Oil stains on wood can be a real headache. If left untreated, the stains can seep into the wood and cause long-lasting damage. Fortunately, there are several ways to effectively remove these stains and restore the wood to its original look.
You can remove oil stains from wood using mineral spirits. Apply the spirits to the stained area, wipe away the spirits with detergent, and let the wood dry completely before applying wood polish. Alternatively, you can use an absorbent powder such as baking powder to remove the stain.
Getting rid of oil stains on wood can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. With some elbow grease and a few supplies you likely already have in your kitchen, it’s relatively easy to eliminate oil stains from wooden surfaces and furniture. Let’s get into the details so that you can get started right away.
How to Remove Oil Stains From Wood
Since wood is very porous, it absorbs oil quickly, often leaving an unsightly stain. When an oily substance comes into contact with your wooden table, the grease seeps into the wood quickly and causes discoloration.
To prevent stains, it’s important to remove the oil from within the wood as well as from the surface. There are a couple of ways to pull the oil from the wood and restore the original look. The methods include:
Using Mineral Spirits
When working with mineral spirits (on Amazon), it’s important to take certain safety precautions. This solvent, often used for thinning paint, can be found at most hardware stores. It’s very powerful and can cause skin irritation, so it’s crucial that you work in a room with good ventilation and always wear rubber gloves.
To remove oil stains from wood using mineral spirits:
Step 1: Apply Mineral Spirits to the Stained Area
Dampen a corner of a clean cloth or cotton ball with mineral spirits. Rub it in circular motions over the stained area in small portions, being careful not to make the wood too wet.
If the stain isn’t too severe, the mineral spirits should be able to clear it away. However, if the stain is particularly stubborn, you may have to repeat this process a few more times.
Step 2: Wipe Off the Mineral Spirits With Detergent
Using warm water and detergent solution with a clean cloth, wipe off the mineral spirits and rinse with clean water, then dry the area with a cloth or towel.
Step 3: Let the Wood Dry Completely
Give the wood some time to dry completely. Once dry, you can tell if the mineral spirits have done the job. If the stains are still visible, you may need to repeat the first two steps.
Step 4: Polish the Wood
After the surface has dried and the stain is gone, apply wood polish (on Amazon) to the wood to make it shine again. Use a soft cloth and put a small amount of polish on it. Rub the cloth in a circular pattern to spread the polish evenly across the wood until it’s absorbed.
Using Powder
This method employs an absorbent powder such as baking powder to remove the stain.
First, soak up any excess oil on your wooden table with paper towels. Discard each one once it’s been saturated with oil and replace it with a fresh towel.
Repeat the process to wick up as much oil with the paper towels as possible. Sprinkle baking powder over the oil spot on the table to help absorb any remaining oil residue from the wood.
Ensure the baking powder layer is at least 5 millimeters thick, then let it sit for around 12 hours. Afterward, use a broom or vacuum to collect the powder. Repeat the entire process two more times to get rid of the stain completely.
How to Clean a New Oil Spill on Wood
Cleaning a new oil spill on wood is a simple task that takes a few minutes to complete. Follow these steps to do it properly:
- Mix a good detergent with hot water. Try getting the solution to make a lot of foam before using it on the oil stain.
- Soak a clean cloth or sponge in it, then squeeze it gently to remove the excess water. You just need it to be a bit wet and not drippy.
- Scrub the oil stains in a circular motion and rinse the soapy area afterward with a clean cloth or cloth dampened with clean water.
- Let the area dry well, as the moisture can damage the wood.
Another great trick for cleaning fresh oil spills from wood is using a hair dryer. To do it:
- Place your hair dryer over the affected area and let it heat the section.
- Use kitchen paper to trap and absorb the oil on the wood surface.
- Soak a cotton ball in hydrogen peroxide (on Amazon) and wipe the area off clean.
Staying on top of your cleaning game is the best way to preserve your wooden furniture and floors and prevent unsightly stains from ruining their look.
This is especially important with some older wooden floors and furniture because the wood becomes overly porous as it dries up through the years. Therefore, it’s essential that you clean off oil spills on older wood as soon as you notice them, or if you spot a stain you hadn’t seen before, clean it immediately.
Also, be cautious when attending to wood. Take the time to find the right cleaning supplies to ensure you don’t damage your wooden materials while trying to clean them!