Expert: Kirk Ryan - 8/8/2008

Question
My daughter left a wet cloth on our dresser w/out me being aware of it and when I found it and removed it there was a sizable black circle beneath where it laid.  Do you have any idea how to get the stain out?  I have tried may/toothpaste and baking soda.  These things just appeared to take the finish off an not really remove that stain.  I also tried using a hair dryer to no success.  I would love to find out a way to remove this stain w/out having to refinish the top of the dress if poss.  Thank you for your time,  Alicia

Answer
You can try oiling it. You need to find a furniture oil that is made for the specific type of wood the dresser is made out of. The oil sometimes will penetrate the wood, and force any water stain trapped to come to the surface.

Using "triple zero" steel wool in conjunction with the furniture oil usually has good results. If this has no success, I'm afraid you will probably have to refinish.

I tell most people, white rings usually can be oiled out, dark rings usually mean more permanent damage.  :-/   But you can try.

Good luck, hope this helps.