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If you live in a house that ’s more than a few decades one-time , you probably have Zea mays everta ceiling , which rose in popularity in the mid-1900s . Contractors liked the spray - on texture because it was chintzy and easy to apply ; homeowners at the time like it because it dampened noise and hid any flaws made during program .
One downside to these cap , however , is that their pock and bumps well take in dust , and that junk emphasise the grain ’s edge like a shadow . Cleaning them at least once , if not more , a year lighten up the aerofoil overhead and helps many householder learn to live with their dated ceilings . ( Not to mention , the act of dusting can offer relief to allergic reaction sufferers . ) To effectively navigate all of the nook and crannies of the texture , follow the techniques outlined here for how to clean a popcorn ceiling .
Photo: iStock
Tools & Materials
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Before You Begin
Before you tackle a mystifying cleanup of yourpopcorn roof , be advise : Zea mays everta ceiling set up before the 1980s could contain asbestos , which is grave if inhaled . To forbid any possibility of lung - pock illnesses and even lung cancer , make trusted you firsttest for asbestos .
How to Clean a Popcorn Ceiling
Step 1: Cover the furniture and floors.
garner all tools and materials in an easily approachable place . Cover your furniture and deck with tumid plastic tarp to prevent dust , cobwebs , or liquid cleanser from soiling ( or damaging ) furnishings and flooring below as you make . Protect your lungs from dust by wearing a protective mask , and screen your eyes with goggles .
Step 2: Remove all dust from the popcorn ceiling using a vacuum, broom, or duct tape.
Choose whichever method for dust removal causa you best . For any of the following , you ’ll first decide whether you want to work with two foot on the ground using an extendible puppet to clean the ceilingorclimb a step ladder to strip small segments up nigh . If you employ a step ravel , be careful not to overextend your range , which can guide to instability and loss of balance . Instead , clean several square feet before climbing down , act your run , and houseclean the next patch .
Step 3: Test a cleaner on a hidden part of the ceiling before attacking stains.
Before you set about to fade or remove stains triggered by water , smoke , or grease , try a lowly , inconspicuous area of the ceiling to ensure you ’ve picked an in effect cleansing solution that wo n’t damage the ceiling . The strength of the solvent you choose will bet on the cause , years , and rigourousness of the stains .
Tried-and-True Advice
“ Be careful not to scour at your [ popcorn ] ceiling while it is wet or even very moist with water or cleaning product . cancel at a moist Zea mays everta ceiling will result in clumps of the adhesive plaster decompose and basically junk off .
Unless you plan to tackle an entire popcorn roof remotion , you ’ll require to heed the advice to rent the cleansing solution sit down on the ceiling before take up to cleanse . I would also advise against using blade woolen or sword brushes — they are too harsh , and will create more of a mess . If you ’re not sure , try scrubbing at an invisible bit like a W.C. ceiling first to see how it goes . ”
— Amber Guetebier , Contributing Writer
Photo: iStock
Step 4: Proceed with the cleaner of choice to deep-clean any particularly dingy areas on your popcorn ceiling.
cloud the rest of the roof expanse with the appropriate cleanser , either the fluid dish soap solution or the blanching agent solution , that has been determine as posing no scathe to your cap . ( You should still be hold out protective train , admit goggles and face mask , when working with these cleaners . ) If you ’re using a footstep ravel , think to work only within a limited reach , go up down and strike your ladder regularly .
permit the cap juiceless overnight with any windows opened and circulate fan on to keep way ventilate .
Step 5: Repaint or remove popcorn ceiling if you’re not happy with how it looks when it’s clean.
If some stains linger , albeit faded , considerrepainting your Zea mays everta cap . Now that you have removed surface dust , your roof is prepared for a new paint job ! Or , if you persist infelicitous with the appearance of what ’s overhead , it may be time toremove the Zea mays everta ceilingaltogether .
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