Expert: Eileen Cronk - 7/9/2008

Question
Hello,I have a 19th C. dining table which is never used with a table cloth.  The stains were quite decorative but I would like clean it up a little, not to perfection though.  Sanding is out.  The stains include wine, grease and various nutritious substances.  The worst is a dark ring from which has spread this same dark stain.  Could it have been a wet glass as I hear that water reacts with oak to form dark stains, yet it can't be the first water to have touched the table?  It actually looks more like grease or cooking oil.  Perhaps my wife used to wipe up water immediately; but I am less diligent.  I am not a DIYer, so simplicity, please.  Thank you for any help you may be able to give.


Answer
Hi Micheal
Nice to hear from you.
For a Non do it your selfer, the only thing to try is mineral spirits.
Start out just wiping the table top with a rag dipped in the spirits.
If no results, use a fine steel wool pad dipped in the spirits.
Work with the grain not against it.
Then a nice polish.
Next I want you to read this info
http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-remove-stains-and-discoloration-from-wooden...
It details most of your problems.
Hope this helps.
Great question
Regards
Eileen