Water is often the go-to solution for cleaning things around the house.
But did you know that some everyday items can actually be damaged by water?
Whether it’s delicate materials or sensitive electronics, using water to clean certain things can cause more harm than good.
Before you reach for that wet sponge or cloth, take a moment to learn about the items you should keep dry.
Here are 11 everyday items you should never clean with water.
1. Wooden Furniture
Wooden furniture may seem sturdy, but water is not its friend.
When water comes into contact with wood, it can cause the wood to swell, warp, or even crack over time.
Even worse, water can leave behind unsightly stains or rings that are difficult to remove.
Instead of using water, it’s better to clean wooden furniture with a soft, dry cloth or a furniture polish.
You can also use a wood-specific cleaner to help maintain the wood’s finish and keep it looking its best.
By keeping water away from your wooden furniture, you’ll help it last for years and avoid damaging the natural beauty of the material.
2. Leather Goods
Leather, whether it’s on your shoes, bags, or furniture, does not respond well to water.
Water can cause leather to dry out, stiffen, or even crack.
If left to soak in, it can also leave permanent water spots on the surface.
To clean leather, it’s best to use a leather cleaner or conditioner that’s designed to keep the material soft and supple.
For light cleaning, a dry or slightly damp cloth can be used to wipe away dust and dirt.
Avoid drenching leather in water, as this will only damage the material in the long run.
3. Electronics
It goes without saying, but water and electronics don’t mix.
From smartphones to laptops, water can cause serious damage to the internal components of electronic devices.
Even a small amount of water can cause short circuits, corrosion, and permanent malfunction.
If you need to clean your electronics, use a microfiber cloth that’s dry or slightly dampened with a specialized screen cleaner.
For dust removal, compressed air can help get into those hard-to-reach places without the risk of water damage.
When it comes to electronics, it’s always best to keep water far, far away.
4. Musical Instruments
Musical instruments, particularly those made of wood or brass, should never be cleaned with water.
Water can warp wooden instruments like guitars, violins, or pianos, altering their sound quality and even making them unplayable.
Brass instruments, while more durable, can develop rust or corrosion if exposed to water.
To clean your instruments, use a dry or slightly damp cloth to wipe away fingerprints or dust.
For deeper cleaning, consult a professional or use a cleaner specifically designed for the instrument’s material.
Taking the right precautions will ensure your instruments stay in tune and last for years.
5. Books and Paper Documents
Water is a book’s worst enemy.
Spilling water on books or important documents can cause the pages to warp, wrinkle, or even disintegrate.
Wet paper can stick together, making it nearly impossible to separate without tearing.
To clean books or documents, use a dry, soft brush or cloth to gently remove dust and dirt.
If moisture is an issue, place a piece of absorbent paper like a blotter between the pages to help soak it up.
Keep water far away from your bookshelves and paperwork to avoid costly or irreplaceable damage.
6. Velvet Upholstery
Velvet upholstery adds a touch of luxury to any room, but it does not get along with water.
Water can leave permanent marks on velvet and cause the fibers to mat down, losing that soft, plush texture.
Instead of water, clean velvet by brushing it with a soft brush or using a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust and dirt.
For stains, it’s best to consult a professional cleaner who specializes in delicate fabrics like velvet.
By avoiding water, you’ll keep your velvet furniture looking luxurious and soft to the touch.
7. Antique or Vintage Items
Antique or vintage items are often fragile, and cleaning them with water can cause irreversible damage.
Water can weaken the materials, cause rust, or fade delicate finishes.
This is especially true for items made of wood, metal, or fabric.
When cleaning antiques, it’s best to use a dry or slightly damp cloth, or consult a professional conservator who specializes in preserving these items.
Avoid using water-based cleaning solutions that can harm the original quality and value of your antiques.
8. Mattresses
Mattresses can absorb a lot of moisture if cleaned with water, leading to mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors.
While it might seem like water is a good option for cleaning a mattress, it can actually create more problems than it solves.
Instead, use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris from the surface of the mattress.
For stains, a mixture of baking soda and a small amount of vinegar can work wonders without soaking the mattress.
After treating any stains, let the mattress air out to dry completely before covering it with sheets.
This way, you’ll keep your mattress fresh and free from water damage.
9. Suede Items
Suede is one of those materials that should never come into contact with water.
Water can leave unsightly stains on suede, and it can ruin the texture of the material.
Suede shoes, jackets, or furniture are better off cleaned with a specialized suede brush or an eraser designed for the material.
If your suede items do get wet, blot them with a dry cloth and allow them to air dry naturally, avoiding heat sources.
Using water on suede is a quick way to ruin the look and feel of the fabric, so it’s best to stick to dry cleaning methods.
10. Televisions and Monitors
Just like with other electronics, water should never be used to clean televisions or computer monitors.
Water can seep into the edges of the screen, causing damage to the internal components and potentially leading to a permanent malfunction.
To safely clean your screen, use a dry microfiber cloth to remove dust and fingerprints.
If you need a little extra cleaning power, use a screen cleaner specifically made for electronics, applied sparingly to the cloth—not directly onto the screen.
By avoiding water, you’ll keep your screens looking clear and functioning properly.
11. Silk Fabrics
Silk is a delicate fabric that doesn’t handle water well.
Water can cause silk to lose its shine and become stiff, leaving behind water spots that are nearly impossible to remove.
For silk clothing or bedding, it’s best to use a dry cleaning service or hand wash with a silk-specific detergent in cold water, being careful to avoid soaking the fabric.
After washing, air dry the silk flat, away from direct sunlight.
By avoiding water or harsh washing methods, your silk will stay soft, luxurious, and long-lasting.
Final Thoughts
Water might seem like a universal cleaning solution, but for many items, it’s best avoided.
From delicate fabrics like silk to modern electronics, using water can cause more harm than good.
By knowing what items shouldn’t be cleaned with water, you can avoid damaging your belongings and keep them in top condition for longer.
Next time you’re ready to clean, think twice before reaching for water—it might just save your favorite things from unnecessary damage.