Stains, water spots, and uneven coloring are all problems that can mar an otherwise beautiful piece of wood furniture. Routine cleaning will not usually solve these problems, so spending extra time working on the wood with normal cleaners is not the way to go. Instead, you should investigate the possibility of bleaching the wood to remove stains and even out the color.
As is the case with bleaching clothes, the purpose of bleaching wood is to lighten its color. A stain that is considerably darker than the surrounding wood can often be lightened so that it is no longer visible. If a piece of wood does not have an even coloring because two or more different varnishes were used to finish it, then careful bleaching of the darker colored wood can make it match the wood that is lighter in color.
Not every type of wood responds well to bleaching. Most experts recommend gum, beech, ash, and oak as the best woods to bleach, while warning that bleach is usually all but completely ineffective on cherry and cedar. Before attempting to bleach the wood you should investigate whether it is possible to use bleach with the wood successfully. Online searches or personal discussions with woodworking experts can provide the best guidance here.
If you have determined that your wood furniture is made of a wood that responds well to bleaching, it is time to choose the chemical to use on the wood itself. Everyday laundry bleach should always be the first bleach you try because it is least likely to lighten the wood more than you so desire. But if laundry bleach is not doing the job you want, oxalic acid or special two-part wood bleaches may be necessary. Both are stronger than laundry bleach and will probably have to be applied to the entire piece, not just the stained spot if you want an even color.
Bleaching should always be done in a well-ventilated area, and it is recommended that you wear protective goggles and a face-mask in order to prevent damage to your eyes and inhalation of toxic fumes. Make sure to test the bleach on an inconspicuous place on the furniture piece before applying it to the stained or discolored area so that you can get an idea of what the results will be. After cleaning the piece well, apply the bleach with a brush and then wipe the surface with a damp cloth. Next, wipe the bleached area thoroughly with an ammonia solution if you are using oxalic acid as the bleaching agent or a borax solution if you are using laundry bleach or wood bleach. This will neutralize the bleach and prevent later damage or further lightening. Sand and varnish as necessary after the furniture has been drying for two days.
These simple steps can help you restore your wood furniture or make it match other pieces in your home. Anyone can bleach wood, and the process may be just what you need to improve your furniture.
Allsands Wood Bleaching — one how-to site’s information on wood bleaching
Bleaching Wooden Furniture — guide for bleaching stains and other marks out of wood furniture
Bleaching Stains on Wood Floors — old wood floors can have many stains that can be bleached using this method
Ehow: Bleach Wood Furniture — simple guide for bleaching wood furniture
Kitchen Cabinet Bleaching — wood cabinets can be lightened with this easy-to-follow guide
Lightening the Color of Wood — instructions to help you lighten the color of your wood products
Lightening Wood and Removing Stains — animated directions for bleaching wood products and removing stains from them
Shop Talk: Automobile Wood Bleaching — how to lighten the color of the wood paneling on your automobile
Understanding Wood Bleaches — explains different wood bleaches and how to use them properly
Wood Bleaching Solutions — a craftsman’s tips for bleaching your wood
