Yellow condensation stains often come from when there has been a leak in the roof of your home, or if it’s somewhere in your bathroom, it could be due to a lack of appropriate ventilation. The water then dries and causes the yellow staining.
Yellow stains on your ceiling can look unsightly but they can be removed. However, it is best to find what it is that has leaked, whether that’s a pipe that needs some plumbing attention, and fix it, rather than just covering up the staining.
If the reason why the stain is there isn’t fixed, it can happen again, and could also cause structural or electrical damage.
The first step is to identify where the leak has come from, whether that is from a heating appliance, the roof, or from somewhere in the bathroom, and fix the root cause of the problem, to prevent staining to your ceiling again.
If it is down to the roof, find where the problem is. If it is crumbling shingles or an issue with weather proofing on the roof, get it fixed.
If it is the radiator, search on the body of the radiator, the valve, pipe or bleed point. This is the part where cold air leaves the radiator.
If it is coming from upstairs, check any old caulking that could be letting moisture seap through. Repair any issues with a toilet, for example, it could be overflowing, or any issues with clogged sinks or drains.
The second step is to clean the stain with bleach. Use a mild, homemade bleach solvent that consists of one part bleach and three cups of warm water. This will help fade the stain and remove any other mildew or grease on the ceiling, or any other substances that can prevent primer and paint adhering to the ceiling.
Use oxygen bleach rather than chlorine bleach and use a tea towel to clean the ceiling.
- Can I just paint over the stain on the ceiling?
- Can cigarette smoke cause yellow stains to the ceiling?
- Are yellow stains on the ceiling mold?
- What do yellow cigarette smoke stains look like on the ceiling?
- What is the best primer to use on yellow stains?
- Why do bathroom walls go a yellow colour sometimes?
- Do I have to use bleach to remove yellow stains?
- What else can I do to remove yellow stains from the ceiling?
- Do yellow stains on the ceiling weaken the ceiling?
- Are there products I can buy to remove the stains?
- Starbrite Mould and Mildew Remover
- Zep Mould and Mildew Stain remover
- Oxi Clean Versatile Stain Remover
- 1000+ Stain Remover
- Pumie Heavy Duty Scouring Stick
- Clorox Tilex 32oz Mould and Mildew Remover
- Mould Armour 32oz Mould Remover and Disinfectant
- Conclusion
There may be affiliate links in this article. You can read more about this in my disclosure.
Can I just paint over the stain on the ceiling?
You could, but this is not advised as the stain is likely to keep coming back. Oh this better to address why the stain has happened and fix it.
Then clean the stain and repaint.
Can cigarette smoke cause yellow stains to the ceiling?
Yes it can cause yellow stains to the ceiling and it can also cause yellow stains to the walls and curtains.
Are yellow stains on the ceiling mold?
Mold is more commonly green or black in color but sometimes it can be yellow. If the stain is mold, it can appear fuzzy to the surface.
Mold often grows due to water damage, but some molds can grow without it being due to water damage.
What do yellow cigarette smoke stains look like on the ceiling?
Cigarette smoke, or nicotine stains will not have a clearly defined edge to the stain like water stains do. It will also appear darker.
Sometimes the stain may have been painted over and has now come through the ceiling paint.
What is the best primer to use on yellow stains?
Oil based primer is the best to use on yellow stains on the ceiling. It is harder to clean up however, as it is not water soluble.
[amazon box=”B0009XCG3W” template=”vertical”]Why do bathroom walls go a yellow colour sometimes?
Often, mould that is yellow in colour is caused by humidity. To help prevent this, you can open your window or use a bathroom vent when in the bathroom to get the air circulating.
This will help to reduce the moisture in the room.
Do I have to use bleach to remove yellow stains?
You can try using soap and water but it may not have the same effect as bleach. Bleach is used to help the stain fade before adding primer and repainting.
[amazon box=”B07J6FJR8D” template=”vertical”]What else can I do to remove yellow stains from the ceiling?
If all else has failed, you could have the area of ceiling replaced, re plastered and repainted.
Do yellow stains on the ceiling weaken the ceiling?
If the yellow stain on the ceiling is because of water damage, then yes the ceiling can become compromised. The ceiling may also start to crumble, and that area of ceiling could become a hole.
This then becomes dangerous as that part of the ceiling could fall.
Are there products I can buy to remove the stains?
Yes, by searching Amazon, there are plenty of products available to buy. Here are some of the products available:
Starbrite Mould and Mildew Remover
Starbrite mould and mildew remover is a professional strength remover with buffered bleach technology. It is available on Amazon in 32oz spray bottles or gallon bottles. It is easy to use and quickly removes stains. Prices start on Amazon at $12.99.
[amazon box=”B076QHBRQH” template=”vertical”]Zep Mould and Mildew Stain remover
Zep mould and mildew stain remover is a bleach product. It can also whiten surfaces. It’s ready to use formula also helps to reduce the amount of scrubbing you have to do. It can be an irritant to skin and eyes when using the product. It is priced at $8.79.
[amazon box=”B001SQSF3O” template=”vertical”]Oxi Clean Versatile Stain Remover
This product boats of 101 different ways to use the product and weighs in at a 3lb tub. It is also chlorine free. Keep this product away from your eyes as it has a warning label that it can cause serious eye damage. The product is made in the USA and has a rating of 4.5 stars on Amazon. It is priced at $9.49.
[amazon box=”B005GI8UPI” template=”vertical”]1000+ Stain Remover
1000+ stain remover claims to be the most versatile stain remover in one cleaning solution. It is gentle on skin and delicate surfaces. The product is able to be used in the home, at work or recreational settings. It is as strong as a solvent but as gentle as soap. It is priced at $9.99.
[amazon box=”B001PD115O” template=”vertical”]Pumie Heavy Duty Scouring Stick
The Pumie Heavy Duty Scouring Stick is one of the cheaper products to buy coming in at $3.69. It is a non toxic scouring scrub. You need to use this product with water and rub the stained area.
[amazon box=”B00N3EI34U” template=”vertical”]Clorox Tilex 32oz Mould and Mildew Remover
This product states that you do not need to do any rubbing on the surface of where the stain, mould or mildew is. It disinfects with the power of bleach and comes in a trigger spray bottle. This product is available at $6.19.
[amazon box=”B000VDRLEO” template=”vertical”]Mould Armour 32oz Mould Remover and Disinfectant
This product helps to eliminate mould but also kills 99.9% of household bacteria. It also doesn’t have any harsh chemicals or bleach. The product is also EPA registered. It is available at $9.99.
[amazon box=”B00LMMG5JU” template=”vertical”]Conclusion
This list is not exhaustive and there are plenty of products available. Some products are only suitable for fabrics, carpets and upholstery so be sure to check the label that it is suitable for use on walls and ceilings before buying.
Also be aware, that all products if this nature are harmful to skin and eyes. Some products may also be harmful to children and animals.
Always check the label for harmful ingredients, wear appropriate protection and always follow the directions of use on the packaging.