How to Remove Water Spots: Tips and Guidelines

Water is a clever element: Can't live with it, can't live without it. These stain removal techniques will allow you to stay hydrated while keeping your silver spot-free.

Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water you find out that even it can stain your laundry and household surfaces.

Follow these tips to remove pesky water spots from a variety of materials:

Fabrics such as Acetate, Acrylic Fabric, Carpet (synthetic or wool), Cotton, Fiberglass, Linen, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Rayon, Silk, Spandex, Triacetate and Wool
Household surfaces such as Acrylic Plastic, Aluminum, Asphalt, Ceramic Glass/Tile, Chromium, Copper, Cork, Glass, Linoleum, Paint (flat or gloss), Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Porcelain Dishes, Porcelain Fixtures, Stainless Steel, Tin, Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Tile or Vinyl Wallcovering
Stone surfaces such as Alabaster, Bluestone Brick, Concrete, Flagstone, Granite, Limestone, Marble, Masonry Tile, Sandstone, Slate, Terrazzo
Leather or Suede
Silver
Wood

Fabrics

Water spots on fabrics are caused by the dislodging of sizing or finishing agents found in many garments. Water dislodges these agents and causes them to form rings on the material surface.

Follow these steps to remove water spots from fabrics such as Acetate, Acrylic Fabric, Carpet (synthetic or wool), Cotton, Fiberglass, Linen, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Rayon, Silk, Spandex, Triacetate or Wool:

To remove water spots, dampen the entire area with water and allow to dry.
Spots may also be removed by holding the area in the steam from a boiling kettle.
If the garment can be ironed, press while still damp.

Household Surfaces

Follow these steps to remove water spots from household surfaces such as Acrylic Plastic, Aluminum, Asphalt, Ceramic Glass/Tile, Chromium, Copper, Cork, Glass, Linoleum, Paint (flat or gloss), Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Porcelain Dishes, Porcelain Fixtures, Stainless Steel, Tin, Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Tile or Vinyl Wallcovering:

Add a few drops of white vinegar to warm, sudsy water.
Dip a cloth or sponge in the warm, sudsy water and wipe the stain.
Rinse well and wipe dry.

Stone Surfaces

Follow these steps to remove water spots from stone surfaces such as Alabaster, Bluestone Brick, Concrete, Flagstone, Granite, Limestone, Marble, Masonry Tile, Sandstone, Slate or Terrazzo:

Wash the stain with a solution of washing soda or detergent (not soap) and water.
Use a cloth or soft-bristled brush to scrub.
Rinse thoroughly with water and allow to dry.

Leather or Suede

Follow these steps to remove water spots from Leather or Suede:

Test denatured alcohol in an inconspicuous area.
If safe to use, rub the stain with a cloth dampened with a few drops of alcohol.
On leather, follow with Tannery Vintage Leather Cleaner & Conditioner or Fiebing's Saddle Soap to condition the leather.

Silver

Water spots can tarnish silver, so follow these steps to remove water spots:

Wash as soon as possible in hot soapy water.
Rinse in hot water and dry immediately with a soft cloth.

Wood

Follow these steps to remove water spots from Wood:

Rub the stain with petroleum jelly or boiled linseed oil.
Repeat application until stain vanishes.
Use a chamois to finish polishing the surface.