Tackle years of buildup with this guide on how to clean dust off a popcorn ceiling.
Time A half day
ComplexityBeginner
Cost$10 - $60
Introduction
Restore your textured ceiling's luster with this detailed project on how to clean a popcorn ceiling safely and effectively.
Tools Required
- 2” chip brush
- Drop cloths or plastic tarps
- Face mask
- Ladder or stepstool
- Microfiber duster
- Safety glasses
- Sponge
- Spray Bottle
- Thick nap roller
- Vacuum cleaner w/ soft brush attachment
Materials Required
- Clean water
- Dish soap
Project step-by-step (6)
Step 1
Popcorn ceilings hit their “heyday” in the 1970s and 1980s. Also known as an acoustic ceiling for its noise-dampening properties, popcorn ceilings were both an architectural choice. They made finishing ceilings easier because the texture was usually sprayed on and rarely painted or sealed. Although that day has come and gone, it doesn’t mean many of us don’t still have popcorn-textured ceilings in our homes.
The challenging thing about popcorn ceilings is that they may be toxic. Until the 1980s, the composition of the mix used for the application had asbestos fibers, which we know is considered a carcinogen. So, although we may want to remove the popcorn ceiling texture, you are advised to use an abatement professional who will get rid of it safely and avoid having asbestos dust flying through the ducts and landing on surfaces all over your home.
One less attractive characteristic of textured ceilings is that they are less reflective of natural light, and we all want as much light as possible in our homes. Popcorn ceilings also have a high propensity to catch, store dust and absorb cigarette smoke — all of which turn into allergens affecting everyone in the household.
With all this said, it doesn’t mean you have to live with a dirty and dingy popcorn ceiling. It means you must maintain and clean it, but how? You don’t want to disturb the material yet; you want to clean it. My first advice is to approach the cleaning of a popcorn ceiling with a process of elimination until you find what works best for you and your ceiling. Meaning that if one process doesn’t work, try another. I share a few different ways to clean a popcorn ceiling.
Prep the area
Spending a few minutes preparing to clean a popcorn ceiling will save you a great deal of time cleaning up afterwards. It is likely that household dust and lint has accumulated in the nooks and crannies of the popcorn texture. Whatever doesn’t get sucked up by a vacuum will end up in the air and can take up to eight hours to land on a surface. Lay drop cloths on the floor, keeping ladder safety in mind. Remove or cover all surfaces and furniture.
Step 2
Vacuum up surface dust
Before you start brushing dust in the air, try to suck as much as possible up using a vacuum with a soft bristle attachment. Focus on not disturbing the texture. Press lightly on the wand and let the vacuum do the work.
Step 3
Use a chip brush or microfiber duster
Use a chip brush or microfiber duster to clean hard-to-reach areas, such as corners or areas with a deeper texture. Hold the brush/duster in one hand and the vacuum in the other to clean as you go.
Step 4
Clean with soap and water
Lightly spray the area with a water and soap solution. Adding a few drops of dish soap is all you need. You do not want to soak the area, which may create water stains. Gently scrub with a soft sponge or roll with a clean, thick nap roller to pick up dirt in hard-to-wash areas. Do not rub hard, as this may damage or disturb the texture and push the dirt further into the texture, making the ceiling look dirtier.
Applying water to the popcorn ceiling may make the texture look dirtier by pushing the dirt around, forcing you to paint the surface. Be very selective with this step. Spray the water and soap mixture sparingly and lightly. This step could do more damage than good. Try to remove as much dust and dirt as possible without exposing the surface to too much water.
- Tip: Cut a sponge to a smaller size so it fits comfortably in your hand and can conform to the areas you want to reach.
Step 5
If you have water stains, paint it
It is unlikely that any of these solutions will remove water stains. To fully remove them, you must paint the popcorn ceiling with a primer and then a flat or matte topcoat. You must understand that once you seal in your popcorn texture with paint, removing it will be much more difficult later. If you want a clean, fresh look, knowing the texture will remain, paint and seal it. This may be the time to consider hiring a professional to remove it.
Step 6
FAQ
Can you clean textured tiles the same way you clean a popcorn ceiling?
Yes, acoustic ceiling tiles trap, dust, lint and cigarette smoke the same way a popcorn ceiling does. Thus, using a vacuum with a soft bristle brush, micro duster or thick nap roller will be effective.
Is it possible to successfully repair popcorn ceiling texture after damage?
Although it may require patience and finesse, repairing a popcorn ceiling is possible. Retailers now sell non-toxic popcorn ceiling textures in a can for this purpose. You will have to test the level of texture to achieve a patch that is not noticeable. Start lightly and build up.
How do I clean grease trapped in my popcorn ceiling?
To remove grease from a popcorn ceiling, you must break it down. Spraying the grease on the ceiling with a mixture of two parts water, one part vinegar and a teaspoon of dish soap will help soften the grease and make it easier to lift off. Over time, grease on any surface becomes sticky and adheres like an adhesive, making it very difficult to remove without scrubbing hard. With a popcorn ceiling, scrubbing hard may damage the texture, resulting in further work to repair it. The last resort to deal with grease on a popcorn or textured ceiling is to paint it first with a primer and then with a flat sheen paint.
