Say Goodbye to Water Stains

Although water can be a ‘gentle’ force, it can also leave ugly stains on appliances, furniture and structural surfaces. 

Many homeowners are accustomed to removing water stains in the bathroom and kitchen, but what about water stains on the ceiling, table tops and wood surfaces? 

Here’s a handy guide to removing water stains… 

How to remove water stains from glass and metal 

On glass, water stains present themselves as hazy white spots. And although these are tough to remove, there are numerous cleaning methods you can try. 

1. You may want to try a commercial cleaner that’s designed to tackle water stains. Spray your choice of product onto the glass and work it into the stain and wipe clean, taking care to avoid smudges and drip lines. 

You can use old, dry newspaper to buff windows and mirrors, or an e-cloth or lint-free cloth to wipe table surfaces. 

Top tip 

An accumulation of dust and cleaning agents can make cleaning cloths ineffective. To get the best results, pop these into the washing machine every now and then. 

2. Alternatively, you could use a homemade solution of white vinegar and water.

Mix 1 part vinegar to 5 parts water, and put it in a spray bottle for general use. You can also add a few drops of essential oils to give the solution a lovely smell.

Once you’ve sprayed the solution onto a glass or metal surface, let it sit for a while so that it can work its ‘magic’. Use a damp cloth to remove any residue and then rinse the surface clean.

You can also remove water stains from drinking glasses by simply soaking them in a bowl of vinegar solution.

How to remove water stains on wood 

Depending on how deep the water has penetrated, water stains on wood can have a different appearance.

White spots mean the water has only affected the top layer of the wood and will be easier to remove than dark water stains.

1. To treat light stains, apply an olive oil or oil-based furniture polish directly onto the blemish and leave it to soak overnight.

2. If the stain persists, vigorously rub white toothpaste into the stain. From there, wipe the surface clean and repeat the process if necessary.

3. Once the stain has been removed, apply an oil or wax-based furniture polish to give your furniture a glowing finish.

4. To deal with deep-seated stains, you’ll need to strip back the surface wood using sandpaper. Wait for the wood to dry before attending to the colour of the stain.

You can lighten the stain by dabbing a weak solution of bleach to the affected area or you can make the stain darker using the appropriate wood stain. You can then match the finish to the rest of the wood by using varnish or furniture wax.

Removing water stains on ceilings and plaster 

Water stains on the ceiling are often a result of burst pipes or leaks in the roof. If left unattended, these will leave water marks on the ceiling. But before you address the stain, it’s crucial that you fix the burst pipe or roof leak first.

Make sure that the affected area is completely dry before taking on this DIY project.

1. Using a water and bleach solution, dab it onto the ceiling to disinfect and lighten the stain.

The bleach will help keep mould development at bay and reduce the darkness of the stain. Remember to correctly mix the bleach according to the instructions on the label and to always follow safety instructions.

Top tip

When applying a bleach solution to a ceiling stain, remember to cover the floor and furniture with an old sheet or newspaper as any drips could discolour carpeting and upholstered furniture.

2. Use stain blocking paint to cover the stain, spreading it slightly beyond the borders of the stain, before letting it dry.

3. Apply a fresh coat of paint over the affected area. This may make the area stand out so you may want to repaint your whole ceiling to create a uniform look.  - Katlego Sekano

Article courtesy of Property 24