September 27, 2018 by Mulberry Maids
Popcorn ceilings were quite popular in homes built from the 1950’s to 1980’s, and are unfortunately a bit tricky to clean. Make sure to take special precautions before doing any popcorn ceiling cleanings, as there is a good chance the ceiling contains asbestos. Always wear a mask and safety glasses, and keep food and pets out of the room while cleaning. If you are unsure if your ceiling contains asbestos, you can send a sample of it to a lab for testing.
Before you begin the cleaning process, lay down tarps or plastic sheeting in your room to catch debris that will be falling from the ceiling. The first step in cleaning should be to use a long extender on a vacuum cleaner or a feather duster to remove visible dust and cobwebs on the ceiling, especially in the corners.
For dusting of the entire ceiling surface, you can try to use a lint roller along the ceiling, which will collect the dust as it rolls over it. Another option is to use a paint roller wrapped tightly in duct tape, with the sticky side up, which will be gentle on your ceiling. An effective, but more abrasive alternative, is to simply use a broom. This will likely knock down more debris and flakes from the ceiling, so make sure you are wearing protective gear to protect from breathing in any dust and asbestos.
Once you are done dusting and removing cobwebs from your popcorn ceiling, you should look around for any stains. One easy method to try and remove stains is to use a soft and damp paint roller. Put the roller under the faucet to dampen it, but be careful to not over saturate it, as excess water can be damaging to your ceiling. Roll the roller over any stains, and rinse as needed. Don’t be too forceful, just lightly roll it. If the stains are not coming out, you may need to add in a bit of vinegar. Make a 1:1 water and vinegar mixture, and repeat the process with the paint roller. Let the solution set in and work away the stain.
Popcorn ceilings are quite delicate, so for heavily damaged and stained ceilings, repainting may be the only safe option to make your ceiling look fresh again.