How To Repair Water Damaged Furniture

Whether you have experienced water leaks in your home’s foundation or you have been the victim of a home fire, chances are that you have sustained some extent of water damage to your home furniture. When you have wooden furniture items, you may notice a milky white stain that forms on the surface of the wood. This is the result of moisture getting trapped under the finish of the wood’s surface. For furniture items such as mattresses, couches and reclining chairs that are constructed mainly of fabric material and core materials, you will need to take additional steps to dry and then clean the items to prevent the growth of mold from becoming a problem within your home. With a few hours of your time, some simple household products and some elbow grease you can return life back to your household furniture items.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Repairing Wood Furniture

All Wood Finish

Step 1: Locate Damaged Area

Locate the area of your wood furniture that has sustained water damage. You will need to cover this area of the wood with a plain white cotton style t-shirt. You can also use a pillow case if you have one available.

Step 2: Use The Iron/Blow Dryer

Using a regular iron that is set on medium heat or blow-dryer, iron or blow-dry the water stained area of the furniture for a few seconds at a time. Remove the fabric from the water stained area and allow the wood underneath to cool for a few minutes.

Step 3: Repeat

If there is still noticeable damage to the wood of the furniture you will need to repeat steps one and two until visible signs of the water damage are gone.

For Glossy Finish Restoration

Step 1: Locate And Apply

Locate the area of your wooden furniture that has sustained water damage and apply a very small amount of regular white toothpaste to the area.

Step 2: Use Toothpaste

Using a white t-shirt or washcloth, rub this toothpaste into the water damaged area working in the same direction as the wood grain.

Step 3: Rubbing Compound

Use the same motion and technique to apply rubbing compound to the wooden furniture to even out the finish.

For Satin Finish Restoration

Step 1: Apply Lemon Oil

Apply a small amount of lemon oil directly on the water damaged area of the furniture.

Step 2: Use Steel Wool

Using an extra fine steel wool pad, rub the lemon oil into this area working with the grain of the wood.

Step 3: Apply Polish

Wipe off any excess lemon oil and apply furniture polish to the entire piece of furniture.

Repairing Cloth and Padded Household Furniture

Step 1: Ventilate

Use a shop vacuum to remove any excess water that may still be trapped deep into the furniture. If possible move the furniture into an area such as outdoors or in a garage where the furniture can air out and dry thoroughly.

Step 2: Use Antibacterial Cleaner

Spray the material portion of the furniture item with an antibacterial cleaner designed for upholstery cleaning. Use a damp sponge or cloth to soak up the cleaner from the material.

Step 3: Let Furniture Dry

Allow the furniture to thoroughly dry before placing it back into the home.

Tips & Warnings

Mold spores can form in cloth and padded household furniture if it is not allowed to dry completely. If you do have furniture that has been damaged by mold it is better to discard these items. The risks to you and your family can be very severe if inhaled. When repairing water damaged cloth furniture, you can use a handheld steam cleaner to clean deep into the furniture instead of using a sponge or cloth.

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