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Even the most luxurious bathroom can lose its appeal if it has ugly water stains. They have many causes, ranging from ventilation problems and internal leaks to shower dampness. Even once you determine what caused the marks on your wall in the first place, you need to get rid of them without making the cosmetic problem worse.
While painting the entire wall may seem like the only option, there are other techniques to remove water stains from your walls without going to such lengths.
There are many ways to get rid of water stains on walls without repainting. First, use a sponge or cloth to gently apply a solution of equal parts vinegar and water to the discolored area. An alternative is to use a mixture of baking soda and water; Apply, let it settle and then scrub gently. When dealing with more stubborn stains, use a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water; Apply it carefully, let it set and then wipe clean. An additional option is to use a professional cleaner, especially to get rid of water stains. If the stain is still there, try using a melamine foam eraser (such as the Magic Eraser) to gently apply pressure.
Finally, to avoid further staining, ensure adequate ventilation and deal with the water source. Try this methods, starting with the gentlest, to effectively remove water stains from your walls without the need for repainting.
How to get water stains off of walls
Water stains appear on bare walls because they require a more absorbent surface and won’t show up on tile. This is a problem because your walls are most likely painted: how do you go about repainting the wall without breaking it and possibly repainting the entire room?
Soap and water
If using simple fixes doesn’t work, start slowly and only gradually increase the strength of your cleaning technique. Start with a straightforward mixture of warm water and dish soap (roughly a one to two ratio). Apply soapy water to the stain using a cloth soaked in the mixture. After rinsing with plain water and drying completely with a hair dryer on a cool setting, rub it gently from top to
Vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda
If that doesn’t work, combine vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda in a spray bottle. Give it a shake, then wash the stain with it. After about an hour, remove it with a damp towel. If you have time, do this several times at one-hour soaking intervals; Otherwise, you will have to repeat the technique several times to completely remove the stain.
Everything you need to clean your walls
- White vinegar (128 ounces for $4.59)
- Lemon juice (15 ounces for $2.99)
- Baking soda (16 ounces for $0.99)
- Spray bottle (16-ounce for $3)
- Microfiber cloths (24 for $12.98)
How to get water stains out of wood
If you have cabinets or even wood paneling that is looking sad, you have a few options to get rid of water stains on your wood surfaces.
- Mayonnaise can be applied to the stain and allowed to set overnight. In the morning, the stain can be removed and the wood can be polished.
- Another option is to mix equal parts vinegar and olive oil, apply the mixture to the stain, and then use a towel to wipe in the direction of the stain until it’s gone. Then, use a fresh, dry towel to wash the surface down.
- Try ironing on a low heat setting, using a towel on the stain. To check if the stain is coming off, remove it after pressing it for a while up, then try again until you’re satisfied. (Be advised that this works best for still-damp stains.)
How to get hard water stains off of tile
Conventional water stains won’t significantly damage your tile, but hard water can deposit minerals that cause unsightly brown or orange stains. Try mixing white vinegar with water or baking soda to make a good paste, then use a scouring pad or sponge to rub it onto your tiles to remove it. Once you are satisfied with the result, leave it alone and give it a quick once over with clean water and a towel.
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