How to Remove Water Stains on Interior Log Walls

Before you remove water stains, you should make an attempt to find their source. Leaks are common around windows and doors. Spaces between log walls can let water in if there’s a problem with the filler such as cracking or gaps from the wall settling. Untreated log walls may even allow water to seep through the wood from the outside in. If you don’t investigate to determine the source of the stain, your efforts to remove it may be for naught, as it’s likely to repeat. Once you’ve taken care of the cause, these steps will help you eradicate the evidence.

• Fine grit sandpaper
• Cup
• Protective eyewear
• Protective gloves
• 1″ or 2″ paintbrush
• Bleach
• Stain or varnish to match the rest of the wall
• Old towel(s)

1. Lightly sand the affected area with a fine grit sandpaper. This alone may remove the stain in some situations. If not, continue with step two.
2. Once you’ve sanded away the top layer, wipe away any loose dust or debris with a towel.
3. If the stain is still visible you’ll need to kill whatever is growing in the wood. To do this, put on protective gloves and eyewear then fill a cup with bleach. “Paint” the affected area with the brush.
4. Allow the wood to dry thoroughly.
5. Repeat any steps as necessary to get rid of remaining traces of water stains.
6. Finish by applying a stain or varnish to match the rest of the wall (if needed).

• Be sure to protect the floor beneath your work area.
• Do not over sand! You won’t be able to “undo” this mistake, and it will be hard to hide.
• To prevent bleach from making a mess, consider using a plastic tarp for the wall below the stain and the floor below.