How do I get black stains off an oak worktop?

Question

Without sanding and re-oiling, is there any household product that will help remove black stains (from the wood coming into contact with wet metal?) from a solid oak worktop.

Answer 1

Those stains happen when the iron that's in water interacts with the tannic acid in the wood. Sometimes the stain can be removed with a product containing oxalic acid -- that's what wood bleach is, and you can get it at a hardware store.

As for household products, I know of two that contain oxalic acid. There's Zud cleanser, and Whink rust stain remover.

Sanding will also remove black marks on wood, if they're superficial.

Answer 2

i dont know if its a falicy but ive heard if you cut an almond in half and rub it time and time again over the wood the mark will eventually lift

Answer 3

Wood bleach.