How to Get Rid of Mildew on a Sprayed Ceiling

Textured ceilings help hide imperfections, but they can be difficult to clean.

Sprayed ceilings provide a textured look that can be difficult to clean. When the ceiling comes in contact with a high level of moisture and humidity, mildew will begin to grow. If left untreated, mildew will spread over the ceiling, staining the surface and filling the room with an unpleasant musty odor. However, overly aggressive cleaning will damage the ceiling texture. Misting and blotting with a bleach mixture provide a genlter approach.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum cleaner
• Upholstery brush attachment
• Oxygen bleach
• Spoon
• Spray bottle
• Drop cloth
• Rubber gloves
• Safety goggles
• Lint-free cloths
• Ladder

Instructions

1. Use the vacuum cleaner upholstery brush attachment to remove cobwebs from the sprayed ceiling. Place the brush over the cobwebs to remove them. Refrain from sweeping the brush across the sprayed ceiling.

2. Add 1 cup of oxygen bleach to 1 gallon of lukewarm water. Stir the bleach and water together with a spoon until thoroughly mixed. Add the bleach mixture to a clean spray bottle.

3. Protect the flooring below the mildew growth by covering it with a drop cloth. Put on rubber gloves and safety goggles.

4. Mist the ceiling mildew with the bleach mixture until saturated, and wait 15 minutes. Dampen a lint-free cloth in the bleach mixture. Gain access to the sprayed ceiling with a ladder, and blot the mildew with the damp cloth.

5. Repeat Step 4 until you have removed the mildew from the ceiling. Blot the bleach mixture off the surface with a clean lint-free cloth dampened with cold water. Let the ceiling air-dry.

References

• Housekeeping Channel: Popcorn Ceilings 101
• My Home Improvement: Getting Rid of Mildew on Bathroom Popcorn Ceiling
• University of Missouri Extension: How to Prevent and Remove Mildew — Home Methods