Lighten & Brighten Wood With Total Ease Using One Simple Solution

There's a certain elegance and timelessness about wooden furniture, which is why it tends to be the type of heirloom pieces that are passed down from generation to generation. And while solid wood furniture is certainly durable, sometimes the finish or color can become weathered, darkened, or stained over time. That's no reason to cast these pieces aside — giving them a glow-up is easier than you may think. All it takes is a bit of oxalic acid to dramatically transform the wood's appearance from drab and dated to light and fresh.

Also known as wood bleach, oxalic acid is actually an organic compound that's found in vegetables like spinach or rhubarb. When it's extracted and processed, it becomes a powerful acid that is capable of bleaching stains from wood. It can even completely restore wood to its original color. You can purchase oxalic acid from stores like Ace Hardware ($12.99) or online through Amazon ($15.99), and it generally comes in a crystallized form that needs to be mixed with water. It's easy to work with and can even be used to brighten wood surfaces beyond furniture, such as hardwood floors or decks.

For DIYers looking for an easy way to refurbish wooden furniture or perhaps give wooden furniture a beachy vibe, oxalic acid is a very cost-effective solution. Here's how to use oxalic acid to remove any unsightly stains and dramatically brighten the color of wood.

First things first — since oxalic acid is very strong, you need to take safety precautions while working with it. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area and wear rubber gloves, goggles, and a mask. Also, before you apply oxalic acid to your wood furniture, you must strip off any varnish or sealant so that the acid can penetrate the surface of the wood. You can use an electric sander, a chemical stripping agent, or a combination of both to remove an old finish from wood. 

When you're ready to start bleaching, begin by dissolving the oxalic acid crystals into hot water, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use a paint brush to apply a generous amount of the oxalic acid solution to the wood in long, overlapping strokes, and then allow the solution to dry. It'll re-crystallize as it dries. Sometimes, a second or third coat may be needed to remove any stubborn stains. 

Once it's dry, rinse off the crystals with a mixture of baking soda and water. This will neutralize the acid in the wood, and you'll know it's working when the baking soda bubbles up as it reacts with the acid. Be careful not to breathe in any of the crystals, as they are quite caustic and can be harmful when inhaled. Wipe down the wood and allow it to dry completely. It won't take long to see how much lighter your wood furniture now is!