How to Clean Water Stains From Fabric
If you discover what appears to be water stains on the hems of washable clothes, curtains, or bedding, treat the stains with a bit of laundry stain remover and wash as usual. Follow these steps from Natalie Barrett, a cleaning professional and quality supervisor at Nifty Cleaning Services in Australia, to remove water stains from upholstery.
What You’ll Need
Distilled white vinegarWhite lint-free clothsSmall glass or plastic bowlPaper towelsHeavy books or objectsHandheld hair dryer
Instructions
How to Clean Water Stains on Walls
“Removing water stains from walls is a bit trickier, but if you do it properly, you can remove them quickly and easily,” says Dean Davies, a cleaning consultant for the U.K.-based Fantastic Cleaners. Before you break out your cleaning supplies, Davies recommends inspecting and repairing your roof or plumbing to make sure there are no leaks. (After all, nobody wants to clean up the same mess over and over again.)
What You’ll Need
Dishwashing liquidChlorine bleachTwo plastic bucketsTwo spongesMicrofiber towelRubber glovesPlastic tarpStep stool or ladder (optional)
Instructions
How to Clean Water Stains From Carpets
If a leak has left water stains on carpet, Davies recommends absorbing as much of the water as you can as soon as you can. Use old towels to mop up the water or a wet/dry shop vacuum to suction it away. If the leak was extensive, you may need to loosen and lift the carpet away from the wall to help dry the padding underneath the carpet.
What You’ll Need
Old towelsWet/dry vacuumSmall bowl or bucketMicrofiber clothsDishwashing liquidDistilled white vinegarDistilled waterBaking sodaPaper towelsHeavy books
Instructions
Tips for Preventing Water Stains
Repair roof and plumbing leaks promptly.
Check windows and doors for weatherproofing that prevents moisture from entering.
Use towels or a shoe tray to absorb spills and water from boots or shoes as quickly as possible.
Do not place potted plants directly on carpets.
Use vent fans in bathrooms and kitchens to prevent moisture condensation from staining walls.
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