It is almost funny sometimes that water leaves stains on fabric even though it is a cleaning agent. Water stains could be frustrating and intimidating at times. Spilling drinks on your fabric sofas leaves stubborn stains.
Most people are ashamed of these stains. They, therefore, end up mechanizing ways of hiding them.
5 Best Water Stain Removers
Do not be alarmed when you find ring patches on your fabric. Here are simple steps on how to remove water stains from fabric sofas.
1. Vinegar Method
Required Materials
The materials needed for the water stain removal process are available within your home. You do not have to worry about going the extra mile of purchasing new stuff.
The essentials are:
1. 2 pieces of clean, dry cloth – Should not be made of a color bleeding material.
2. Vinegar – Preferably white vinegar.
3. A hair drier or fan – to dry the already damp fabric.
4. Distilled water.
5. A spray bottle.
6. A cup.
7. A jar
STEP 1: Use a clean cloth to absorb the spill.
This step is necessary if the water spill has not dried yet. Take a clean cloth and blot as much water as possible while the stain is still wet. Blot until your towel is absorbing no more water. You should not wait for the spill to dry since it may leave more stubborn stains.
If the water stain had already dried on your fabric sofa, consider following these additional steps.
STEP 2: Mix water and vinegar.
Measure a cup of distilled water and a cup of vinegar, then pour it into the jar. The ratio of the solution is 1:1. Put the solution in your spraying bottle.
Distilled water is preferred since it does not contain minerals that could leave more stains on the fabric sofa.
Preferably use white vinegar for removing water stains.
STEP 3: Sprinkle the solution on a cloth.
Sprinkle the vinegar and water mixture on a dry cloth. Wring the material to get rid of excess liquid. You do not want to wet the fabric sofa.NOTE: Rub the damp cloth on a part underneath the fabric chair to confirm if it fades.
STEP 4: Dab the cloth on the water stain.
Gently dub the water stain. Blot from the edges of the stained area towards the inside. You do not wish to spread the spot further.
Keep blotting until the stain rings diminish from the fabric. Repeat this step severally to ensure the stain vanishes completely.
Putting too much pressure on the fabric may damage it.
STEP 5: Use your hairdryer or fan.
Once you finish removing the water stain from your sofa, a damp spot is left. You will need to ensure that your couch is left dry. Plugin your dryer, put it on the relaxed setting, and point its nozzle on it. Move the dryer over the wet area until dry.
Additionally, if you do not have a dryer, point a fan in the spot’s direction if you do not have a fan.
2. Steaming Method
It is a quick and efficient stain removal method. This method is essential for fabrics that fade with vinegar.
Before using this method, ensure that the manufacturer’s instructions state that it is safe to use heat.
Test a hidden part of the couch before you steam the area with the water stain.
Required materials:
Vacuum cleaner.
Upholstery steamer
Steps:
1. Read the instructions manual.
A garment steamer comes with an instruction manual.read the manual carefully before starting the process.
2. Vacuum clean.
Vacuuming your sofa before removing stains makes it easier to remove stains.
Using a vacuum removes dust particles that ave settled on your sofa.
3. Ensure proper air circulation in the room.
You can open the windows and turn on a fan; this prevents moisture from building up in the room.
4. Test a hidden part of the sofa.
This step is very crucial. You do not want to damage your sofa. Steam a section underneath your couch to ensure it will not spoil.
5.Steam the stained area.
Use the steaming iron or the garment steamer, blast steam on the fabric.
Turn the steam setting of your iron; ensure it does not emit steam and water droplets. The droplets may create additional water stains.
6. Air dry your sofa.
Do not sit on the sofa while it is still wet; give it enough to dry.
NOTE: If the above methods fail, consider getting professional help.
Water stains could be more stubborn than you can imagine. Some types of fabric are very delicate to handle.
If, after trying these methods and your stain remains on your sofa, consider getting Profesional help.
Precautions:
Check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions for your fabric before anything else. Some chemicals could be harsh on your material.
The guidelines tell you the dos and don’ts of the fabric.
Here are four cleaning codes and their meanings:
W – Cleaning the fabric requires only water-based solutions.
S – This type of fabric need solvent-based solutions for cleaning.
S/W – Solvent or Water-based. This type of fabric is the best when it comes to removing stains.
X – This code is rare to find on most fabric. But if you see it, this means that you may consider professional help to clean it.
- Do not use your hair dryer on the hot or warm setting; it sieges your fabric.
- Do not pour water directly on the water stain as you may spread it.
Ways to Prevent Water Stains fro Getting into a Fabric Sofa
Staining your sofa is sometimes inevitable. However, it is possible to prevent water stains on your fabric sofa. Here are a few tips for maintaining the original look of your fabric sofa.
1. Buy waterproof sofa covers.
If you are want to maintain that beautiful look of your fabric sofas, waterproof covers are the best way to go.
2. Using Water shield sprays.
You may not want to hide that look of your fabric. Some people prefer displaying their sofa’s material. A water shield spray will be the best way to go. They are cheaper than buying seat covers and give your sofa a pristine look.
However, water shield sprays may change the original texture of your fabric.
3. Cleaning Fabric Sofas with Distilled Water.
Water contains minerals that leave deposits in the form of brown round rings on your fabric sofa. Since distilled water has few minerals, it does not leave such stains on your fabric.
4. Removing water stains immediately.
Cleaning your sofas instantly when a spillage occurs prevents staining them.
5. Keeping water away from your fabric sofas.
Another essential tip is putting water and any other liquids that can stain your fabric away from your sofas.
Why Getting Water Stains Out of Your Sofa Is Important
Removing water stains on your sofa can be challenging depending on what type of materials you are using on your upholstered sofa or the material used on your sofa itself. The most common reason why it leaves stains, because the material doesn’t react well to water, and sometimes, stains can be caused by the minerals or dirt in the water itself.
Removing water stains out of your sofa should be a priority. Not only it doesn’t look good but also leaving them wet can cause mold, might trigger some allergies and can be destructive on the structure of the sofa when soaked with water.
Conclusion
Water stains often form in the most awkward spots of upholstery. They pose a significant challenge on how to get rid of them.
You can take the necessary precautions to prevent staining your couch. However, the chances are that spillage will still occur and thus leave water stains on fabric upholstery. To avoid the distress that stains cause, we have come with the best methods of removing water stains from your fabric sofas. You can now comfortably enjoy the beauty of your stainless fabric sofa.
