Oak veneer table top

[Fivefootoffun]

Hoping someone can help me with this - we recently got a new kitchen table. We’ve 2 very young children so just went for a cheapie table to see us through the next few years.
However, it’s already covered in water marks and grub. Tried an E cloth but stains still there.

Anyone any ideas? Read either oil or vinegar but wanted to check here first as don’t want anything that might lift the wood.

Thanks in advance and sorry for such a riveting post!!

Bump

If it was solid oak I would suggest sanding but the risk is that the veneer isn't very thick. My suggestion would be to lightly sand the whole surface and refinish with a polyurethane varnish. Then the stains become 'character'.

@GnomeDePlume - thanks a lot for this, much appreciated.

You know, if you decide to replace your table it is worth looking at your local auction house (when they open again). Dining tables come up a lot. The last one we bought cost £15, was solid oak and came with 4 chairs.

They are generally covered in a thick treacle varnish but that sands off to reveal beautiful old oak which you can then oil or varnish.

I’d try lightly sanding and using a hard wax oil

@FoolsAssassin - thanks a lot. Was hoping there would be some miracle solution that could be applied but looks like sanding it is! Thanks a lot, much appreciated.

Danish oil does give a nice finish and is easy to apply once wood is sanded

I didn’t get on with Danish oil at all on my wood worktop but am probably a bit rubbish applying it. I lightly sanded it and did 2 coats of hard wax oil and things improved massively. The liquids sit on top rather than soak in as they did before.

Once youve sanded and treated, there are quite a few pvc table top protectors available on amazon etc. Its just clear PVC you put on the table to protect it but isnt as obvious as a tablecloth. Easy to take off for dinner parties etc (remember those?!)

@fassnk - oh great, thanks, will definitely check those out.

We've used a product called Bald's Original Furniture Balm (get it from Lakeland). It worked wonders on watermarks, you can barely see them afterwards. Comes in 2 different types for light or dark wood. Might be worth a go?

@RomanMum - that sounds exactly like what I hoped would be out there. Will 100% try that - thanks so much.