Home Garden

How to Remove a Water Stain From Wallpaper

Wallpaper can be a time-consuming and expensive choice for home decor. Water stains may be caused by water splashing or leaking on to the wallpaper, or from tannins seeping from wet wood behind your walls. To keep from having to re-paper your walls after each stain, it's important to know a few ways to remove water stains from wallpaper.

Things You'll Need

  • Soft, white or light-colored pencil eraser
  • Soft brush
  • Mild dish soap
  • Spray bottle
  • Soft cloths or sponges
  • Bleach
  • Distilled water
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Instructions

  1. General Water Stain

    • 1

      Rub the eraser gently over the stained area in a circular motion. The eraser will remove the top layer of the stained wallpaper, revealing the clean layers underneath.

    • 2

      Brush off any bits of the eraser left behind with a soft brush or cloth.

    • 3

      Repeat Step 1 if any traces of the stain remain.

    Greasy Water Stains

    • 4

      Combine dish soap and warm water in a spray bottle or bucket.

    • 5

      Spray or rub the soapy water directly onto the stain.

    • 6

      Rub the soapy water gently into the stain using a soft sponge or cloth.

    • 7

      Rinse with a clean sponge or cloth soaked in warm, clean water.

    Tannin-based Water Stains

    • 8

      Mix a solution of 30 percent bleach and 70 percent warm water in a bucket.

    • 9

      Dip a sponge in the bleach mixture and apply to the stain, dampening the wallpaper. Let sit for five minutes.

    • 10

      Spray the area with distilled water and wipe clean with a soft sponge or cloth.