Cleaning Water Stains from Leather

Cleaning water stains from your leather furniture is one effect and inexpensive way to keep your leather furniture looking new and lovely. Common stains such as those caused by water can cause permanent damage and can ruin your furniture’s appearance. Leather is actually quite easy to care for, but knowing exactly what to do when you find a water stain on your leather is information that can be important to you. Inevitably, your leather furniture will get water stains on it. Removing these stains incorrectly can cause further damage to your leather. Therefore, the 4 tips below will provide you with information you need to remove water marks or spots from your leather upholstery.

Tip 1 – Sponge or Wipe off the Water

If you catch the water spill as soon as it happens, immediately and carefully wipe off the water with a clean sponge or cloth. Sometimes wiping the water off without delay will prevent a stain.

Tip 2 – Avoid Using Saddle Soap as a Cleaner

It’s important to remember to avoid the use of saddle soap to remove water spots, as harsh chemicals in type of product can worsen staining.

Tip 3 – Remove the Outline of a Water Spot

Whether the water spot is from spilled water or from condensation from a glass that has been left on your leather, these spots can evaporate and leave an outline on your leather. Be sure to remove these outlines. These same types of outlines can be left from water used to clean the leather surface and then some of this cleaning water is left on the surface. For this reason it is important that you avoid using too much water when wiping off these surfaces.

Tip 4 – Use a Damp Sponge

At times, you can use a clean damp sponge to wipe off a spot on your leather surface. Soak the sponge in a container of room-temperature water, making sure before using it that it is clean and free of material such as food or beverages that might create an additional stain. Wring enough water from the sponge that it will be only damp, not wet.

Tip 5 – Begin Cleaning

To remove a water stain, begin moving your damp sponge lightly across the surface of the stained area you are working on. Start at the stain and wipe gently outward. If you are cleaning a cushion, an arm of your furniture, etc., use your sponge to gently moisten the entire area you are cleaning. In using this procedure, you are less likely to drag moisture and staining material from the stain onto other areas of the furniture. Consequently, you will be less likely to leave new stains.
 
Tip 6 – Let the Leather Dry

Once you have cleaned a stained area with warm water and a damp sponge, wipe the leather with a clean, dry cloth, and let the surface dry.

Tip 7 – Add Saddle Soap

Only when the leather has thoroughly dried, is it then safe to apply saddle soap to soften and condition the leather.