Water stains on your walls and carpeting look unpleasant and they are also a sign of a possible water damage issue. It is important to get cases of water damage taken care of right away so that the water does not spread and make the damage worse. Most of the time, you can take care of water stains yourself as a DIY project. However, if the water caused severe damage in addition to the stains, you may have to hire a professional water damage company to help.
Removing Stains from Drywall
It is important to get any stains on your drywall removed quickly so that they do not spread or create mold or mildew which can damage the drywall. If you have a water stain on your drywall, here are some things, you can do:
- Find where the stain is coming from:
It is important to figure out where the stain is coming from. It may be from a plumbing leak, a leak from a heating appliance, or some other issue. These leaks can cause discoloration and odors as they leave mineral deposits behind. It is important to find the leak and fix the source.
- Clean and prep the area:
Once you’ve found the leak and sealed it, you should take care of the water stain mark. You should first clean the area with bleach and water mixed to a 1:3 ratio. If you do not have bleach available, then you can use a bathroom cleaner that contains bleach. This will help remove any mold and mildew as well as the stain.
- Let the area dry after cleaning it:
The area you cleaned should be allowed to dry out so that the paint can adhere to the surface. It is also beneficial to use a dehumidifier if you have one available. If the cleaning and drying of the stain did not work, you may need to replace some of the materials to fix it.
- Do the paint job:
First, fully cover the area that is stained with a stain-blocking primer. The primer you use should be oil-based as well as mold and stain resistant. The primer coating should be left to dry for at least two hours. Once the primer has dried, it may be a few shades darker or lighter than the surrounding area. Color match the new paint to the color of your wall or ceiling and apply the paint to the primed area with a roller. Wait a few hours for the first coat to dry. Finally, apply the second coat and let it dry. Once the second coat dries, the wall or ceiling should look as if there were never any stains.
Removing Stains from Carpeting
If you notice water stains on your carpet, the first thing to do is to try and absorb as much water as you can with an old towel or use a wet/dry vacuum to suction it away. For minor stains, here are the steps to follow:
- Create a cleaning solution:
In a bucket, mix 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid, 1 cup of distilled white vinegar, and 1 cup of distilled water.
- Apply the cleaner to the carpet:
Take a microfiber cloth, dip it into the cleaning solution, and wring it until it is just damp. Then using light pressure, dab the stained area with the cloth. Begin with the outside edge and work toward the center so it does not spread further. Rinse the cloth as the stain will transfer to it.
- Dry the carpet:
Get a few dry towels and stack them over the wet region. Put some books on the towels to keep them down. Make sure to check the towels and once the moisture has soaked into them, allow 24 hours for the carpet to fully dry. If you have a fan, point it to the area to help to dry the carpet faster.
- Freshen up the carpet:
If the carpet is still slightly damp, make sure to sprinkle some dry baking soda and leave it on the carpet for at least 8 hours or overnight. Finally, vacuum away the powder to help remove the odors.
Tips to Prevent Water Stains
Although you can DIY the removal of stains from drywall or carpet, it is always best to prevent them in the first place. Here are some tips to follow to help ensure that you do not end up with water stains at your property:
- Make sure to get your roof and plumbing leaks fixed right away.
- Your windows and doors should be weatherproofed so moisture does not enter.
- Always use towels or shoe trays to absorb water spills and water from boots and shoes.
- Never place potted plants directly on carpets.
- Always use vent fans in the bathroom and kitchen to avoid moisture condensation staining your walls.
Professional Water Stain Removal in New Jersey
Have you experienced water damage at your home or business? If you are not comfortable with doing DIY water damage removal, ServiceMaster by Replacements can help! We will react right away so that we can remediate the damage quickly and efficiently. Whether the water damage at your property was caused by a leaky appliance, a flood, burst pipes or overflows, our highly trained technicians will clean, dry, and restore your space back to its original state.
If you’ve encountered water stains on your ceiling, carpeting, or upholstery, it is important to react quickly so that the damage does not spread. It is also crucial that you get the items cleaned properly so that they do not develop mold or mildew which can damage them permanently. We use the proper equipment and methods and have the experience to remediate all types of water damage.
For more information regarding the full range of our water damage restoration services, make sure to give us a call at (732) 842-6917. We service all areas in Union, Ocean, and Monmouth counties.
