Originally Posted by
Rodney
You can try TSP (trisodium phosphate) otherwise known as wood bleach on it. I think it's sold as a deck cleaner. If you use TSP you will most likely have to re-stain the whole piece afterward. Go very light on the sanding. It doesn't take much at all to sand through veneer.
Rodney
Oxalic Acid (another form of wood bleach) will get rid of water rings/stains. DO NOT use vaseline. Wood bleach can be ordered from Woodcraft, Highland Hardware, Constantines, etc. Older veneers ARE thicker than new veneers but you will still sand through them easily so bleach would be the best way to go. Oxalic acid will also remove rust stains and ink stains.