How To Remove Water Spots From Upholstery
Water spots are typically dried mineral deposits that are left on a surface and allowed to air dry. Water that contains high levels of magnesium, calcium, and iron is known as hard water. Hard water stains can actually become permanent if left too long, so when you have water spots on your sofa the longer they sit the harder they are to remove.
See how to remove water spots from upholstery here…
Sofa stain removal
Water stains on your sofa can be quite visible so you need to act as quickly as possible after the spillage to avoid leaving that watermark. Bear in mind that excess water poured onto the stain will cause a bigger water ring.
Follow this simple guide to remove the stain successfully:
Blot any excess water with paper towels or a light, clean microfibre cloth. Be careful not to rub the stain as this just causes the stain to penetrate deeper into the fabric. The more you dab the higher the chance of preventing a water ring when the fabric dries. Before starting the stain removal process you should vacuum the area to pick up any dirt particles which could affect the cleaning results.
Stain removal options
There are several methods you can use to get rid of the water spots and these include:
White vinegar solution
Add a few spoonfuls of white vinegar to a bowl of warm water and mix. Then with a clean cloth dab the damp area, blotting from the outer edge of the stain to the centre to avoid the stain spreading.
Let the solution sit on the fabric for around 15 minutes then blot again with a clean cloth that has been rinsed in warm water. Repeat until the water spot disappears and finish off by drying with a clean dry cloth, or use a hairdryer on a low setting to finish off the drying process more quickly.
Salt
Salt is extremely effective when used on a fresh stain. Pour a little onto the affected area and leave to settle and absorb the stain. Then finish off by vacuuming the area thoroughly.
Laundry detergent
This method is a little more time-consuming as the solution may slightly change the colour of your sofa so you may need to wipe over the entire sofa rather than just addressing the stain.
Add a mild detergent to a bowl of warm water and mix well. Then dip a clean cloth into the solution and wring out any excess before cleaning the sofa. Remember that overwetting the fabric can lead to mould and mildew and result in unpleasant smells. Go over the sofa again with a clean cloth rinsed in warm water and allow to dry completely.
Glass cleaner
For this method, you’ll need a transparent glass cleaner and a white, clean cotton cloth. Start by spraying the glass cleaner directly onto the stain and letting it soak for a few minutes. Then carefully dab the area with a little water and a clean dry cloth before allowing it to dry completely.
Over the counter textile cleaner
Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the label which normally involves spraying the solution into the stain and leaving it to settle before vacuuming off.
Need to call in the experts?
Professional upholstery cleaning is just one of the services offered by trusted carpet cleaning companies. By carefully analysing the composition pretreating any stains will be carried out before the deep clean begins, as this ensures the best possible results.
An upholstery steam cleaner will be used to actively break down substances causing the stains between the sofa fabric. This ensures the stains will be effectively removed prior to the hot water extraction method. A combination of hot water and a cleaning solution will dissolve the dirt and eliminate any unpleasant odours. These methods are perfectly safe for children and pets, as well as being extremely effective.
Don’t worry if your sofa is made from a more delicate fabric that may be prone to shrinking if cleaned with water. Dry cleaning options can be chosen which often involve the use of a chemical cleaning powder sprinkled onto the stain and thoroughly vacuumed off. Your experienced upholstery cleaning technician will not only analyse the stains but also the fibres, composition, structure, and texture of your upholstery to ensure perfect results.