Within my own kitchen there are several hideous black marks on the wooden worktops that I thought were such a good idea when we initially designed and installed them. These eyesores are artfully concealed beneath appliances – some the same ones that caused them to appear in the first place as it happens, namely the coffee machine.
Over the years, day-to-day use has really taken its toll on our kitchen worktops and while some of the wear and tear – scratches and the odd dent – somehow add to the rustic charm of the space, the black marks most definitely do not.
We plan on extending and remodeling our house in the not-to-distant future but, in the meantime, I am keen to give our kitchen a refresh without spending a fortune on new fittings that may not fit in with our updates later down the line. I reached out to the experts to find out the best way to tackle these ugly stains – here are their top five tips and the results I had when trying them out.
1. Start with a gentle approach
If you are only dealing with a light black stain that isn't ruining your overall kitchen design and you get to it before it has a chance to set in, you might find a softly softly approach will be enough to get rid of it.
"For light to moderate black staining, always try non-abrasive cleaning first," advises Fantastic Service's house cleaning expert and supervisor Petya Holevich. "A mild solution of warm water and a few drops of washing-up liquid can remove surface grime and grease, which sometimes makes the marks appear darker than they really are."
My results: I have to say, given that the black stains on my worktops have been there for some time and are definitely not what you would call 'light', I had little hope that this one would work for me – and, sadly, it didn't. The surfaces all got a good clean though.
Petya Holevich is an experienced house cleaning and laundry expert with over five years of dedicated time at Fantastic Services. Her journey with the company not only contributed to the maintenance and organisation of immaculately clean domestic spaces but has also put her at the forefront of training new teams, honing her leadership and communication skills.
2. Try an oxalic acid wood cleaner
As my stains are out of view as opposed to somewhere central like a kitchen island, I decided it was safe to try something that could pack a bit more of a punch, so I decided to have a go at the experts' next suggested method.
"For lighter marks, an oxalic acid wood cleaner can lift staining when used carefully and neutralised afterwards," advises Nick Smith founder of Smithers.
Petra Holevich agrees. "If the marks remain after trying a mild cleaning solution, the most effective stain remover is oxalic acid, particularly if the black marks are caused by water or metal reactions with the wood," says Petra – and mine were. "It’s often sold as 'tannin remover'. When it’s used according to the instructions, it lifts black stains without damaging the timber. After application, the surface should be thoroughly neutralised (cleansed of any residue or product), rinsed, allowed to dry fully and then re-oiled."
My results: To begin with I followed the instructions and sprinkled a little of the powder onto a damp cloth, before scrubbing away at the stain – nothing. Next, I tried the suggested method on the back of the bottle of mixing more of the powder with water to form a paste, leaving it for one minute, then removing some of it. Not much had happened so I left it on while I took the dog for a walk then gave it another scrub. I have to say, while it might not have eliminated the stain, it definitely lightened it and made it look a lot less noticeable than before.
This multitasking product not only works really well to fade ground-in black marks (and can totally remove new ones) but will also polish up all kinds of metals and even ceramics – your whole kitchen will be gleaming.
Nick Smith is an interior designer and furniture designer specialising in vintage and antique-style pieces. He is also founder of London-based design studio Smithers, known for bespoke furniture and interiors with strong character.
3. Make a DIY bicarbonate mix
Bicarbonate of soda tends to be something of a wonder product for all kinds of cleaning tasks around the house, including for cleaning an induction hob, but how about when it comes to removing black worktop stains?
"If you want a natural or gentler option, a paste made from bicarbonate of soda and water can sometimes lighten shallow marks if it’s gently worked along the grain with a soft cloth," says Petra Holevich. "This method won’t remove deep stains, but it’s safe and worth trying before stronger products. People sometimes suggest vinegar and lemon juice, but I generally avoid them on worktops because the acidity can dull the finish and cause uneven light patches."
My results: To test this one I found a lighter black stain. It possibly lightened a little, largely due to the abrasive qualities of the paste I'd made. However, I do think it could work well on new or very superficial black marks.
4. Try a wood bleach
Anything containing bleach always scares me a bit and had the stain been in a central position within my kitchen layout I might have been a bit too wary to try this one out. However, I need not have worried.
Using a regular paint brush, I applied the wood bleach onto the ring, working it in a little with the bristles, as instructed, and waited – around 10 minutes.
My results: While the marks faded after the first application, they were still visible so, I brushed on more and let it dry. When I came back this time, the rings had all but disappeared.
Given that I was already kitted out with sandpaper and wood oil, I decided to give the area a light sanding, then added a final application of the bleach – this time, the marks vanished completely.
