Thankfully, these stains can be removed with common household cleanersespecially when they’re treated early.

Removal methods vary slightly depending on the key in of stained item.

However, when the mineral content is too high, the water becomes hard and can cause staining.

How to Remove Water Stains From Fabric and Upholstery

The Spruce / Michela Buttignol

Occasionally, even mineral-free water can cause stains on delicate fabrics, leaving them discolored and water-spotted.

Here, learn how to remove water spots from different types of fabrics at home.

Tip

The sooner a stain is treated, the better the chances of removal.

Materials and tools to remove water stain from fabric

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

Fortunately, there are simple at-home steps you could take to eliminate the stain before it permanently sets.

Test for Colorfastness

Check the care label on your stained item before beginning.

Pre-Treat Stains

Use a stain removal gel or stick to pre-treat the stain before washing.

Water-stained garment turned inside out on prepared ironing area

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

Wash the Stained Items

Wash the items in your washing machine using liquid laundry detergent.

Choose a normal wash cycle with cold water.

Check the item’s care label first to ensure ironing is safe for the fabric.

Blue and white iron turned on next to water-stained fabric

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

Iron the Garment

Iron the dampened area with the steam turned off until it is completely dry.

Repeat the dampening and ironing steps as needed.

Many delicate items should be dry cleaned to prevent damage.

Microfiber cloth dampening water-stained garment

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

A specialized cleaner will know how best to protect your upholstery.

you might also repeatedlyhand washa single item using distilled water and a bit of detergent.

The fastest way to remove fresh water stains from fabric is by using an iron.

Iron passing over dampened water-stained garment with steam setting off

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

Dampen the fabric, then iron it inside out.

If the stain remains, gently rub it away with a stainless steel spoon after turning it right-side-out.

Set-in water stains typically require more thorough cleaning methods like commercial stain removers.

Stainless steel spoon rubbed against front of water-stained garment

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

Water stains on fabric are commonly brought on by calcium and magnesium present in the water.

Set-in stains can often still be removed if properly pre-treated and washed.

Distilled white vinegar and water mixed in glass bowl for cleaning solution

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

Microfiber cloth dipped in cleaning solution and dampening stained area on chair fabric

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

Stack of paper towels absorbing moisture with book on top

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

Black hairdryer drying out chair fabric after removing water stain

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor