How To Get Gel Cling Stains Out Of Stained Wood

By  Daisy Cuinn

Things Needed

  • Microfiber cloth

  • Melamime dirt eraser sponge

  • Rubbing alcohol

  • Cotton pads

  • White vinegar

  • Baking soda

Tip

If mild abrasives don't remove the stain, the wood will need to be sanded and refinished.

Warning

Test the abrasive paste on a hidden area to make sure it won't discolor the wood or remove a noticeable amount of the stain's pigment.

Gel cling decorations are designed to add a temporary, festive touch to smooth surfaces with no mess left behind. However, one caveat exists: the surface must be non-porous, such as glass or plastic. If you apply them on stained wood, all bets are off — they may peel off easily, but you most likely will have a dye stain left behind that has soaked into the surface of wood stain. Depending on how long the cling was on the wood, you may have either a stain that's simple to remove or a major project on your hands.

Step 1

Wipe the area with a damp microfiber cloth to remove surface residue.

Step 2

Rub the stain with a slightly moistened melamime dirt eraser sponge; you can purchase this type of sponge under brand names such as Magic Eraser, Nano Sponge and Ultimate Sponge. This may be all you need to do if the stain is fresh.

Step 3

Moisten a cotton pad with rubbing alcohol. Wipe the stained area to remove remaining dye; then rub the area with a melamine sponge or damp microfiber cloth.

Step 4

Make a mildly abrasive paste to remove gel dye that has seeped into the top layer of the stained wood. Combine 2 tablespoons of baking soda with a few drops of white vinegar until a thick paste forms. Rub the paste on the stain in a circular motion using the end of a microfiber cloth. When the dye has been lifted, wipe the area clean with a damp microfiber cloth.

References

Recommended