Steam a Dent Out of Wood With an Iron

A dropped can or a moved chair leaves a dent in wood furniture and floors. If the fibers are crushed but not cut, steam can swell them right back to the surface.

How to do it

1. Put a few drops of water directly in the dent and let it soak in for a minute.
2. Lay a damp cloth over the spot.
3. Press a hot clothes iron onto the cloth for 20 to 30 seconds at a time.
4. Check the dent and repeat. Most shallow dents rise after two or three rounds.

Works on unfinished and lightly finished wood. On a thick factory finish the steam can't reach the fibers, so test gently in a hidden place first.