How to Remove Water Spots from Clothes

Learn how to remove water spots from clothes with these simple tips and tricks. Find out how to prevent them from happening in the first place.

How to Remove Water Spots from Clothes

Water spots on fabrics are caused by the detachment of the dye or finishing agents found on many garments. When water comes into contact with these agents, it can cause them to form rings on the surface of the material. To get rid of water stains, you can wet the entire area with water and let it dry. Alternatively, you can use a clothes steamer filled with distilled water and white vinegar to wet the water stain before treatment.

Make sure to keep the steamer far enough away so that spray water doesn't splash onto the item. If you're dealing with a large load of laundry, simply re-washing clothes or bedding stained with water with your usual detergent on a normal cycle will often do the trick. For single garments, you can also hand wash them several times with distilled water and a little detergent. Watermarks form when water stays on the fabric too long before it dries. To prevent this from happening, it's important to speed up the drying time before they have time to develop.

Here are some tips for cleaning fabrics so that watermarks stay with dirt:

  • Wash items in cold water.
  • Use a gentle cycle.
  • Hang items up to dry as soon as possible.
  • Avoid using too much detergent.
While sometimes annoying, the natural minerals that municipal systems add to the community's water supply are very beneficial and provide essential minerals for purifying water and providing additional nutrients.

Dennis Mackessy
Dennis Mackessy

Typical tv geek. Infuriatingly humble beer nerd. Unapologetic tv junkie. Hardcore beer trailblazer. Hipster-friendly tea specialist.