How to Clean Popcorn Ceilings
The same texture in popcorn -- or sprayed acoustic -- ceilings that make it a perfect landing spot for dust and spider webs means it’s also incredibly difficult to clean. Scrubbing the ceiling will cause the "popcorn" to fall off, leaving your ceiling with unattractive, bare patches of drywall. However, with care and patience cleaning a texture-sprayed acoustic ceiling is not impossible.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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1
Determine the age of your popcorn ceiling. If it was sprayed prior to 1980, it may contain asbestos, which can pose a health threat. If this is the case, it is best to get in touch with a professional to test the ceiling out for asbestos before proceeding. If it was installed after 1980, continue with cleaning.
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2
Dilute bleach in a spray bottle if the popcorn ceiling has mildew stains. Spray spots with the solution lightly. Do not scrub it or touch it while it is wet. Allow to dry naturally before repeating. You may need to do this several times to eliminate mildew stains.
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3
Attach the soft bristle brush attachment to the long wand of your vacuum cleaner.
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4
Vacuum gently along the ceiling with the soft brush. Do not to put pressure on your popcorn ceiling to prevent damaging its texture. Pull the brush towards you only when cleaning. Focus on areas around fans and vents where most dirt accumulates.
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5
Repair any cracks in the popcorn finish. Use a putty knife to scrape off the texture down to the drywall. Clear space 3-inches wide on each side of the crack. Fill crack with paintable caulk. Coat area with latex primer. To replace the popcorn texture, use an aerosol-spray texture repair kit.
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Comments
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what's the bleach to water ratio reccommended?
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Crabcakes
Jan 08, 2009
I like the advice, and aldo HATE popcorn ceilings. NExt time, please don't use all CAPS... it is very hard to read and see,s youa re shouting! -
Lynn Carson
Oct 31, 2008
Good to know. 5 star
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Shirley Philbrick
Aug 28, 2008
Good article, though it doesn't give me much hope for the 2 small lightly popcorned ceilings still in existence in my home. :) Although, I think they can be scraped down, at least enough to paint over. Still messy !
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momofour
Aug 09, 2008
Thanks for the tips. I have the dang popcorn ceilings in my house and I hate them! I just take a broom and sweep them. No worries about the asbestos since my house is only 15 years old. When I get tired enough of doing it, I will replace them but sweeping and complaining is still easier than the work required to get rid of it!
