Water is something that’s supposed to clean clothes, not stain them. However, water stains on shirts, dresses and other clothing is very common for individuals who have hard water. Understanding what it takes to get rid of those stains is important, especially on white clothes.
Hard water describes water that has a lot of dissolved calcium, magnesium and manganese. When clothes are washed in this type of water, they can appear yellowed or dingy. You may also notice white soap residue, especially on dark clothes, which will require extra rinsing. You can easily find out if your water is hard by having it tested.
If you have a water stain as a result of hard water, here’s what to do:
- Choose a Cold Power detergent
- Soak the clothing in a mix of water and detergent
- Wash as you usually would
- Check to see if the stain is gone
The best option for removing water stains from white and coloured clothing is Cold Power. If the fabric is delicate, use Lovables.
If you’re dealing with a dingy spot on a dress or shirt, apply some Cold Power detergent and gently massage it into the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes before washing. If the clothing item is completely covered by hard water stains, mix together the Cold Power detergent and cool water, then let the clothing item soak for at least two hours.
Wash normally using Cold Power detergent.
Check to see if the stain is gone before drying the clothes. If it isn’t, repeat these steps.
So, what happens if the water stain is on a dry-clean only item or on non-washing laundry item like bedding or blinds? Spot treat. Mix together 2 cups of water and ½ cup of Cold Power detergent in a spray bottle. Spray the water stained spot and blot with a clean white towel.
If the fabric is delicate and requires hand washing, use Lovables as your detergent and stain remover. Be careful about adding any other substance into the wash, whether you’re hand washing or machine washing the clothing. Bleach may be helpful with water stains, but can also damage certain fabrics, like polyester and cotton.
Water stains are often more noticeable on white clothing, but using the steps above should help you take care of the stain if you act fast. After washing, place the stained item of clothing next to a brilliantly white one to compare the difference. It should be better than before and not yellow in the slightest; however, the brilliant white shine may never be fully restored.
Dealing with hard water stains? Get rid of them quickly using these step-by-step instructions.