What can happen to buttons with metal backs when using water-based cleaning products?

Using water-based cleaning products on upholstery that features buttons with metal backs can lead to rusting. This is primarily due to the fact that water can introduce moisture, which can create the right conditions for rust to form, especially if the metal is not stainless or treated to resist corrosion.

Metal buttons that are exposed to water may absorb moisture, and if they are made of iron or other susceptible metals, they can undergo oxidation, leading to rust. This is particularly relevant in upholstery cleaning where contact with moisture is unavoidable.

Additionally, while it's true that polishing and detachment might occur with improper care or cleaning methods, these are less directly related to the use of water-based products compared to the immediate risk of rusting. Fading of color may happen over time with certain fabrics or exposure to cleaning products, but it is not a direct effect associated with just the presence of moisture from water-based cleaners. Thus, the potential for rusting stands out as the most significant concern regarding metal-backed buttons in this context.