How can I remove water spots on a wood surface?

Hey Kitty...
couple of questions first...
What color is the wood?
How long has the water stain been there?

Lydia, it's birds eye maple and the spots appear everyday, the cats play in the water dish or the tub then jump on tables I try to get them off a.s.a.p.....but sometimes I am not there to do so and they are very hard to rid of. Thanks!

Hmmm...that a tough one Kitty...anything you use will, over time, make some kind of a mark or alter the color of the wood. Given that this isn't a one-shot deal, I'm a little at a loss as to what to suggest.

First, I think that I would make sure it is well polished at all times - this way, the water will bead and you'll be able to wipe it away even if it's been there for a little while. For drops of water that are left and do leave a mark, try a little baking soda mixed with some toothpaste (white toothpaste - not blue stuff and not gell) - - just basic toothpaste. The other thing you can try (I'd try it on the underside of the table first - is some shoe polish that would most closely match the color of the table...because it's maple and it's a little lighter, this might not work with a straight brown...so a test is definitely in order...

I still think the best option is to keep it wax'd - use any kind of a clear wax polish and this should help. Of course, wax builds up over time and you might not like this either...it's a catch 22 I think.

Thanks Lydia, it does seem to be a catch 22 because when I keep it very well polished it gets a film Oh well, that's part of having animals, love the kitties more than the tables!!

Water spots on wood are usually trapped moisture beneath the varnish, poly, what ever was used as the finish.

http://tips.tipking.com/cleaning/tip_390.shtml gives some good tips.

Once you get it cleaned up, you should seriously consider covering the surface to protect it from further kitty attacks.

Cheers

Davis