It can be terrible to have your furniture be permanently scarred from water damage. Seeing those unfortunate rings or stains may cause you to wonder if there’s anything you can do to get rid of them. Luckily, you have more options removing those stains than you think. Whether your furniture is made of fabric or wood, there are multiple ways to tackle this issue.

Wood Furniture

Non-gel toothpaste can be a simple way to rid your wood furniture of water stains or rings. You can take the toothpaste and gently rub it onto the area with a soft cloth. Be careful not to work the spot for too long, as you risk damaging the area even more. To finish, wipe it off with a damp cloth, let it dry, then go over it with furniture polish.

You can also use baking soda and water to help remove forms of damage from your furniture. By mixing equal parts of the two ingredients, you apply it to the area in a circular motion until the stain fades away. Be careful not to use too much water, as you might cause more damage. As long as you follow the same directions, this method can even be used with salt. Just make sure you also apply a furniture polish once you’re done.

Other usable household items include car wax and petroleum jelly. You can use car wax on your furniture just like you would a car. Simply apply a thin layer, let it dry, and then buff it out with a soft cloth. Petroleum jelly is the simpler option of the two. Apply it on the area, and leave it overnight. In the morning, you can easily wipe the stain or mark away.

Fabric Furniture

Removing water damage from upholstered furniture can be tricky, as each type of fabric requires something different for stain removal. A general method is to blot the area dry as soon as possible and then blot it with a vinegar-soaked rag. Try going towards the center of the stain to prevent it from spreading.

For the various types of fabric, leather is the easiest to clean. This material doesn’t absorb liquid as fast, so the best method to prevent water damage is to dry it as quickly as you can. You can also use baby wipes for stains on microfiber, and an alcohol solution on suede. Furniture with velvet should have the stain dampened and then cooled with a hair dryer.

Is your home suffering from an unexpected water damage disaster? Contact the licensed and insured contractors of FloodCo at (406) 892-1717. Their team serves the Flathead Valley and northwest Montana communities with services ranging from emergency water removal to fire mitigation. You can visit their website for more information on the efficient and stress-free services they offer.