Domestic Science: How to Remove Water Stains from Wallpaper - Remodelista
This past winter in New England there was only one topic of discussion at any party or gathering ice dams accumulated snow on a... ...sloping roof that melts and flows down the roof then refreezes preventing snow from properly draining and resulting in roof leaks according to Wikipedia Specifically the extensive and expensive interior water damage they caused. One of my favorite features in the guest bedroom of my summer cottage is the antique cream and gold wallpaper. Photograph by Matthew Williams for Remodelista: A Manual for the Considered Home. Photograph by Matthew Williams for Remodelista: A Manual for the Considered Home. A closeup of my beloved wallpaper shows the effects of age, including water stains near the baseboards. This winter’s water damage tipped the balance from “charming patina” and just plain “delerict.” Something had to be done. Most water stains are not actually caused by the water itself but from the tannins in the wood behind the paper which dissolve... ...when they come into contact with the water One note Because my wallpaper is so old contacting the manufacturer was not an option Step 1: If your walls are dirty, use a little dish soap mixed with water to gently clean the walls. Step 2: Mix one part bleach with two parts water. Before you start wiping down a whole area, be sure to test a small spot that’s not in plain view. Dip the edge of your sponge into the bleach solution (you may want to wear gloves). Step 4: Be careful not to apply too much water; you want the stain to disappear, not get worse. Step 5: Let the bleach solution rest for 5 minutes, then “rinse” or blot again with a wetted rag. (I had to apply the bleach solution twice on those dark stains toward the bottom.) Still not perfect, especially around the gold areas, where I was loathe to try bleach. But I think we’re back in the realm of a charming patina.