The Right Way to Clean Your Ceilings

Although they are extremely low-touch parts of your home, ceilings can become quite dirty over time. The reason? Much of what is stirred up around your house (think dust, oil, grease from cooking, and other random particles) can wind up on your ceilings, building up until they become a sticky mess. Fortunately, it's not that difficult to get them clean, so long as you have the right tools and tips. We asked cleaning experts for their best advice on how to tackle dirty ceilings with confidence.

How Often to Clean Your Ceiling

There are a few different factors that dictate how often you should clean your ceilings. "If you smoke, live in an area with heavy pollution, have high humidity, or suffer from asthma or allergies, you may want to clean your ceiling more regularly—like every two months," says Jennifer Parnell, co-founder of Humble Suds. "If you aren't affected by any of these, then every three to six months should suffice." If you notice any visible marks or dust, you should clean those spots as you see them.  

How to Clean a Flat Ceiling

Cleaning your ceilings can be a lot of work if you have to lift heavy, cumbersome tools overhead for extended periods of time, so it's best to use lightweight materials that have a far reach. "Get an extra-long telescopic extension for your duster and a step ladder," says Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO of AspenClean. 

For a cleaning solution, use a pH-neutral all purpose cleaner or make your own. If you want to try your hand at a DIY formula, mix a few drops of dish soap with water.

1. Lay a tarp down over your floors to catch dust. 
2. Spray your cleaning solution on an expandable microfiber cloth mop. 
3. Run the mop across the ceiling until all sections are clean. Check the cloth periodically; if it's dirty, swap it out for a clean one.  
4. Once the wall is clean, switch the cloth with a dry cloth and go back over all sections of the ceiling. 
5. Remove the tarp from the ground. 
6. Clean the floors with a HEPA filter vacuum.

How to Clean a Textured Ceiling

Textured ceilings, like popcorn ceilings, are more challenging to clean than flat ones. "There are a few methods to try depending on the tools you have available," says Parnell. The most effective cleaning method, though, is to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter and a long extension wand and soft bristled attachment. "If you do not have a vacuum, follow the same directions above but use a stiff bristle broom to knock dust free," Parnell says.

1. Lay a tarp down over your floors to catch dust.
2. Set up a stable ladder with someone available nearby for support. You may also want to put on a mask to prevent any exposure to falling dust. 
3. Use a HEPA vacuum with the attachments, running it along your ceiling to suction the dust and debris. Repeat until the ceiling is clean.
4. Remove the tarp from the ground. 
5. Clean the floors with a HEPA filter vacuum.

How to Remove Stains From Your Ceiling

Does your ceiling have stains that won't come off? You can remove them in a few different ways.

Stubborn Stains

For tough stains that won't budge, make a paste with baking soda and water. 

1. Mix together 1 part water with 2 parts baking soda and a squirt of liquid dish soap.
2. Spread a thin layer over the stain and let it dry. 
3. Spray with a neutral pH all purpose cleaner and wipe the stain away. 
4. Mix dish soap with water and apply it to a microfiber cloth. 
5. Wipe away any remaining baking soda paste. 

Water-Based Stains

If your stains are water-based, an all-purpose cleaner should do the trick. 

1. Spray the stain with a neutral pH all purpose cleaner.
2. Wipe clean with a microfiber towel. 

Oil-Based Stains

Any oil splatter that got on your ceilings while cooking can be remedied with dish soap. 

1. Dilute a few drops of dish soap in water and pour into a spray bottle. 
2. Spray the stain and let the solution sit for a minute. 
3. Dab with a warm, wet towel until the stain has lifted and soap has been removed.

How to Keep Ceilings Clean

Once you've done a deep clean, a few simple habits can help keep your ceiling looking fresh. Most buildup is caused by airborne particles (like grease, smoke, dust, and moisture) that rise and settle overhead. Taking steps to reduce those particles can help prevent stickiness and dust accumulation. Try these tips:

• Change Filters: Replace HVAC filters every one to three months, depending on your home and system. Clean filters trap dust before it circulates.
• Dust Ceiling Fans: Dust that builds up on fan blades can get flung up to the ceiling. Wipe down blades every few weeks to prevent this.
• Limit Burning Candles: Soot from candles can be difficult to remove from the ceiling. If it's an issue, opt for smokeless or flameless alternatives.
• Run Exhaust Fans: Use your kitchen vent hood while cooking and turn on bathroom fans during showers to reduce airborne grease and humidity.