Got Tough Water Stains? Fight Mold And Mildew With Supplies You Already Have

Water stains on walls can be some of the toughest to deal with as a homeowner. If you've tried your typical cleaners on a stained wall and you're not seeing any difference, maybe it's time to try a different attack. Here are some potential fixes for mold and mildew stains in your house.

Wash Off Water Marks

When a wall has gotten wet due to leaks, flooding, or condensation, mold can take up temporary residence on your walls. As the house dries out, the mold dies and leaves dark marks behind wherever the water was before. These can be somewhat difficult to get rid of with just cleaning, but a second coat of primer and paint can get rid of them for good.

Your first step will be to mix equal parts water and bleach, and then apply this mixture liberally with a rag or paper towel to any trouble areas. You want to completely disinfect the wall while also removing the existing mold. Make sure everything is totally dry before moving on, as water under the next coat of paint can promote more mold growth and cause bubbles to form.

Eradicating Signs Of Mildew

Mildew is a little easier to fight than mold. If you spot mildew stains in your home, reach for the vinegar instead of the bleach. Dilute a small amount of white vinegar in water and spray it generously on the stain. After you've let it sit for a moment, the mildew should wipe right off. The acid in the vinegar will both help pull the mildew from the wall and make the area less hospitable to fungus growth. You can also rub a slice of lemon over the area to keep future mildew away and add a nice citrus smell.

Keeping Stains From Reappearing

Mold and mildew stains appear in the first place because of a problem with the way your home handles water. If you don't address the underlying cause of mold growth, your home's stains will continue reappearing over time. One good way to fight this is to invest in a dehumidifier or two for the dampest rooms in your home. If your stains are serious, it might be a good idea to contact a repairman to have your home inspected for mold and serious plumbing problems.

Serious water damage may need professional attention before your home starts looking normal again. Feel free to tackle small stains yourself, but there's no shame in asking for help if the extent of your home's mold and mildew problem overwhelms you. With the right cleaning agents and possibly a little outside help, you'll eventually get your home back to its former glory.