How to Bleach Wood

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: July 25, 2022 References Tested

Bleaching wood is often a necessary step when staining a dark piece of furniture. Bleaching may also be necessary before refinishing wood that is stained by water spots, or if the color has become blotchy and uneven in certain places. You can either bleach wood with a two-part bleach solution or oxalic acid.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Preparing the Surface

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Wash your wood thoroughly. Never apply bleach to dirty wood. Before bleaching your wood, wipe the wood down with water using a soft rag. Remove any stuck on dirt or debris carefully and then let the wood sit out to dry. Usually, the wood will need to dry for one to two days before it can be bleached.^{[1]
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Wear protective equipment. Bleach can be dangerous if you get it on your skin or in your eyes. Before applying bleach, put on a pair of protective goggles and thick gloves.^{[2]
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- As bleach can stain clothing, it's always a good idea to wear old clothes when working with bleach.
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3
Place the wood in a well-ventilated area. Always work in a well-ventilated area when working with bleach to prevent dizziness or lightheadedness. An open garage or patio is an ideal place to bleach wood. Since the chemicals in bleach are highly corrosive, you do not want any to make contact with your or your household items.^{[3]
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4
Apply varnish or stain remover with a rag or brush. Varnish or stain remover are used to remove any paint or finish from wood. It's important to start off with as clean a slate as possible when bleaching wood. Applications vary depending on the type of varnish or stain remover, so refer to the package directions. They are usually applied with a soft rag, left to sit for a set number of minutes, and then rinsed off with water.
- Varnish removers are either chemical or citrus based. Chemical removers have strong fumes but can work in as little as 30 minutes.^{[4]
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  Research source} Citrus based removers have less odor but work slower and may require multiple attempts.^{[5]
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- You usually have to let your wood dry for a day or two after using a varnish or stain remover.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Bleaching with a Two-Part Chemical System

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Use two-part chemical bleach to lighten wood. If you're just looking to lighten your existing wood, a two-part chemical solution is your best option. It's a less aggressive approach that aims to alter the appearance of wood without making major changes to it.^{[6]
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Mix your bleaches together. Refer to package instructions for precise directions. You usually mix equal parts of the two bleaches in a glass or plastic container. Make sure not to use metal, as bleach can damage metal.^{[7]
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- Make sure to read your package's instructions, as some solutions may be applied one at a time instead of being mixed together.
3
Apply the bleach evenly to the wood. Dip a clean sponge in your solution to saturate it with the bleach mixture. Using slow, steady motions, apply the bleach along the wood in straight lines. Keep applying until the wood is covered in bleach.^{[8]
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- If you're supposed to apply the bleaches one at a time, apply one bleach in this fashion followed by the other. Depending on the type of bleach you're using, you may have to wait a set number of minutes between applying each layer of bleach.
4
Neutralize the bleach with a 50/50 white vinegar and water solution. After applying your bleach, mix a solution of half white vinegar and half water. Get a clean sponge and apply it to the wood in the same way you applied the bleach to neutralize the bleach.^{[9]
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- Some bleach kits include a neutralizer along with the bleach. If this is the case, preparing a homemade solution is not necessary.
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Rinse the wood with water. Use a clean sponge saturated in clean water. Wipe down the wood until the water runs clear, making sure to remove all traces of bleach and vinegar from the wood.^{[10]
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Let the wood dry. Drying times will vary depending on the type of wood and your bleach kit. The instructions on your bleach kit should give you a rough idea of drying times. Do not treat the wood further until it's completely dry to the touch.^{[11]
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Sand the wood. Use sandpaper with a grit between 320 and 400. Once the wood is dry, gently rub the sandpaper along the wood. This will smooth out any rough patches and remove any fuzzy grains.^{[12]
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Neutralize your wood again. After sanding the wood, repeat the neutralizing process. Make a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water and then apply it to the wood. When you're done, rinse it off with water.^{[13]
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Apply your finish. Applying finish is crucial for protecting the surface of wood as well as enhancing its appearance. After your wood has dried completely, you can apply a finish. You can buy a wood finish at a hardware store and apply it according to package directions.
- Wear protective eye wear and gloves when handling finish as well. The chemicals can harm skin and sometimes emit hazardous fumes.^{[14]
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  Research source} For oil-based finishes, use a charcoal respirator to avoid breathing in the chemicals.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Bleaching with Oxalic Acid

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Use oxalic acid for rust stains and weather damage. Oxalic acid should not be used to merely alter the color of wood. It's best used if you have major damage, like rust stains and weather damage, that you want to bleach out.^{[15]
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Mix your oxalic acid. The package directions should give you specific guidelines for mixing your acid. Usually, you dissolve 12 to 16 ounces (355 to 473 mL) of acid in 1 gallon (3.8 L) of hot water.^{[16]
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- Mix oxalic acid in a glass container, instead of using metal or plastic.
3
Wipe the wood with the oxalic acid solution. Use a sponge to apply coats of your acid to the wood. Apply generous amounts of oxalic acid to the wood to ensure it bleaches properly. The number of coats will vary depending on how damp you got your sponge. Apply enough coats that your wood is completely saturated with bleach.^{[17]
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Let the acid dry on the surface. There is no precise drying time when working with oxalic acid. Let the acid sit on the wood while checking the wood periodically. Once it reaches your desired color, you can rinse the acid.^{[18]
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Rinse the acid with clean water. Apply cleaning water using a sponge or rag. Keep applying water until the water runs clear and all of the acid is completely rinsed off.^{[19]
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Neutralize oxalic acid with baking soda. Dissolve 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of baking soda in 1 quart (946 mL) of hot water.^{[20]
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Research source} Pour the mixture of baking soda and water over the wood to neutralize the acid. Repeat two or three times, then rinse off the mixture with clean water. Allow the wood to dry overnight.^{[21]
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Sand the wood. Once your wood has fully dried, sand it. Use sandpaper between 220 and 180 grit. Gently rub down the wood to smooth out any fuzzy, rough patches.^{[22]
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Apply a finish. A quality finish can help enhance your wood's appearance and protect it from future damage. Pick up a finish at a hardware store and apply it according to package directions. Let the finish dry completely before handling your wood.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I remove a green-gray cast from stripped oak?

Community Answer

Your piece could have been treated with a copper based compound meant to prohibit mildew or bugs when it was manufactured. If so, the copper has permeated the wood and given it the greenish patina that you see now. There is no way to remove this.
Question

Can I bleach my hardwood floors with 40% hair bleach?

Community Answer

No, as it will not be effective.
Question

How can I clean the wood?

Community Answer

You can check out this article for some tips on cleaning wood: How to Clean Wood.