You may think that ceiling panels are installed to make a room aesthetically pleasing. You are right about that, but there is a more important reason for their existence. Ceiling panels, for the most part, help in reducing and controlling the heat that comes inside the room.
Water stains on ceiling panels are not unusual because ceiling panels are usually made from mineral fiber or fiberglass, which are both not durable and are resistant to any kind of stain.
What Causes Water Stains on Ceiling Panels?
Before we talk about the process on how to remove water stains from ceiling panels, it is important to note that fixing the cause of the stains will make a huge positive effect than removing the stains every time they appear.
That said, you should figure out where the stains root from, then do something about it. Water stains on ceiling panels are caused by several factors, such as pipe leaks, old pipes, and damaged roof.
Pipe Leaks
Pipes can break or acquire cracks and holes due to changes in temperature. They can also be damaged when the water pressure is unregulated and if they get clogged multiple times.
Nonetheless, sometimes, it is the plumber’s fault. If the plumber is not good at what he does, then expect that your pipes would not work smoothly.
Old Pipes
If you are still using the same pipes you were using ten years ago, then don’t expect that they will still work as new. Pipes get rusty with prolonged use, and they can also get leaky for the same reason.
Damaged Roof
Ceiling panels that are installed under the roof are prone to water stains caused by roof problems. If your roof has holes, then the water that comes from the outside, like rainwater, can pass through them and cause water stains.
How to Remove Water Stains from Ceiling Panels
To remove water stains from ceiling panels, you need:
- A duster or dry cloth that can be used to clean the affected ceiling panels and the area around them
- A cloth or rug to be placed on the floor, below the affected ceiling panels
- Mild bleach
- Stain-blocking primer (optional)
- Ceiling paint (optional)
When you already have gathered all the things needed, make sure to wear clothes and gears that will protect you from the dirt and the chemicals, then follow these simple steps:
- Remove any dust around the area of the affected ceiling panels with a duster or dry cloth.
- Clean the ceiling panels with mild bleach to remove molds, grease, and other kinds of dirt that have found their place at the ceiling panels. Wait a few seconds.
- Spray water onto the areas with bleach then let it dry.
If the water stains left marks on the once-affected ceiling panels and you want to remove them, follow these steps:
- Ready the stain-blocking primer and the ceiling paint.
- Apply the stain-blocking primer on the ceiling panels as a base coat.
- Apply the ceiling paint on top of the ceiling primer.
The aforementioned procedure is only applicable to cases that are mild.
If the water stains are severe, it is advisable that you replace the ceiling panels instead of trying to remove the stains. It is because, more often than not, they are already filled with molds and other organisms that can’t be removed anymore and can cause harmful effects to people.