This wood bleacher is specifically designed to get rid of dark or black marks caused by anything from rust and damp to ink and ring marks from glasses.
5. Lightly sand then oil the stain
In some cases, no amount of scrubbing will remove a black stain from wooden worktops, in which case, you are going to have to try sanding them back.
"If the mark has sunk in, light sanding and re-oiling or refinishing is the most reliable fix," explains Nick Smith.
"Light sanding with a fine-grit paper, following the grain, can remove the stained layer without significantly thinning the worktop," picks up Petra Holevich. "Once the marks are gone, the surface should be cleaned of dust and finished with a suitable worktop oil. These products protect the wood, enhance the grain and reduce the risk of future staining.
"I’d only recommend aggressive sanding as a last resort," adds Petra. "You should be aware that repeated sanding can shorten the life of the worktop over time."
My results: Given that the black marks on my worktop, particularly those under the coffee machine, couldn't possibly be making my kitchen ideas look any worse, I wasn't too worried about giving sanding a try here – plus I already own worktop oil as we treat ours around two to three times a year.
While the sanding made a real difference to some of the lighter marks, those under where the coffee machine has been sitting just wouldn't budge. Seems like these will have to stay hidden for the time being.
Shop worktop refinishing kit
This pack of eight sheets of sandpaper contains a range of grits, from extra fine through to coarse, so you can work your way up if needed. They can be used for both hand and machine sanding too.
Offering fantastic value for money, this three-pack of lint-free cloths, each measuring a very generous 30cm x 30cxm, won't leave loose threads of fibres caught in the grain of your timber worktop as you oil it.
I have used this oil I use to treat my wooden worktops – it is food safe, easy to apply and low sheen, leaving them, if not looking like new, so much better than before and protecting them from future damage.
The verdict
After trying all five methods, I was really impressed by how well the oxalic acid wood cleaner worked to fade out the black ring marks, so I will be trying this one on the darker stain under my coffee machine too. In fact, I do think that with a couple more tries, I could possibly have eliminated the rings altogether using this method.
It was the wood bleach though that had the most impact – combined with the final light sanding, the rings I thought I was stuck with for good are now a distant memory.
If, like me, your stains are pretty bad and have been there for some time, trying a combination of all three, like I did, could be the best solution.
FAQs
What causes black marks on wooden worktops?
There are several reasons why you might find your wooden worktop ruined by unsightly black stains.
"Black marks on timber worktops usually come from moisture, tannins reacting with metal (iron from pans, cans, wet cast iron and so on), or residues from the wrong cleaning products," explains Nick Smith. "Tannin rich woods can show this faster, especially in colder months when condensation and damp cloths linger."
"Black marks on timber worktops are almost always linked to moisture and how the wood reacts to it," picks up Petra Holevich. "Timber is a natural, porous material and when water is allowed to sit on the surface, it can soak in, especially if the protective oil layer has become thin. This is why black marks often appear around kitchen sinks, taps, draining boards or in spots where metal tins, pans or cutlery have been left on a damp surface.
"Another common cause is poor or irregular maintenance," continues Petra. "Timber worktops rely on a protective oil finish to repel moisture. When this oil dries out or isn’t reapplied often enough, water can penetrate more easily, increasing the likelihood of staining. Cleaning products can also contribute. Harsh or acidic cleaners strip the oils from the surface and leave the wood more vulnerable."
How do you prevent black stains on wooden worktops?
As with most things in life, prevention is better than cure when it comes to black marks.
"Prevention is simple," reassures Nick Smith. "Keep the surface well sealed (use a food safe oil or hard wax oil), wipe spills up quickly, avoid leaving wet items on the wood, and use boards and heat mats."
"Regular oiling is the most important step," adds Petra Holevich. "You should apply a good-quality worktop oil every few months or more often around sinks and well-used areas, to maintain a water-resistant barrier.
"Any spills or water should be wiped up immediately instead of left to air-dry and wet cloths or sponges should never be left sitting on the worktop," continues Petra. "Metal items should be placed on trivets or mats, especially if they are wet or warm. It’s also important to use the right cleaning methods. Mild dishwashing liquid and warm water are usually sufficient for daily cleaning, followed by drying the surface with a clean cloth – avoid abrasive pads and strong chemical cleaners. Finally, provide good kitchen ventilation to help reduce any lingering moisture in the air, which in turn lowers the risk of both staining and mould."
While my worktop looks much better now that some of the black marks have been dealt with, I am still keen to replace them with something different when we carry out our kitchen remodel – if you are thinking of doing the same, take a look at our guide on the cost of replacing kitchen worktops first so you know how much to budget.
