How to Clean Water Stains on Fabrics

Water droplets can leave ugly stains on fabrics, but don’t worry, cleaning these stains is easy. If water stains are on clothes or removable items, use a damp cloth and iron to remove them. If it’s upholstered upholstery, you can use water and a vinegar solution to clean up water stains. Soon your fabric will be back to the way it was!

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Remove stains from washable clothes

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Spread a white towel on the ironing table. Spread the towel on the ironing table and smooth it out. This will be a smooth and absorbent surface for you to lay the fabric on. Avoid using colored towels, as the color of the towels may fade into the fabric. ^{[1] X Research Source}

This method works with clothes and fabrics, such as tablecloths or napkins.
You can also use the same towel to scrub the stain first.

Spread the water-stained fabric face down on the towel. Remember the location of the water stain before spreading the fabric on the towel so you know where to wet the fabric. If the fabric has textures or sparkles, turn it inside out to avoid damaging the decor from the heat of the iron. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Use a microfiber towel to moisten the stain. Dip a microfiber towel in distilled water and wring it out, then dab the stained area to moisten the fabric. If water seeps through the fabric, press down on the towel to push the water into the fabric. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Distilled water is the best choice because it doesn’t contain a lot of mineral deposits or impurities that can leave streaks on fabrics. However, if you don’t have distilled water available at home, tap water is fine. ^{[4] X Research Sources}
Microfiber towels will not leave lint on the fabric.

Dry the fabric with an iron. Turn the iron to the right temperature for the fabric you want to dry. If you’re not sure what temperature to use, check the label on the garment. Iron on cloth until water stain area is completely dry. Do not leave the iron in one spot for too long to avoid scorching. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

With silk, you must leave the iron on the lowest temperature.
The iron is usually hot after 5 minutes.
Wait for the fabric to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Continue to moisten and iron the fabric until the stain is gone. Move the stained fabric to the dry area of the towel. This time too, you will dab water on the stain and let it dry. Keep doing this until most of the stain is gone. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

After 4 times like this, you will hardly see any further improvement.

Use the back of a spoon to rub the remaining water stains. Turn the garment inside out and identify any remaining water stains. Take a clean spoon and rub the back of the spoon over the stain to remove the final imperfections. This will help the fabric stretch slightly around the stain and fade it. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

Continue spreading the fabric on the iron so you have a firm flat surface when pressing it down.
You can also use your fingers to remove stains. Dip your finger in hot water, then rub it over the stain for about 5 seconds.

Clean water stains on upholstery fabric

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Mix ½ cup (120 ml) of vinegar with 2 cups (0.5 liters) of water in a spray bottle. It is best to use distilled water, as it has very little mineral residue or impurities and will prevent further staining of the fabric. Measure the right amount of water and vinegar into the spray bottle and screw the cap tight. Shake the spray bottle well to dissolve the liquids. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

If using a small spray bottle, use half of the ingredients. For example, you can mix ¼ cup (60 ml) of vinegar and 1 cup (250 ml) of water.
White vinegar is best suited for this.

Spray the test on an inconspicuous area of the fabric. This will help you avoid accidentally causing more stains on the fabric. Lightly spray the solution on hard to see areas and wait 5 minutes. ^{[9] X Research Source}

If the solution in the spray bottle leaves streaks on the fabric, empty it and pour distilled water into the bottle.

Lightly spray the cleaning solution onto the fabric. Spray around the edge of the stain first, then spray in the center of the stain. Make sure to spray the vinegar and water solution to cover the stain. ^{[10] X Research Source}

Avoid drenching the fabric. You should only spray a thin layer.
If the spray has different steps, you should turn to the lightest spray.

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Press the microfiber towel over the stain to absorb the liquid. Gently press the fabric to absorb the stain. This will prevent the solution from soaking into the mattress underneath the upholstery. Continue blotting until the fabric color fades, indicating that it is drying. ^{[11] X Research Source}

Use a white towel to prevent the color of the towel from seeping into the fabric.

Spray and blot dry again if stain persists. Spray a thin layer of the vinegar solution onto the stained area again, then pat dry with a microfiber towel. Continue repeating this process until the stain is gone. ^{[12] X Research Source}

After 4 sprays and drying, you will hardly see any improvement.

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Dry the fabric with a hair dryer to avoid mold growth. If the mattress underneath the upholstery gets wet, it becomes a breeding ground for mold. To avoid this, you need to make sure the fabric is completely dry. Set the hair dryer on the cool air setting and point the dryer head at a damp spot. Move the hair dryer over the damp area until the fabric is dry. ^{[13] X Research Source}

If you don’t have a hair dryer, you can direct the fan to a humid area.
Do not leave the hair dryer on the hot air setting as it can scorch the fabric.

Steps

Remove stains from washable clothes

Clean water stains on upholstery fabric

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