Ask Mrs. Clean: House Cleaning, Stain Removal and Organizing Tips

[chromei386]

Hi,

My ceilings currently have stains on them, possibly caused my moisture. I have a feeling I'm going to need to repaint, but I thought it doesn't hurt to ask see if there's any alternative solutions out there. Thanks for any help or suggestions

[mrscleannw]

Hello Chromei386 and Welcome to Mrs. Clean's Forum!
I hate to say it but until you have the issue of the moisture taken care of, you are most likely just holding off the inevitable. Also, if there is moisture, there could be mold growing and you will want to consider that for health issues.

But if you are looking for a quick fix, there are a few things to try:
The first suggestion and easiest thing to try would be the Magic Eraser. I have seen this little wonder do miraculous things for stains on walls. We use these daily in client’s homes and landlords use them so as not to have to repaint after tenants move out. They are simple to use and will not create a mess.

If that is not successful try:
Borax is a great disinfectant, kills mold and should remove the stain. Try this solution:
In a bucket, mix 1 teaspoon to 1/4 cup borax with up to 2 cups hot tap water and let it dissolve completely. Use a terry cloth to wash the stained area. If the stain is really dark, use a higher concentration of borax and/or leave the solution on for a few hours or overnight and then rinse well. Borax can even be used to clean plaster walls and ceilings that have been penetrated by mold using an almost straight borax paste. Leave the borax on the ceiling for a number of days and when it is completely dry, and vacuum up the powder. Borax is said to stop mold/mildew from returning.

Lastly, if the above things are not successful:
Mix one cup of bleach to one cup of warm water in a bucket. Be sure to open windows and use a fan to create adequate ventilation in the area in which you will be cleaning. You will want to use goggles to protect your eyes from overhead drips. Wear a long sleeved shirt and gloves to protect your skin.) Apply the solution with a terry cloth to wash the area down. Let the solution sit on the area and dry. This should remove the stain temporarily, but without fixing the “leak” or moisture issue, you will have to do this every time the stain reappears.

The only way to say goodbye to the stain is to fix the moisture issue, then prime with "kilz" and paint.

Good luck and let us know how things turn out!

[monica]

Primarily cleaning it thoroughly would be suitable and having an extensive evaluation on the ceilings to what area requires a better approach. Clinging to some advice or you may get professional cleaners to do it for you.