Use this method on any clothing fabric that can be ironed, including polyester, canvas, cotton, chenille, modal, tweed, satin, or linen. [2] X Research source Do not iron velvet, suede, spandex, muslin, or leather. In addition to clothing, use this method for curtains, bedding, or other fabrics you can move onto an ironing board.
Use distilled water to prevent depositing additional minerals to your water stain (especially if your tap water is hard). [5] X Research source Lint-free or microfiber cloths won’t leave any lint or fuzz on your clothes. [6] X Expert Source Safir AliProfessional Dry Cleaner Expert Interview. 15 September 2020.
Keep the iron moving at all times to prevent burning your clothes or creating an iron stain.
If you don’t have a spoon on hand, use your fingers instead. Run them under hot water and then rub the stain in circular motions. [10] X Expert Source Safir AliProfessional Dry Cleaner Expert Interview. 15 September 2020. The rubbing motion slightly stretches out the clothing fibers, which makes the remaining stain seem less obvious.
If the stain is discolored from mineral deposits in the water, pretreat it with a rust stain remover for clothing. Check the clothing label to see the recommended water temperature for washing. Avoid using bleach for water stains, especially if the stain is discolored. It’s hard on fabric and may aggravate the discoloration.
If you can’t get all the soap out of the fabric, add 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of distilled white vinegar to the water to dissolve the detergent. To dry, lay the fabric flat on a clean towel and roll it up to press out the water.
Keep an eye on the stain while you work—it will disappear after a few minutes. Let the garment air dry and cool off before wearing it. [14] X Research source
If you don’t have a spray bottle, dampen a clean microfiber cloth in the vinegar solution. [16] X Research source Water stains don’t usually need concentrated cleaners, so a light vinegar solution is an easy and safe way to remove them.
If there’s no visible mark, the vinegar solution is good to go!
If you’re using a vinegar-soaked cloth, gently dab the entire stain until it’s damp with the cleaning solution, working from the outside of the stain inward. [19] X Research source If a carpet stain is old or discolored, work the solution into the carpet with your fingers for a minute or two and let it sit for up to 30 minutes. [20] X Research source If a carpet stain has dirt on top of it, dab it clean with a cloth and 1 c (240 mL) water and 1 tsp (4. 9 mL) dish soap before spraying. [21] X Research source
After you’ve rubbed the stain away, use a dry cloth or paper towels to blot away the remaining vinegar solution before it leaves another stain. [24] X Research source If a carpet stain is light, skip the scrubbing and just blot the area with a cloth and let it air dry. Most of the stain will lift with the absorbed liquid. [25] X Research source
If you’re working on carpet, make sure the area dries completely before each repetition to prevent new stains or odors. [27] X Research source
Using a hair dryer or a fan prevents mold growth and odor. Once a carpet patch dries, vacuum over it to ensure it’s clean.
