Well, leather furniture is freaking expensive. You can not afford to buy another piece because of some stain. Instead, look out for those pesky spots and find ways to remove them without damaging the leather.
Removing water stains from leather is possible with a damp microfiber cloth. Wipe off the mark in a circular motion until the stain comes off. Next, let the leather dry naturally. Leather conditioners, rubbing alcohol, vinegar, and mayonnaise can also come in handy in eliminating the water spots.
Catch more details below.
Can Water Stain Leather?: The Scientific Explanation
Oil is added to the wet/ dry leather during manufacturing to enhance durability and softness. Besides, the oil also contributes to the leather finishing and waterproofing of the surface.
Our elementary chemistry shows oil and water are not a good mix. So, how can water stain the leather?
Well, it can. The oil will bind to the water molecules as the water penetrates the leather. As time passes, the water will evaporate, and so will the oil. The shedding of oil from the treated leather creates a pesky stain on the leather.
Not only that. The leather quality and durability will be affected if the water stains are not removed immediately. For example, the leather will become still and brittle.
The Ultimate Way Of Rescuing Your Furniture Leather From Water Stains
Allowing the water to linger on the leather for a long will only increase the damage. So, you must act quickly. For example, if you notice the water spill immediately, use a soft dry cloth to dab away excess water.
But yes, do not be aggressive with the cloth on the leather. It will leave behind more spots and scratches. Later on, leave the leather to dry naturally.
Now, what if you noticed the stain on the furniture days later? What to do, then? Here is your solution,
- Take a clean microfiber cloth and dampen it with distilled water. Do not use tap water; the minerals suck up the leather’s natural oil. Make sure the towel gets no excess water.
- Now start wiping the stain from the center in a circular motion, moving outwards. Soon, the water spots will be gone.
- Finally, allow the leather to dry naturally without external heat, direct sunlight, or a dryer.
- Repeat the entire process if required.
- Finish the task by applying leather conditioner on the surface. It will keep the leather’s integrity intact.
Leather conditioners offer other benefits, like waterproofing the surface and restoring softness. But recheck with the furniture care manual whether the chemicals suit the leather.
Nowadays, leather balms have captured a large market. These wax-like pastes make the furniture leather scratch-free and water-resistant. Besides, the cream will give your furniture a new shine and suppleness.
Can You Remove Leather Water Stains With A Cleaner?
Water wiping the stains always comes with a risk of darkening the leather. Hence, some professionals suggest using cleaners to remove the water stain from the leather. For example, commercial cleaners suit the finished leather.
Usually, cleaners with high pH levels and acidic elements will ruin the leather. Hence, be careful with what cleansing solutions you choose.
Right after applying the cleaner, the leather may look a bit dark. Do not freak out! The original leather color will be restored once the piece is completely dry.
Cross-checking the furniture care label and its compatibility with leather is always recommended. Also, test any treatment on a small leather piece before applying it to the furniture.
4 Other Ways Of Removing Water Stains From Leather Furniture
Dabbing the stain can be difficult if the water has sat for many hours. Again, purchasing a cleaner may be a little out of budget. In such scenarios, home supplies will come handy to get rid of the stubborn water stain. Such tricks are,
1. Mixing Up Water & Soap
Soap, especially dish soap, is widely popular and effective in removing any stain from leather. Besides, the mixture is absolutely safe for the leather composition.
The cleaning method is simple. Just mix the dish soap with distilled water and wipe off the stain in a circular motion.
Once the stain is gone, use the microfiber towel to dap the spot with plain distilled water. Using a leather conditioner to replenish the surface with lost oil upon natural drying.
2. Rubbing Alcohol To The Rescue
If the dish soap mixture fails to remove the water stain, move to a more potent agent. What about rubbing alcohol?
Well, rubbing alcohol can wipe off almost any stain from any possible surface. But does it work on leather with zero damage?
Honestly, rubbing alcohol will effortlessly remove the water stain from leather furniture. But I can not guarantee you the damage. See, rubbing alcohol only benefits the leather if used in moderate quantities.
So, learning rubbing alcohol-based cleaning leather 101 is necessary.
To get rid of the water stain,
- Dip cotton balls in rubbing alcohol first.
- Wipe off the stain with the balls in a circular motion.
- When done, use a damp cloth to remove the excess alcohol.
3. Why Not Vinegar?
I am sure many people will talk against vinegar leather cleaning. Well, vinegar can darken your leather, making it dry and brittle. But it occurs only when you mess up the mixture proportion.
Vinegar is safe for your leather furniture if you mix the right amount of water.
Only 1/2 cup of vinegar in warm water is enough to remove watermarks. Use a sponge and dab away the stain the same way as always.
Vinegar leaves an unpleasant smell behind. Vacuuming the area and using a microfiber cloth to eliminate excess vinegar are recommended.
4. Yes, Mayonnaise!
This tasty edible condiment can help remove the water stain from the leather. All you need is to apply the mayonnaise on the watermark and wait! After an hour, take a damp cloth and wipe off the mayonnaise from the leather.
Leather Furniture Care, Stain Prevention & Maintenance 101
Well, you do not want your expensive leather furniture to ruin the whole aesthetics of your living room. Right?
Following a few preventive measures and regular maintenance keeps the leather’s integrity intact. For example,
- When buying leather, know its type and manufacturing details. Ask for a maintenance guide for the furniture. Nowadays, all spectrums of leather, for instance, vegetable-tanned, grained, suede, nubuck, faux, etc., are used in furniture.
- Make a habit of regular vacuuming and wiping off the leather surface.
- Applying leather conditioner (natural oil or commercial) every 6 months makes the furniture look fresh and new.
- Dab away any spill on the couch immediately with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
- Microfiber clothes in white are always recommended for leather cleaning.
- Do not use tap water but distilled water when removing leather stains.
- Try avoiding soaps, rubbing alcohol, or vinegar at first. Only move to these cleaners when the water therapy fails to remove the stain.
- Place the leather furniture away from direct sunlight and any heating source.
Conclusion
A damp microfiber cloth is enough to remove the water stains from the leather furniture. Sometimes, the water overstays, and the marks become too much to dap away with the microfiber towel. A commercial leather cleaner, or home remedies like vinegar, rubbing alcohol, etc., can be handy. In any scene, check the leather type and recommended cleaning process. If you don’t know how to move the stain without damaging your beloved leather furniture, then you can contact Triple Start for professional and affordable service at your doorstep.
