Clean furniture and fabrics like an expert water mark remover

Water marks. Unsightly and annoying. They can be caused in a variety of ways, usually by placing cold or hot glasses directly onto wood or granite. In this article, you’ll learn how to remove water marks from wood, granite, and fabrics. First, let’s figure out what kind of water stain you are dealing with.

What’s that water mark?

Water marks will either be white or dark.

You’ll find that white water marks are usually round – because mostly they are caused by putting glasses or plates on surfaces. Whether the glass or plate is cold or hot, what causes the water stain is condensation or steam. The result is a milky grey or white stain. These types of water stains are relatively easy to remove.

Dark water marks on wood are far more problematic. The water has seeped into the wood. If your surface is stained like this, and your furniture is expensive or sentimental, you should call in a professional who is experienced in emergency restoration. Otherwise, try using a small blob of toothpaste and brushing it with a toothbrush (strange, but true).

Other reasons you may need to take wooden furniture to a specialist include the finish, the type of wood, and if re-staining is needed.

How to clean white water marks from wooden furniture

The secret to removing a white water mark is to draw it out of the wooden surface. To do this, you need to break the stain down using a gentle heat source. You don’t need specialized tools or equipment, just an electric iron and a clean, soft cloth. Here’s what to do:

• Turn the iron on, and set it to its lowest level
• Turn off the iron’s steam mode
• Place the cloth on the stain
• Iron the cloth over the stain, moving the iron across the stain several times (always in the same direction) and with only a small amount of pressure
• Check the stain every few passes
• Gradually, the water mark should lift and disappear

Water mark remover for water stains on granite

Water stains are usually easy to remove from granite, with a little detergent acting as the water mark remover. Simply pour a little on the stain, scrub with a soft brush, rinse with water, and wipe dry.

If the stain is more stubborn:

1. Mix flour and hydrogen peroxide together to make a paste.
2. Spread the paste over the stain, and cover with a thin plastic sheet,
3. Tape down the edges to keep air out, and leave for 24 hours,
4. Remove the plastic sheet,
5. Scrape the paste away, and rinse,

Removing water stains from fabrics

If your carpet or upholstered furniture has a water mark, get that steam iron out again. This time, set the iron to steam, and steam the water mark. The stain should lift away.

Prevention is better than cure

Of course, prevention is always better than cure. To do so:

• Dust regularly with a clean, dry cloth
• Once every two or three months, wipe over with a citrus oil to stop the wood from drying out
• Always make sure that hot and cold cups and plates are placed on coasters and mats

If those water stains prove stubborn to remove, or you don’t want to risk further damage to a prized piece of furniture, contact Porter's Cleaning in NJ. We’ll provide a free, no-obligation quote, and you’ll get your furniture back to its glorious best.

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