How to Eliminate Water Stains from Paper

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Water stains on paper can be frustrating, but there are a few methods you can try to remove them. First, place a clean, dry towel over the stained area and gently press down to absorb any excess moisture. Next, mix equal parts water and white vinegar and dab the mixture onto the stain using a clean cloth. Blot the stain gently, being careful not to rub or scrub the paper. If the stain persists, you can try using a small amount of hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice. Remember to test these solutions on a small, inconspicuous area of the paper first to ensure they don’t cause any damage.


When you accidentally spill water on your important documents or discover water stains on them, it may seem like there’s no way to get rid of the stains. However, it is possible to remove water stains from paper, although it requires careful handling. Act quickly and use common household items to remove the stains. Even if the stains are old, you can still remove them and restore your papers to a much better condition.

Step 1

Take a bowl large enough to dip the water-stained paper into, and pour equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water into it. Make sure to saturate the paper in the peroxide solution, but be careful not to let the liquid seep too far into the paper.

Step 2


Washing and rinsing the water-stained paper will aid in its restoration.

Afterwards, rinse the paper in a mixture of equal parts calcium hydroxide and distilled water. This will help remove any traces of acidity present in the paper.

Step 3


Use paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Remove the paper from the hydroxide solution and gently blot the wet area with paper towels. Place one layer of paper towels beneath the paper and another on top. Apply pressure to draw out the moisture. Repeat this process with dry paper towels until no more moisture transfers onto them.

Step 4


Toothbrushes can be useful for certain household tasks.

If any water stains remain, combine 1/3 cup of bleach with 2/3 cup of water. Use a toothbrush to apply this solution to the paper, taking care to scrub lightly to avoid ripping the paper. Remove all excess liquid from the paper by blotting it with paper towels.

Step 5

If necessary, place wax paper between layers of paper and use an iron to smooth out the paper. Set the iron to a low to medium heat setting. Ironing the paper will remove any wrinkles caused by the moisture in the paper.

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