Apply mayonnaise, petroleum jelly, or oil to displace trapped moisture

Spread a generous dab of mayonnaise, petroleum jelly, or olive oil directly onto the white ring and let it sit for at least one hour — overnight for stubborn marks. Wipe clean with a soft cloth, rubbing gently with the grain, then buff or polish as usual.

Why It Works

The oils and fats in these common household products slowly penetrate the wood finish and displace the trapped moisture that causes the white, cloudy appearance. Mayonnaise is particularly effective because its combination of oil and vinegar both displaces water and helps break down the haze. This is the gentlest method since it involves no heat or abrasion.

Tips

• Full-fat mayonnaise works best — low-fat versions contain less oil
• For stubborn marks, cover the mayonnaise with plastic wrap overnight to prevent drying out
• Petroleum jelly works well on polyurethane finishes; oil is better for wax or oil-finished wood
• Wipe thoroughly afterward to avoid a greasy residue
• Follow up with furniture polish to restore the original sheen