How to Dry Wet Drywall Damage

Drywall is a common building material that often makes up most of the interior walls in a home. The gypsum-packed drywall is hard when it is dry, but it can get mushy if it gets wet. If your drywall was completely soaked from a flood or leak, it is likely you'll have to replace it, as it will not be salvageable. If the drywall got slightly wet, you can dry it carefully to restore its hardness.

Fan
All-purpose cleaner
Cloths
Spackle
300-grit sandpaper
Paint
Paintbrush

Instructions

- 1
  Keep the room completely dry when you are working. Use exhaust fans in adjacent bathrooms and kitchens when taking showers or boiled water.
- 2
  Remove any furniture that is next to the damp wall. Clear the area for several feet to allow the wall to ventilate completely.
- 3
  Point a fan directly at the wet drywall. Turn on the fan, and leave it on for several hours or days until the drywall is completely dry. Don't touch the drywall during this period, as it can be soft and can easily get punctured during this period.
- 4
  Clean the wall with an all-purpose cleaner and a cloth. Work until the wall is completely clean and all of the water stains are gone.
- 5
  Spackle the walls with a paint scraper to cover any dimples that appeared when the drywall was wet. Let the Spackle dry completely before sanding it flat with the wall with 300-grit sandpaper.
- 6
  Repaint the wall. Apply two coats of paint, and let the wall dry completely.

How to Remodel From a Corner Bead to a Bullnose Corner Bead

How to Apply Paste Wood Filler to Molding

Wall Repairs