If you have ever walked into a bathroom and seen yellowish stains on the walls, you may have wondered why this occurs. It is a common problem in bathrooms, but many people do not know how to prevent it. So, what do you think causes it?
The common reason behind the yellow stains on your wall is the condensation of the moist air. When the water vapors condense on cooler tiled surfaces and evaporate, they leave behind the mineral deposits present in them. This looks like the wall is sweating yellow. Apart from humidity, cigarette smoke, heating appliances, soap scum, mold, and fungi can also turn bathroom walls yellow.
Further, in this blog post, I will discuss the main causes of bathroom walls sweating and how you can stop it from happening!
6 Reasons Why Bathroom Walls Sweat Yellow
Bathroom sweating is a common phenomenon. However, it makes the bathroom look ugly. Following are the reasons behind the yellow sweating of your bathroom walls:
#1 Humidity & Mineral Deposits
The major reason for yellow sweating in your bathroom is the humidity. The bathroom becomes moist and humid if a proper ventilation system isn’t installed. The moisture may not be a problem if the is water pure. Unfortunately, the water, you receive in your house is usually not pure, it does contain some chemicals and minerals.
When the warm and moist air hits the cooler ceramic surface in your bathroom, it condenses. As a result, you see your shower walls sweating. Initially, the mineral stains are not yellow, however, on mixing with other substances and staying there over time they turn yellow.
#2 Molds and Fungi
Molds, mildews, or fungi are always present around us. They are noticeable only when a suitable environment for their growth is available. The humidity and moisture in your bathroom is the favorable condition for their growth. These molds or mildews are usually yellow, brown, or orange. They stick onto the moist walls and begin to grow more and more.
#3 Soap Scum
The soaps we use, contain several chemicals. Over time, if you don’t clean your walls, the soap scum is deposited and accumulated on the walls of your shower. When the condensation occurs, the soap scum gets mixed with the droplets and begins to drip, and presents an unpleasant sight.
#4 Heating Appliances
Sometimes the heating appliances can be a cause of yellowish walls. These appliances weaken the paint on the bathroom surface. As a result, you will see cracks and walls getting discolorated.
#5 Rusty Pipes
Rusty pipes are also a reason behind these yellow drippings in your bathroom. When the water passes through the rusty old pipes, it may create moist areas on your walls. These moist places favor the growth of mold and fungi, which again stains your walls.
#6 Cigarette Smoke
Cigarette smoke can also be a reason behind yellow staining and sweating in your bathroom. Many people smoke in their or near the bathrooms. Cigarette smoke contains a yellow-brown sticky tar element. It can stick to the moist walls of your bathroom.
How to Clean the Yellow Stains on the Walls of your Shower?
I have thoroughly explained the main causes of why walls of shower sweat yellow. Now, it’s time to reveal some ways to clean these stains.
#1 Use a Good Soapy Solution
One of the best ways is using a soapy solution. You can use any of the chemical detergents or washing liquids. However, you need a strong sponge to rub the solution onto the walls and use a towel to wipe off the stains. But this method is only best for fresh and minimal stains on your walls.
#2 Use Toothpaste
Toothpaste can also be a solution for removing these stains. Toothpaste has a mild abrasive nature which makes it suitable to remove other stains on surfaces like painted walls, ceramic walls, etc. All you need is a small brush, hot water, and good toothpaste to rub off these stains.
#3 Use Vinegar
Another household solution, vinegar is also one of the best natural cleaners due to its acidic nature. It prevents the growth of mold, mildew, and fungus. It can cut through the mineral deposits on your walls. All you need is a spray bottle and a clean towel-an easy way to get rid of stains.
#4 Use Borax
If bathroom walls are made out of marble or tiles over them, then you can opt for borax. Borax has a strong alkaline nature which helps it to clean the toughest stains present on the surface. However, handle it with proper safety measures like gloves and masks.
How to Prevent Walls from Sweating Yellow?
Prevention is the best cure. You know how ugly the stains look on the wall, so why don’t you focus on the prevention measures? Here are a few suggestions from my side:
#1 Regularly Clean Your Walls
Regular cleaning of walls can reduce the chances of walls turning pale yellow. The more you wipe them, the less will be the risk of the fungus, molds, and dirt particles on your wall. A cleaned wall may not prevent the sweating totally but it finishes the risk of yellow, and brown stains on your walls.
#2 Ventilate your Washrooms
The major reason for sweating is the condensation of moisture. To prevent that, you should look for ways to effectively ventilate your bathroom.
Install Exhaust Fans
Exhaust fans are an easy, quick, and one-touch solution for removing damp air from your bathroom. Exhaust fans suck out all the moist air from your bathroom and replace it with fresh air-reducing the risk of condensation which leads to yellow stains and sweating.
Add Window Openings
A small window opening can also help you out with ventilating your bathrooms. The humid air constantly finds a way out, you can provide it a way out through a window. It not only reduces the humidity in the bathroom but also removes the risk of condensation leading to yellow sweating.
#3 Install a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is a good way to prevent these yellow sweats on your shower walls. A dehumidifier removes all the moisture content present in the air. It removes all kinds of threats of condensation and staining on the walls. A good quality humidifier not only removes moisture but also removes the pollutants present in the air. It further reduces the risk of staining.
#4 Add a Water Softener
Yellow sweats on your walls may also be due to impure or hard water. Installing a water softener on your main supply line ensures clean water. Since the soft water does not carry any minerals, it won’t stain your bath walls.
FAQs
Why do my bathroom walls appear to be sweating?
The main reason is the condensation of humidity present in your bathroom. When the moist air suddenly gets a cool corner, it condenses immediately forming tiny droplets which appear as sweat. Lack of ventilation is one of the reasons why bathrooms get humid
Is it possible to paint over a damp wall?
It is not preferred to paint over a damp wall. The moisture of the wall will not allow the paint to stick onto it and will eventually peel off. It is advised to remove the dampness first and dry the wall completely before painting. It will save both your time and money.
Wrap up
Yellow sweats on the walls are an unpleasant sight. To keep your walls nice and crystal, clean them regularly using chemical detergents. Ensure that the bathroom is properly ventilated; you can install an exhaust or install a window for the crossing of air. Make sure to install a water softener if your house receives hard water.
For any further queries, feel free to comment on this post.
Amos Christen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Drexel University — Philadelphia, PA. Since 2003, Amos has worked with top interior design professionals in this area, including architects and interior/graphic/lighting designers. As a skilled interior designer, Amos Christen is highly versed in fine arts and crafts and uses that to supplement his main area of expertise. He often publishes articles related to home décor on several websites, including Sprucetoilets.com, Sprucebathroom.com, and Mybesuitedhome.com. He also contributes to leading interior design magazines.