How to Remove Water Stains from Upholstery

Simple Tips for Removing Water Stains from Upholstery

If you’ve noticed water stains on your favourite sofa or chair, we know how frustrating it can be. These unsightly stains can quickly become an eyesore, leaving your upholstery worn and tired.

Thankfully, knowing some key DIY stain removal techniques can help you remove water stains and leave your furniture looking as good as new. In this latest blog, we thought we would take a closer look at some handy tips to help you not only remove the stains but protect your upholstery, too.

What Are Water Stains?

Before we explore how to remove them, let’s first shine a light on just what these marks are. They are the stains left behind on fabric after spilling liquid on it. As the water dries unevenly or mixes with dirt already present in the upholstery, it leaves a visible ring or patch.

There are a lot of factors that can result in water stains on your upholstery, but some of the most common include:

• Spills from drinks.
• Using too much water when cleaning or not properly blotting a stain.
• Exposure to rain or humidity, particularly on outdoor furniture.
• Leaks from ceilings or windows.

While water stains can impact all types of upholstery, certain fabrics are more prone to showing them. Microfibre is a popular soft fabric for furniture, but it does tend to show watermarks more frequently as the fibres absorb moisture unevenly. Natural fibres like cotton can also stain easily as they hold onto dirt and water, while linen and velvet are highly absorbent and can be easily marked if not dried and treated promptly.

Read also: How to choose the right sofa?

The Best DIY Water Stain Removal Techniques

Even with the best care and attention, accidents can still happen. Knowing how to tackle water stains as they arise will help you keep your furniture looking great.

Dab with a paper towel

If you’ve only spilt a small amount of water on your upholstery, the first step is to gently dab the area with some paper towels. Be sure not to rub the towel, as this will cause the water to penetrate deeper and create a wider surface area.

If you acted quickly enough, you will have minimised the risk of water stains appearing, and you will not have to worry about further treatment.

Water and white vinegar solution

If water stains are still present, then a simple mixture of water and wide vinegar can be the perfect choice. This popular solution is a go-to option for a wide variety of DIY stain removal tasks and should be an essential addition to any home.

To begin, mix equal water and white vinegar in equal parts in a bowl. Then, take a clean white cloth and dip it into the solution before gently blotting the water stain. To do this, start from the outside and work your way inwards. Be careful not to soak the fabric, and afterwards, take another dry cloth and blot the area to remove excess moisture. Do not dry the region using heat, as this could lead to additional stains, so let the upholstery dry naturally.

Rubbing alcohol and water

For tougher stains, a solution of rubbing alcohol and water can be an effective tool. Rubbing alcohol also dries faster, so it reduces the risk of additional staining. You should use this solution in a very similar way to the previous method, mixing both in equal parts in a bowl and then gently dab the area before blotting and leaving the area to air dry.

This method is particularly useful on upholstery that features microfibre or other synthetic fabrics. However, you should always test on a hidden area first just to double-check that the fabric does not react negatively to the alcohol.

Dish soap and water

Another simple yet highly effective DIY stain removal solution is dish soap and water. This method is particularly useful on stains that have dirt or oil mixed in with the water. To begin with, mix a small amount of dish soap with lukewarm water; this doesn’t need to be much, just enough to create a few bubbles.

With a clean cloth, gently dab the solution into the water stain. Once you have treated the water stains, dampen a second cloth with plain water and repeat the process to remove any soapy residue before blotting dry and air drying completely.

Upholstery cleaner

Finally, if DIY stain removal is still not working, then you can try a store-bought upholstery cleaner. These products are formulated to deal with the toughest of stains and are safe for use across most fabrics.

When using any of these products, be sure to carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully first. You should also test it on an inconspicuous area of the furniture to double check it will not cause any damage or discolouration.

You may also like: How to clean leather sofa

Top Tips For Preventing Water Stains

While these solutions are very effective at removing water stains, the best way to protect your upholstery is to prevent them from occurring in the first place! A few mindful practices and some preventative measures will help you keep your furniture looking fresh and avoid any unsightly watermarks.

1. Blot spills immediately: One of the most important preventative steps is to ensure you are acting as quickly as possible. As soon as a spill happens, use a dry cloth or paper towel to gently blot at the affected area. The goal of this action should be to absorb as much of the moisture as possible before it has a chance to soak deep into the fabric. Although it might be tempting, avoid rubbing or scrubbing the spillage, as this can spread it and make the stain worse.
2. Use fabric protectors: Investing in fabric protector spray can be the perfect way to protect your upholstery. These sprays help to create a water-repellent barrier on the surface of the fabric, making it harder for liquids to penetrate and stain. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully before applying to ensure the best results. You will also need to reapply the spray every few months or after cleaning to maintain effectiveness.
3. Regularly vacuum: Dirt can quickly accumulate on your upholstery, which can contribute to staining when it mixes with spilt moisture. Regular vacuuming will prevent dirt from accumulating, making your furniture less prone to staining.
4. Ensure proper drying: Finally, always make sure your upholstery dries completely after any spilling. Air drying is the best option for this, and to speed up the process, you can open your windows or use a fan to increase ventilation.

Need Help With Your Home Cleaning?

Do you need help with your work or home cleaning? When it comes to keeping your property looking its best, our team here at ProLux Cleaning is on hand to help you! Our experienced cleaners offer 7-days a week cleaning, helping to transform your space and free up your time.

So whether you need help with upholstery cleaning, car valeting, or carpet cleaning, get in touch today for your free quote!