.
6. If you are going to apply multiple coatings of teak oil, make sure to leave a 24-hour interval between applications. This will allow the coating to harden.
Have It Done By A Professional
If you are having trouble removing dark-colored watermarks or you do not want to refinish the table by yourself, it is best to have it done by a professional to avoid damaging your wood furniture.
Final Thoughts
There are many ways you can do to remove water stains on your teak table and you can use materials that can easily be found in your home. Whether you DIY it or have it professionally done, make sure to remove water stains as soon as possible. This will prevent the water from penetrating the wood’s surface. If you want to nourish the entire surface of your teak table, you can use lemon oil wood polish after removing the stains
Dark-colored stains are harder to remove but, your teak table can still be restored to its former beauty. Feel free to ask us questions via the contact form on our website and we’ll get back to you!
