Draw out moisture with a warm iron and cloth

Place a clean, thick cotton cloth (an old T-shirt or dish towel works well) over the water ring and press a warm iron over it for 5-10 seconds at a time. Lift, check progress, and repeat as needed. The gentle heat draws trapped moisture out of the finish.

Why It Works

White water rings form when moisture gets trapped beneath the wood finish. Controlled heat from the iron evaporates that moisture without stripping the finish, provided you keep the temperature low and check frequently.

Tips

• Start on the lowest heat setting with no steam and increase gradually only if needed
• Keep the iron moving -- holding it in one spot risks scorching or softening the finish
• Works best on lacquer and shellac finishes; polyurethane finishes are more heat-resistant and may need longer treatment
• Always test on an inconspicuous area first