Few things look as unsightly and concerning on your home’s walls as brown, yellow, or streaky water stains. Whether from a leak, condensation buildup, recent flooding, or humidity issues, these stains don’t just mar your interior; they can signal potentially bigger moisture problems.
While you’ll want to first identify and fix any active sources of water entry, tackling those set-in eyesores is next on the agenda. Fortunately, there are some proven methods for removing even stubborn water stains and restoring those dingy walls.
For Light, Surface Stains:
- Mix a few drops of dish soap into a spray bottle of water and mist the affected area. Let it sit briefly before scrubbing it gently with a sponge or cloth.
- Make a baking soda paste by mixing it with water and use it as a gentle abrasive to rub out discoloration.
- Spray some distilled white vinegar directly onto stains and allow it to soak in before wiping clean.
Tough, Set-In Stains:
- Use trisodium phosphate (TSP) substitute cleaner, mixing and applying per product instructions to cut through built-up grime.
- Create a paste with cream of tartar and undiluted vinegar. Let it sit for hours before scrubbing away the staining.
- For extreme cases, spray undiluted bleach onto stains and allow 5 minutes before cleaning to remove mold/mildew discoloration.
Additional Tips:
- For textured walls, use a soft brush along with cleaning solutions to penetrate grooves.
- Rinse walls fully after applying any cleaning mixtures.
- Inspect for remaining moisture sources before repainting walls.
- Repaint if cleaning can't fully remove stains or fading.
With some persistence and the right cleaning approach, those unsightly water stains marring your wall’s appearance can be erased. But also remember to fully remedy any underlying leak or moisture sources first to prevent staining from returning. A little elbow grease now saves much bigger hassles down the road!