When you think of stain-resistant materials, wood is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. However, even this organic material can be stained by alcohol – as in drinking alcohol. In fact, because it’s such a common household item almost everyone has at least one bottle of it in their house and some people have entire cabinets filled with it. Fortunately, there are many methods for removing these stubborn stains from wooden surfaces. Alcohol stain removal can be a little tricky because of the type of wood and finish used, but with the right products and techniques, you can get rid of them in no time. In this article, we cover everything you need to know about how to remove alcohol stains from wood.
How To Remove Alcohol Stains From Wood?
Bleach
Bleach is a common household cleaning product that can be used to remove alcohol stains from wood. Blend bleach with warm water, using a ratio of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Bleach is very effective at removing the stains caused by alcohol, and the wood surface will be left unharmed. You will need to wipe the surface clean with a clean cloth, followed by a thorough rinse with clean water. Bleach is also a potent deodorizer that will remove the smell of alcohol from the wood. Keep in mind, that if you leave the bleach on wood for too long, it can bleach the wood and cause it to become brittle and discolored.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a mild acid that can be used to remove alcohol stains from wood surfaces. It is recommended you mix a portion of white vinegar (1 part vinegar to 10 parts water) and pour it into a spray bottle. Vinegar is a great cleaning agent and will help lift the alcohol stains from the surface of the wood. Vinegar is also effective at removing the smell of alcohol from surfaces that have been stained by it.
WD-40
WD-40 may sound like a lubricant or a product you would use to clean a garage floor, but it can also be used to clean alcohol stains from wood. WD-40 will break down the resins in alcohol, and the alcohol will evaporate. WD-40 can be applied directly to the surface of the wood and left to sit for a couple of hours. WD-40 is also a safe product to use on wood, so you don’t have to worry about it harming your furniture if left to sit for a few hours. WD-40 can also be sprayed onto a clean cloth and used to wipe the surface.
Orange oil
Orange oil is a fragrant cleaning agent that will break down the resins in alcohol and lift them from the surface of the wood. Orange oil is best used in a blend with other cleaning agents. Mix a portion of vinegar with orange oil and pour the blend into a spray bottle. Use this blend to clean the alcohol off the surface of the wood. Orange oil is a natural anti-microbial agent that will kill any harmful bacteria that are left behind by the alcohol. Keep orange oil away from fabrics and other surfaces. Orange oil has a strong smell that can be overpowering if sprayed directly onto a wood surface.
Salt and baking soda
Salt can be used to break down the resins left behind by alcohol and lift them from the surface of the wood. Baking soda will lift the salts from the wood and help draw the alcohol from the wood. Salt and baking soda can be applied to the surface of the wood with a clean cloth. Allow the salt and baking soda to sit on the surface of the wood for at least 30 minutes. Baking soda is a great product to use on a variety of surfaces in your home, but it can leave behind a white film on wood. Baking soda will also lift the color of the wood if left on the surface for too long.
How Does Alcohol Cause Stains From Wood?
Fast food and alcohol
It’s not just the food that gets stained when you eat quickly. Alcohol stains are common on fabrics like clothing and tablecloths. If you’re eating a burger, fries, or chicken wings while drinking, you’re more likely to get food stains on your clothes. The best way to avoid this is to eat your food before you start drinking. If you accidentally get food on your clothes, try blotting the stain with a paper towel. It’s also important to wash your clothes as soon as possible. The longer a stain sits, the more likely it is to set.
Dye in your hair
If you dye your hair with a chemical-based hair dye, alcohol can cause the dye to transfer onto your skin, fabric, and tablecloth. You can avoid this by wearing gloves when you apply hair dye. Be careful not to get any dye on your clothes or table. Avoid drinking alcohol for at least 2 hours after you apply hair dye. If you get hair dye on your skin, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. Avoid rubbing your eyes, and don’t use your shirt to wipe your hands. Alcohol dissolves hair dye, which can transfer the dye to your skin, clothing, or tablecloth. If you get hair dye on your tablecloth, blot the stain immediately with a cloth or paper towel. Don’t rub the stain because this will push the dye deeper into the cloth.
Alcohol and tanning lotion
If you drink alcohol before or after applying tanning lotion, the alcohol in your system will break down the chemicals in the lotion and cause staining. The staining is caused by a chemical reaction between the alcohol and the synthetic dyes found in tanning lotions. Avoid drinking alcohol for at least 8 hours after applying tanning lotion to avoid staining. If you get tanning lotion on your skin, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. Don’t rub your eyes, and don’t use your shirt to wipe your hands. Alcohol dissolves tanning lotion, which can transfer the lotion to your skin, clothing, or tablecloth. If you get tanning lotion on your tablecloth, blot the stain immediately with a cloth or paper towel. Don’t rub the stain because this will push the lotion deeper into the cloth.
Sweat and body oils
If you drink alcohol while wearing a shirt or jacket, sweat and body oils can react with the alcohol in your system. This can cause stains and odors that are hard to get out. To avoid this, make sure to wash your clothing as soon as possible after drinking and be careful about choosing fabrics that are easy to clean. Certain fabrics like leather, denim, and suede are more likely to retain stains.
Shoe polish, makeup, and perfume
If you drink alcohol and put on perfume or shoe polish, the alcohol in your system may cause the perfume or paint to break down. This can cause staining on fabrics like your tablecloth. To avoid this, make sure to put on your perfume or shoe polish after you have finished drinking. If you get makeup on your skin, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. Avoid rubbing your eyes, and don’t use your shirt to wipe your hands. If you get makeup on your clothing, try to remove it as soon as possible. If you get makeup on your tablecloth, blot the stain immediately with a cloth or paper towel. Don’t rub the stain because this will push the makeup deeper into the cloth.
Tips For Removing Alcohol Stains From Wood
- Before you start cleaning, make sure to protect your hands and eyes. If you’re cleaning a surface that is particularly valuable, it may be a good idea to wear gloves to protect your hands from the alcohol residue.
- Wipe the surface down with a slightly damp rag that has a mixture of warm water and mild soap. This will help break up the residue and dissolve it so that it can be wiped away with the rag.
- Once the alcohol residue has been dissolved, you can use a clean cloth that has been dampened with rubbing alcohol to wipe away the residue.
- Use a wood stain remover or alcohol solvent if the stain is particularly stubborn.
Summary
Drinking alcohol can cause stains on wood because of the chemicals in everyday personal care products like dye in hair dye and tanning lotion. To avoid these stains, make sure to wear gloves when applying hair dye and avoid drinking alcohol for at least 2 hours after applying hair dye. Avoid wearing clothing that isn’t easy to clean and putting on perfume or shoe polish after you finish drinking.
