One of the signs of a hidden leak or drip that we identified in a recent blog was water stains that may appear on your ceiling, walls, or floors. Now you know what those weird stains might mean, how do you get rid of them when they do appear? Of course, the first step is to call a plumber to fix the leak at the source, but that might leave you with unsightly marks and stains in your home. Here are some tips to help you remove water stains.

You should try to clean up water stains quickly before the damage becomes worse, but make sure to address the leak or else the stain will just keep coming back. Start with a simple mixture of dish soap and warm water. Dab a cloth into the water and use it to gently rub the stain. Dab the stain dry with a paper towel and leave it to dry to see if this has done the trick. If it’s a more stubborn stain or if mold has started to grow, you may need to use a mixture of bleach and water instead.

A similar solution to the above should do the job when it comes to water stains on your carpets. It’s easier if you put the solution in a spray bottle and use that to spray the soapy water onto your carpet or onto a cloth – you only need a little bit. Then, use a cloth to gently dab at the stain, starting with the edges, and leave to dry afterward.

If you have wood flooring, it’s a good idea to dry the water before attempting anything else. You can dab the stain with a clean cloth or paper towels, or speed up the process with fans or a hairdryer. Just make sure not to apply too much direct heat. If the spill or leak has left behind a stain, then you can try a mixture of water and baking soda, combined to make a paste. Similarly, petroleum jelly can be effective. You can apply either of these and leave them overnight before wiping the area clean.

A variety of store-bought cleaners designed specifically for wood flooring could also work. More stubborn or severe stains may require the wood to be sanded and refinished by a professional.

For all of your plumbing problems or maintenance needs, call Brandon Plumbing for our services around Clemmons, Lewisville, and Winston Salem, NC.