Many people have dealt with water stains on their upholstered furniture, and it can be an annoying problem to deal with. But never fear! It’s not impossible to remove those pesky stains. There are a number of different methods that work well, so you should try a few before settling on your favorite method.
Here are the steps for how to get rid of water stains from fabric couch:
- Start by blotting the couch cushions with a towel to soak up as much liquid as possible. If the stain is old and set in from repeated spills, then you might need to scrub where the spill occurred before adding more water onto it. Use a sponge to rub it into the fibers and press out excess water and stain. If you are unable to remove all of the water, then you will need to use an all-purpose cleaner like Woolite.
- Next, apply a light coat of your preferred method for removing water stains from the fabric couch. I would suggest using a soft bristle brush like Eucalan’s Foam Brush. Soak the brush with some mixture of white vinegar, dishwashing detergent, or baking soda and comb it through where the spill is worst. For stubborn stains I would suggest using a mixture of both baking soda and hydrogen peroxide diluted in warm water as well.
- Allow the soiled area to dry overnight and vacuum off the debris. If you did not completely remove the stain with your first pass and are using a method that requires more applications like Woolite, then repeat step 2.
Why Woolite?
Woolite is an excellent choice for removing water stains from fabric couches because it works on both oil-based and water-based stains. It’s also great for gently cleaning delicate fabrics like velvet as it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals or bleach.
Along with being safe for most upholstery fabrics, Woolite is also safe to use on clothes. It will effectively remove water stains from the fabric couch and the items in your closet.
The only issue I have with Woolite is that it’s a bit pricey and you must use a lot of it. It requires more applications than other methods, but for stubborn water stains it usually works wonders. This product is definitely meant for someone who has carpet or upholstered furniture in their home as well as clothing to clean on a regular basis. People who only occasionally spill water onto their furniture, or who maintain their loft or attic cleanly throughout the year, won’t need to use Woolite as often.
Another alternative is to try Bar Keepers Friend. It has a lot of the same properties as Woolite and removes stubborn stains with minimal effort. If you can afford it, I would recommend paying a bit more for Woolite. It is much safer and gentler on your fabrics than Barkeeper’s Friend and will prove to be more efficient in removing stubborn stains.
Many people swear by using hydrogen peroxide to remove water stains from fabric couches. I am not a fan of this method; there are numerous dangers of using such a strong chemical in the home. But if you are confident in your ability to read directions and use this product at home safely, then it may work well for you.
Bottom line
No matter how you approach water stains on your upholstered furniture, the key to success is persistence. Be patient and don’t be discouraged if you aren’t successful on your first attempt. For stubborn stains, try using a combination of two or more methods for removing water stains from the fabric couch.