As is the case with many stains, heat stains are easiest to remove the quicker they’re addressed.

Since the iron will be much hotter than your dryer, avoid any direct contact with the wood.

Instead, use a clean towel as a barrier.

Heat stains on wood

kerdkanno / Getty Images

Tip

confirm the toothpaste is your averagewhitepaste.

Avoid using any colored toothpaste or gel-based options.

Avoid spreading your mixture over any other surface on the table, as it could damage thefinish.

Heat stain on wood from above view

The Spruce / Sarah Crowley

Leave the paste to sit for about five minutes.

If the stain persists, try this method a couple more times.

Some other oil-based combos, like vinegar and oil or salt and oil, can also do the trick.

Cleaning the surface of the wood before removing the heat stain

The Spruce / Sarah Crowley

Call a local restoration expert for help.

Using a hair dryer on a heat stain

The Spruce / Sarah Crowley

Using an iron on a heat stain on a table

The Spruce / Sarah Crowley

Mixing a baking soda paste to use on a heat stain

The Spruce / Sarah Crowley

Spreading baking soda paste on the heat stain

The Spruce / Sarah Crowley

Wiping away the baking soda paste

The Spruce / Sarah Crowley

Spreading mayonnaise over a heat stain

The Spruce / Sarah Crowley

Wiping away mayonnaise from the heat stained surface

The Spruce / Sarah Crowley