The untold secrets – How experts remove water stains from upholstery
Minerals in water give rise to unsightly marks on upholstery and other fabrics. While these water stains are surprisingly stubborn, they can be removed when treated early with appropriate cleaners. Read here for the pro tips to remove water stains from upholstery.
Removing Water Stains from Upholstery
- When your upholstery is stained, the first and most critical step is to blot as much water as possible. Use a dry, clean towel or cloth for this purpose. Aim to blot the stain until the excess water is absorbed to reduce the water ring. Then, use the following techniques to remove the stain:
White Vinegar
- White vinegar is known for its versatility and is often seen as a magical solution for various purposes. White vinegar is the key ingredient for removing stains from upholstery fabrics. It has a natural component called acetic acid, a clear, liquid organic compound with a sour taste and a distinctive odor.
Regular household vinegar contains about 5% acetic acid. Its slightly acidic nature effectively breaks down minerals such as iron and manganese. Using white vinegar to remove water stains from your couch is a simple process that involves the following steps:
Step 1
- Take a clean cloth, soak it in white vinegar, and then wring it out to avoid dripping. Test a small area on the back or side of the upholstery using the damp cloth to ensure it doesn’t affect the fabric color before moving on to the next step.
Step 2
- With the same cloth, gently dab the outer edges of the water stain and move toward the center. Avoid rubbing, and pat the vinegar onto the stain to treat the entire stained area.
Step 3
- Allow the vinegar to sit for approximately 20 minutes. Then, take a clean cloth, run it under lukewarm water, and wring it out. Use this cloth to continue dabbing the water stain, starting from the outer edges and moving toward the center. Repeat this process until the stain disappears.
Step 4
- Dry the area with a hairdryer set to a cool setting to prevent mold growth. This trick will help remove the water stain without a lingering vinegar smell.
Lemon Juice
- If you don’t want to use vinegar and prefer an alternative, you can effectively use fresh lemon juice to remove water stains from your upholstery. Lemon contains citric acid, which is excellent for tackling mineral stains left behind by water. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1
- Squeeze the juice from two fresh lemons and mix it with hot water. Apply the lemon and water solution to the stain using a clean cloth. Ensure you cover the entire stained area without over-saturating it.
Step 2
- Allow the solution to sit for ten minutes, giving the citric acid time to break down the stain. Apply more of the solution to the stain and use a soft, clean toothbrush to work it in gently.
Step 3
- Once the stain has cleared, gently pat the area with a clean, damp cloth. Repeat this process until the stain has completely disappeared. Then, dry the area with a dry towel. Use a blow dryer on a low setting to thoroughly dry the area to prevent mold growth.
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