Tools and Materials
Prep Work and Safety Measures
- Before you begin, use old cloths or dust sheets to protect any furnishings that you do not want to get damp or dirty. Dust may fall from your ceiling over, so make sure to cover them properly.
- Use a sturdy step ladder and wear a respirator to avoid inhaling harmful dust particles while cleaning.
- Wear respirator, cleaning Gloves and safety goggles to protect yourself from any cleaning solutions intoxication.
Types of Ceiling Tiles and Ways to Clean Them
Ceiling tiles come in different materials and the cleaning methods will differ accordingly. Here’s how to clean and remove stains from any kind of ceiling tiles:
Mineral Fiber
Mineral fiber ceiling tiles are lightweight, sound-absorbing panels commonly used in homes. They offer durability but are prone to dust accumulation.
- Dust your ceiling tiles regularly with a soft brush or a vacuum to get rid of dirt.
- For excessive stains, use a damp cloth with mild soap but make sure it is not soaking wet. Too much water can cause the mineral fiber to warp.
Galvanized Steel or Aluminium
Galvanized steel ceiling tiles are well-known for their sleek, modern appearance, superior sound absorption and widespread application in commercial environments.
- Begin by mixing 1 tbsp of dish soap in a gallon of water and wipe your ceilings with a dampened soft cloth. Avoid using any abrasive cleaning solutions.
- For a light scrub, you may use a soft sponge but avoid using a scouring pad as it can damage the metal’s finish.
- For dull tiles, apply a coat of metal polish and dry it with a clean cloth. Follow the product label for any specific cleaning instructions.
PVC
PVC ceiling tiles are lightweight, moisture-resistant panels made from polyvinyl chloride. They are easy to install and maintain which makes them a popular choice.
- In a spray bottle, mix equal parts of vinegar and water and spray it over the tiles.
- Allow it to sit for a few minutes to get rid of the stains and dirt.
- Rinse the ceilings with water to get rid of streaks of vinegar that may have been left behind and wipe it dry.
MDF
MDF ceiling tiles are engineered wood panels made from compressed wood fibers. They are known for their smooth and even surface. They offer a flexible foundation for different coatings. These tiles offer a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing option for creating a modern or classic ceiling design.
Regularly dusting with a feather dust will help get rid of loose surface dust.
Be cautious with cleaning equipment since cheaper or disposable dusters might become caught on porous tiles, leaving more debris than you started with.
- For stains and debris, use a mild detergent solution but make sure you wring out the cloth almost dry before you wipe the surface. Moisture can cause MDF to warp, swell and mold growth.
- Even after you wipe the surface, make sure that it dries completely to reduce water retention.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass ceiling tiles are lightweight, durable panels made from glass fibers. They are excellent at sound absorption which makes them ideal for spaces that require noise reduction.
- With a cloth dipped in warm water, wipe the tiles to loosen any surface dirt.
- In a bucket, dilute 1 part of vinegar with 3 parts of water.
- Soak a sponge or a rag of cloth and wipe the surface or either spray it with a spray bottle.
- Allow this solution to sit for at least 10 minutes before you rinse it clean.
How to Remove Water Stain from Ceiling Tiles
Water stains on your ceiling tiles usually signal a moisture problem which could be caused by roof leaks, dampness in the ceiling space or issues with your gutters. It’s a common problem with all types of ceiling tiles.
- Prepare a solution of water and vinegar in equal parts in a spray bottle. Spray this solution over the infected tiles and allow it to sit for a few minutes.
- Add some baking soda to the vinegar and clean the tiles with it by gently scrubbing with a soft-bristled brush.
- Wash the tiles after you have scrubbed them with water and dry it with a clean cloth.
- An alternative solution would be to scrub lemon halves over the affected areas and wash it clean.
How to Remove Mold from Ceiling Tiles
Excessive humidity and inadequate ventilation can cause mold growth on all types of ceiling tiles. Learn how to get rid of mold and mildew on your ceiling tiles.
Safety Measure: Always wear a respirator, safety goggles and safety gloves when removing mold from ceiling tiles.
- In a plastic bucket, make a mixture of one cup heavy duty cleaning solution with one gallon of warm water.
- Apply the solution to the infected part using a sponge and with the help of a ladder.. Make sure to not oversaturate the infected part as it will damage the tiles.
- Let it air dry for at least 15 minutes and then scrub the residue with a soft bristle brush.
- If you still notice any mold or stains, repeat the process.
- Wipe the ceiling tiles with water and dry soft cloth once the stains are cleaned.
- For quicker results, use a mold remover but make sure that it is compatible with the surface of your tiles and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), homeowners can often clean up mold if the area is less than about 10 square feet.
If the work is larger than 10 square feet or you feel uncomfortable doing it yourself, contact a professional.
Maintenance
Now that you know how to clean your ceiling tiles, keep them that way. Routine check-ups are important. Conduct thorough inspections every 18 months to guarantee adequate cleaning and maintenance.