How To Clean Leather And Remove Water Stains?

How To Clean Leather And Remove Water Stains?

By : Georgia

Leather is one of the most luxurious, durable and sturdy materials for household furniture like couches/sofas and chairs, shoes, belts, bags and clothing.

Unfortunately, leather is porous and may soak up liquids immediately. This can leave unwanted water stains behind and ruin your beloved leather belongings. These marks are not only unpleasant, but they may also weaken and brittle the material over time.

So, treat water stains using the right technique to avoid further damage. Apart from this, regularly wipe down your leather products to prevent the accumulation of dust and debris.

Here are some tips and tricks to help you clean and remove water stains from your plush leather furniture or clothing without discolouration or damage. Before that, let’s understand the different types of leather and the hacks to treat water stains.

Let’s Get Started!

What are the Different Types of Leather?

Here are some of the most common types of leather before cleaning and treating water stains.

Faux Leather

It is made from a type of plastic known as polyurethane. It has different waterproofing requirements. Believe it or not! Faux leather is waterproof as it is made of plastic.

You can find various cleaning products and conditioners on the market to deep clean faux leather surfaces. However, most stains can be removed easily with natural cleaning solutions, such as white vinegar, baking soda or soapy water. Gently wipe off the area with a damp cloth and achieve desired results.

Tip: Do not scrub the faux leather as it can cause damage to the surface. Instead, gently blot your leather furniture.

Synthetic Leather

These are cheaper and lighter than the real ones. It also soaks water and can ruin your furniture or clothing. However, you must add a synthetic spray to protect it from water stains.

Suede Leather

This is one of the common types of leather used for furniture pieces. Unfortunately, suede leather is the most vulnerable material if it gets wet. The water leaves stains on the surface and causes damage.

According to expert vacate cleaners in Perth, immediately act on spills and splatters to prevent your leather furniture or clothing.

Full Grain

It is made from the strongest part of the animal hide, and that’s why it is the most durable and water-resistant form. You can treat the surface using wax for better results.

Regular cleaning of full-grain leather furniture can restore its pristine shine for years. Make sure you tackle stains using the right methods. The best part is that you can apply baking soda and scrub the surface in circular motion to treat water stains with ease.

Tips to Clean the Leather and Remove Water Stains

cropped picture of a person cleaning a leather surface

It is good to identify the type of leather and clean it accordingly using the right methods. Here is a step-by-step guide to help achieve the desired results:

Blot Up Excess Water Immediately

When leather gets water, the oil in the material attaches itself to the water molecules and weakens its quality and texture when it evaporates. This can also lead to discolouration or leave a permanent mark on your plush leather product.

So, it becomes imperative to blot up excess water from the stain using a microfiber cloth. Do not rub the texture, as it can spread the water further.

Let the Leather Air Dry

After removing excess water, leave the leather product to dry completely. You can switch on the fan and open your windows to speed up this process.

When your leather furniture dries completely, apply a leather conditioner to maintain its supple and shiny texture for years.

However, if you are running at the end of your tenancy, book experts for a cheap vacate cleaning in Perth and pass the rental inspection. They clean everything according to the pre-approved checklist and help you get full bond back without any dispute.

Use a DIY Leather Cleaner for Water Stains

White vinegar is one of the most effective yet eco-friendly leather cleaners that can easily remove old water stains. However, avoid applying it undiluted on your leather furniture. Instead, dilute it with warm water and tackle old water stains. Here is a quick cleaning guide:

  • Mix one part of vinegar and two parts of water in a spray bottle. You can also make it in a bowl and dampen the cloth.
  • Spray the solution on the affected area and gently rub it with a clean cloth.
  • Do it in a circular motion until the stain is gone
  • Once the solution dries, you will see a sparkling clean leather product.

However, if you are moving out of a rental apartment soon, hire professionals for a quality vacate cleaning Perth and pass the rental inspection. They adhere to a pre-approved cleaning checklist to leave your rental property sparkling and bond worthy.

Use Rubbing Alcohol For Persistent Old Water Stains

You can try this hack if the stain is still ruining your leather furniture or clothing. Rubbing alcohol is one of the great products to remove stubborn water stains easily. It can also work wonders in tackling ink stains, spills and pet urine.

Dip a cotton swab in alcohol and gently rub it on the stain. This will help you absorb the stain without causing any damage to the leather surface.

Rubbing alcohol can do wonders in keeping your home clean with pets. You can clean and disinfect surfaces to promote a healthy indoor environment.

Condition Your Leather with a Natural Baby Soap

After removing stains, make sure you condition your leather product to replenish its natural oils and prevent it from damage due to water. Here is a quick guide to make it work for you:

  • Mix a few drops of vinegar with 2 cups of warm water
  • Add a few drops of baby soap
  • Dip a microfiber cloth and squeeze out the excess solution
  • Gently rub the cloth over the surface
  • Let it dry completely, and allow the baby soap’ oils to condition your leather.

You can also use a combination of beeswax, Shea butter and olive oil to sealant your leather, prevent dryness and keep it supple for years.

However, if the water stain is severe or you are unsure how to clean it, hire the best vacate cleaners in Perth. They follow tried & tested techniques to remove stains and grime from delicate surfaces and help you regain your full bond without any disagreement.

Remove water stains from leather:

remove water stains from leather

Wrapping Up

Leather furniture, clothing and accessories are luxurious, durable and beautiful. However, the water stains can ruin its finish and quality. So, keep these simple tips and tricks in mind and absorb liquid immediately using these effective methods and maintain its shine for years.