The Biggest Mistake You're Making Cleaning A Popcorn Ceiling

As unique and practical as they are for covering imperfections, popcorn ceilings can be difficult to clean due to their delicate texture. With all of their tiny bumps, nooks, and crannies, these are notorious for catching and storing dust, which could negatively impact your allergies and respiratory health. Thus, they require regular cleaning. Unfortunately, the texture again presents unique issues when it's time for a refresh. If you have popcorn ceilings in your home and you're unsure of how to deep clean this type of surface, there is a key mistake you want to avoid making. Many homeowners make the common blunder of using too much water during the cleaning process. Popcorn ceilings are easily damaged by excessive amounts of moisture, which may cause the material to loosen, break, and crumble away. After all, wetting the surface is a key part of removing popcorn ceilings, so you can probably imagine even small amounts of moisture are able to cause some damage. In addition, letting it stay saturated for a day or more might risk mold growth.

The process of fixing a peeling popcorn ceiling can be a little frustrating, as it includes patching up the affected areas and making them match the rest of the texture. To avoid having to undergo this task, use minimal amounts of water and a gentle touch when cleaning your popcorn ceilings. Prioritize using soft tools like a feather duster, a smaller vacuum attachment, or a soft rag, and, if you have to tackle stubborn stains, use only a light application of mild cleaning solution.

When it comes to cleaning a popcorn ceiling, the key is limiting your water usage and choosing the right supplies. Opt for soft tools, like a feather duster, soft broom, or a gentle vacuum attachment for dry cleaning and microfiber cloths or even a soft paint roller to use with your cleaning solution. Clear away dust and dirt before going in with a liquid cleaner. But before you attempt to dust, make sure to cover any furniture pieces in the room to protect them from falling debris. Then, you can use your duster or vacuum attachment to remove any loose dust bunnies, cobwebs, or buildup.

To wipe down the ceiling and remove any stubborn pieces or stains, you could try a DIY vinegar cleaning solution to tackle the mess, using a mixture of vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. You could also mix a drop or two of dish soap with warm water to make a gentle cleaner. Then, you just need a soft rag, microfiber cloth, or sponge. Spray your cleaning cloth without making it overly wet, and gently blot the dirty area. When finished, do not forget to dry the popcorn ceiling, using fans or open windows to tackle any leftover moisture and decrease the risk of mold. Ideally, you should allow the room to have generous air circulation for at least 24 hours.