What can I use to remove a black, unknown stain from unfinished wood?

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I recently bought a dining set of unfinished, softish wood- it might be pine, I’m not completely sure. One chair has a faded black stain on the seat. I’m not sure what made the stain, but is there any way to try to lighten the stain without damaging the wood? My Mom suggested bleach, but I’m worried it’ll harm the wood. I’d eventually like to stain the chairs, but I don’t want to seal in the stain.
This website is a godsend! I will try Dawn, then sanding, then the bleach. Thank you!

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  1. ranger_co_1_75 says:

    Repaired lots of old furniture and household trim.

    Black stains can be removed by spraying the stain with un diluted Bleach. Let Dry. Sand smooth, then re stain the wood to match the surrounding area.

    If it is soft wood like pine or hemlock, anything liquid will raise the grain, just sand it smooth again.

  2. amo45 says:

    did you consider asking the store where you bought it ,i would think they"ll give you the best advise(i do know that bleach will raise the grain-so i wouldn’t try it!)

  3. Bobs MonOncle says:

    Not knowing what the stain is means you are just going to have to try some things until something works.

    First try wiping with mineral spirits. If that doesn’t work, Dawn and water.

    If that doesn’t work try a light sanding.

    Some woods have a chemical reaction between the tannins in them and iron. This is exacerbated by water. It makes a black stain that you can only remove by removing the material or bleaching with oxalic acid solution.

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