How to Wash Ceilings

Wash your ceiling occassionally to remove dirt and dust buildup.

Your ceiling is likely an overlooked spot in your home when it comes to housecleaning. But just like your walls, it gets dirty and dusty over time and require periodic cleaning. You may dread washing the ceiling simply because it's out of reach and may make a mess. Although there isn't a mess-free way to wash your ceiling, with the right cleaning methods, you can get the job done quickly and cleanup will be a breeze.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic sheeting
• Rags
• Rubber band
• Broom
• 2 buckets
• Dish soap or 2 tbsp. trisodium phosphate (TSP)
• 2 sponge mops
• Absorbent cloth

Instructions

1. Cover the floor and furniture with plastic sheeting. This helps protect the surfaces from drips during the cleaning process.

2. Wrap a rag around the head of a broom. Use a rubber band to secure the rag.

3. Use the broom to dust off the ceiling to remove loose dirt and dust. Pay special attention to corners where cobwebs tend to lurk.

4. Fill two buckets with warm water. Add a squirt of dish soap to one bucket, and mix it vigorously with your hands until suds form. If the ceiling is especially dirty or stained, use a solution of 1 gallon of water and 2 tbsp. of trisodium phosphate. The second bucket will be just plain water and used for rinsing.

5. Dip a sponge mop into the bucket of cleaning solution. Wring the mop out well so it's not dripping wet.

6. Start at one corner of the ceiling and scrub a 2-square-foot section. Overlap your strokes with the mop to ensure no streaks form or spots are missed.

7. Dip a clean sponge mop into the bucket of plain water and wring it out well. Go over the section you just washed with the mop and plain water to rinse the ceiling. Put an absorbent cloth over your broom head and use this to dry that section of the ceiling.

8. Continue this process, scrubbing 2-foot sections, then rinsing and drying each section, until the entire ceiling has been washed.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a ladder or step stool if you are having trouble reaching the ceiling. Wear rubber-soled shoes and use caution when working on a ladder. If possible, enlist a helper to hold the ladder.

• Be prepared to clean the walls after you're done with the ceiling. At the least, you need to wipe off drips with a dry cloth.

• Wear rubber gloves and protective eye wear when using trisodium phosphate. Work in a well-ventilated area.

• Test the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous spot of the ceiling first to check for any damage to the paint.

References

• Renovation Headquarters: Cleaning Walls and Ceilings
• Western Michigan University: Cleaning Walls, Ceilings, & Woodwork