Water stains on wooden furniture can be surprisingly stubborn — but the good news is that you don’t need strong chemicals or expensive products to deal with them. One of the easiest, most eco-friendly solutions might already be sitting in your refrigerator: mayonnaise.

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Why Mayonnaise Works on Wood Stains

Interior experts in the U.K. note that mayonnaise is one of the gentlest and most effective home remedies for lifting water marks from wood. The secret lies in its oil content.

When wood absorbs moisture, it can trap water beneath the finish, creating those cloudy white rings or patches often caused by hot mugs, wet glasses, or spills left too long. The natural oils in mayonnaise seep into the wood’s surface and help displace the trapped moisture, allowing the finish to return to its original appearance.

This makes mayo a surprisingly powerful alternative to commercial cleaners — and far less risky than abrasive or chemical-based methods.

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The Mayonnaise Method (Step-by-Step)

What You’ll Need

• Regular mayonnaise (avoid light or reduced-fat versions)

• Microfiber cloth

• Paper towel or small cloth cover

• Patience — a few hours to overnight

How to Do It

1. Apply the mayonnaise.
   Place a small dab of mayonnaise directly on the water stain and spread it gently with a microfiber cloth. For larger or older stains, you may need to apply a slightly thicker layer.

2. Cover the area.
   Lay a paper towel over the mayo to keep it from drying out and to help it stay in contact with the stain.

3. Let it sit.
   Leave the mayonnaise on the surface for several hours. For more stubborn marks, allow it to rest overnight so the oils have time to penetrate fully.

4. Check your progress.
   Remove the paper towel and wipe off the mayo with a clean cloth. If the stain has faded or disappeared, buff the area gently to restore shine.
   If the mark is still visible, repeat the process — some stains require more than one round.

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If Mayo Doesn’t Work: Alternative Methods

Although mayonnaise often does the job, a few backup solutions can help if the stain is extra persistent.

Toothpaste (Non-Whitening Only)

• Apply a pea-sized amount of non-whitening, non-gel toothpaste to the stain.

• Using a soft cloth, buff the area in light, circular motions.

• Wipe clean with a damp cloth, then dry immediately.

This method provides mild abrasion, which can help lift surface-level moisture marks.

What to Avoid

• Whitening toothpaste: These varieties contain bleaching agents that may lighten or damage your wood finish.

• Aggressive scrubbing: Too much pressure can scratch the wood or strip its protective coating.

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Eco-Friendly and Budget-Friendly

What makes the mayonnaise method so appealing — aside from its surprising effectiveness — is that it’s:

• Completely chemical-free

• Safe for most finished wood surfaces

• Incredibly budget-friendly

• Made with ingredients you likely already have at home

It’s a gentle, sustainable option for anyone trying to avoid unnecessary harsh cleaners.

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Final Thoughts

Water stains don’t have to spell the end of your favorite wooden table, nightstand, or dresser. With just a little mayonnaise and a bit of patience, you can bring your furniture back to life without chemicals, special tools, or expensive treatments.

Sometimes the simplest household items offer the smartest solutions — and in this case, your fridge might just hold the key to saving your wood furniture.