How to Remove White Smudges from Cherry Wood

White marks on wood furniture are left by moisture penetrating the protective finish. There are a couple of tricks you can try to remove the white marks, but if these don’t work your only option may be to refinish the wood.

• Creamy peanut butter
• Soft cloth
• Wood polish

1. Apply creamy peanut butter directly to the stain. You want a thin layer over the entire white area.
2. Use the cloth to rub it into the wood like a polish. You may have to rub gently for a while, but eventually, the natural, mild abrasive in the peanut butter should allow the oil to work into the finish to replace the moisture and remove the white discoloration.
3. When you finish, wipe the surface clean.
4. Follow with a wood polish.

• If your cherry wood has a varnished finish, another option is to lay a damp towel over the white marks and iron with high heat. Do not use this method if you have a shellac finish, as it’s liable to make the stain worse. Polish the surface when you’re finished.
• You can use plain white toothpaste instead of peanut butter if you prefer. Follow the same procedure as described above.
• If this doesn’t work, you may have to refinish the furniture. Consult a professional for advice.