How to Remove Water Stains From a Couch

Couches can become stained and dirty over time.

Sofas--also known as couches--are typically used daily, making them prone to wear and tear. Water spilled on your couch can leave a nasty stain and cause your sofa to look dingy. Remove water stains with the method that works with your type of sofa.

Things You'll Need

• Denatured alcohol
• Soft cloth
• Water
• Hair dryer
• Leather conditioner
• Distilled white vinegar
• Baby wipes

Instructions

Suede Sofa

1. Dampen a soft cloth with denatured alcohol.

2. Test the denatured alcohol in an inconspicuous spot before continuing. If damage occurs, discontinue use.

3. Rub the water stain gently with the dampened cloth.

4. Allow to air dry. Do not apply heat.

Velvet Sofa

1. Dampen a soft cloth with clean cool water.

2. Pat the water stain with the soft cloth.

3. Dry the area with a hair dryer set on the lowest setting. Move the hair dryer in a slow back and forth motion.

Leather Sofa

1. Wet a soft cloth with cool water. Wring the cloth out to remove excess water. The cloth should be damp not soggy.

2. Allow the area to air dry. Do not apply heat to speed up the drying process.

3. Treat the sofa with an approved leather conditioner.

Other Sofas

1. Create a mixture of equal parts water and distilled white vinegar.

2. Saturate a soft cloth in the mixture. Wring the cloth so that it is damp.

3. Test the water-vinegar mixture in an inconspicuous spot before continuing. If damage occurs, discontinue use.

4. Wipe the water stain with the cloth. Gently rub until the water stain disappears.

5. Allow to air dry completely.

Tips & Warnings

• For micro fiber couches, wipe the water stain with a baby wipe.

• Blot spills with a soft cloth as soon as they happen.

References

• Mrs Clean USA: Leather Cleaning Tips
• ExploringWomanhood.com: Eight Magic Secrets to Removing Stains From Your Upholstery
• ProfessorsHouse.com: How do You Clean a Leather Sofa
• Cleaning.Tips.net: Removing Water Stains from a Sofa