Moisture stains on walls should not be overlooked. Initially, the first thing we notice is an aesthetic problem, which gives a room a bad image. But we mustn't stop there, because over time, mildew forms, which is bad for your health.
A search for the cause of damp
Stains don't appear for no reason. They have an origin, so our first objective must be to find the causes. Generally speaking, they are caused by a water leak that is imperceptible to us, or a deterioration in the house's insulation.
In all cases, it's advisable to call in the experts to find the origin and be able to treat it in the most appropriate way. Once the problem has been solved, it's time to get rid of the stain that has invaded the wall.
Protect yourself to treat damp
At first glance, there's nothing to worry about in damp patches that could harm our health. However, spores usually accumulate in dampness and are harmful to the respiratory system. Even if mold isn't visible, harmful particles are present in the moisture and we need to take precautions.
If you're planning to treat this type of stain, you'll need the right equipment, such as a mask and goggles. Don't forget to keep the window open at all times to ensure good ventilation.
A trick for removing damp stains
When stains appear on a white wall, you can remove them with bleach. To do this, it's necessary to make a solution in a bucket, with one part bleach to three parts water. Then we soak a sponge in this solution, wring it out and pass it over the stain.
This operation must be carried out with care to avoid splashing. There's no need to soak the wall, just apply a little of the mixture to the affected surface. Leave to dry before continuing.
If the stain is recent and not very old, a single application of bleach is usually sufficient to remove it. But if the stain is old and contains mildew, it's normal for it to take much more effort to remove it. In this case, if the stain doesn't disappear after the first application, we'll leave the room well-ventilated for a while, then use the mixture again.
If you're not convinced by using bleach on the wall, there's another homemade trick against damp stains. Using ammonia is a good option, but both of these products can alter the color. If you want to reduce this effect, you can always use vinegar.
Simply mix white or cleaning vinegar with water. Using a sprayer, we apply the combination to the area to be treated and leave it on for thirty minutes. Then we remove it with a damp cloth. This is a very interesting method for recent or faint stains.
If we're not keen on using liquid products, we always have the option of the magic eraser. This is a white sponge made of melamine foam, which has the ability to remove any residues that may accumulate on the wall by abrasive rubbing.
To use, simply dampen the sponge with water and wring it out. Then gently rub the damaged surface. If necessary, rinse the sponge and rub again. This is a fairly effective product for removing residues from the wall.
Stains on tiles
In general, damp stains tend to be more prevalent on walls, but their appearance on tiles shouldn't be ruled out. To combat this problem, you can use the methods mentioned above, either with bleach or vinegar. It will probably be easier to get rid of them, but cleaning the joints will require a little more effort.
If the joints have a black appearance due to moisture, it's best to use one of the mixtures mentioned above and help yourself with a toothbrush to scrub such a small surface well.
Once the stains have disappeared and the wall is dry, complete the process by repainting the room. If you want to avoid future problems, don't hesitate to apply a coat of antimicrobial paint.
Summary
My name is Maggie and I'm a writer for thesilverink.com, a website dedicated to news, culture and lifestyle. I have always been passionate about writing and I decided to make it my profession by becoming a web editor. I work on counterpoint.info and I mainly take care of the lifestyle section. I like to share my discoveries and my favorites with the readers, whether it's about fashion, beauty, decoration or gastronomy.
