How to Clean Popcorn Ceilings Without Damaging Them

Love them or hate them, popcorn ceilings do have certain advantages — they conceal imperfections in your roof and actually absorb sound. But there are some downsides, especially when it comes to cleaning your popcorn ceiling. 

A popcorn ceiling’s fragile material means it breaks off easily during cleaning, and the rough texture attracts dirt, dust, cobwebs, smoke, grease, and mildew more than a ceiling with a flat surface. And then, of course, there’s the possibility of asbestos. 

In this article, we explain how to clean a popcorn ceiling safely, whether it’s from dust and cobwebs or kitchen grease.

Go beyond popcorn ceilings 

If you'd like to save time on cleaning your popcorn ceilings or any other parts of your home, you can use Homeaglow to book a professional, affordable cleaner in your area today. 

How to clean a popcorn ceiling safely

Before you start cleaning your popcorn ceiling, it's important to make sure it doesn't contain asbestos. This article is for cleaning popcorn ceilings that are asbestos-free. 

Checking your popcorn ceiling for asbestos before cleaning

You might wonder, “How do I know if my popcorn ceiling has asbestos, and what’s the fuss about ceilings with asbestos?” 

Asbestos particles can be harmful if released into the air. Asbestos is linked to lung cancer, colon cancer, and many other diseases. This is why the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned asbestos-containing popcorn ceilings in 1978.

If your house was built before the 1970s: Assume your popcorn ceiling contains asbestos. Before you clean your popcorn ceilings, get them tested. 

If your house was built after the 1970s: Homes built after 1978 should be asbestos free, but builders may have sold their remaining stock with asbestos into the 1980s. If your home was built in the late ‘70s or early ‘80s, consider testing for asbestos before cleaning your popcorn ceilings, just to be safe.

Safety precautions for cleaning asbestos-free popcorn ceilings 

Once you've determined your home is asbestos-free, there are a few additional safety precautions to keep in mind when cleaning a popcorn ceiling.

Wear protective gear: Wear safety goggles, work gloves, and a dust mask to protect yourself from plaster dust. 

Cover furniture and other items: Remove furniture and other sensitive items from the room or cover them with plastic sheets, tarps, or drop cloths to shield them from dirt and debris.

How to clean dust and cobwebs off a popcorn ceiling

Dust and cobwebs often accumulate in the crevices of a popcorn ceiling, making it difficult to remove without damaging the ceiling. The following method works well for dusting popcorn ceilings without damaging them. 

What you’ll need before you clean

• Soft-bristled brush or duster
• Vacuum with a soft brush attachment
• Ladder or stool
• Dust mask
• Gloves and safety goggles
• Water-based cleaner (optional) 

Steps to dust your popcorn ceiling

Follow these steps to clean dust and cobwebs off your popcorn ceiling..

Step 1: Gather protective gear and prepare the space 

Before you start cleaning, it's essential to protect yourself and the room. Wear a dust mask, gloves, and safety goggles to avoid inhaling plaster dust particles. Cover furniture, gadgets, and the floor with a tarp or old sheets.

Step 2: Dust off loose cobwebs and debris

Use your soft-bristled brush or duster to gently sweep the ceiling, removing loose dust and cobwebs. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this could damage the ceiling.

Pro tip: Choose a reusable duster made of feathers or microfiber over a disposable one made of nylon or polyester. This is because the disposable duster can catch, rip, and get trapped in the texture of the popcorn ceiling.

Step 3: Vacuum the ceiling

Attach a soft brush attachment to your vacuum and gently run it over the ceiling to remove any remaining dust and cobwebs. Vacuuming also helps reduce the amount of dust that becomes airborne during the cleaning process.

Step 4: Clean with a water-based cleaner (optional)

If your popcorn ceiling is just dusty, with no grime or stains, steps 1-3 might be enough to get it clean. But if your ceiling is still dirty, take the extra step of cleaning it with soap and water.

• Mix a small amount of water-based cleaner with water. Follow the package instructions. 
• Use a soft cloth to gently wipe down the ceiling. Be careful not to apply too much pressure. 
• Change the cleaning solution often to avoid spreading dirt from one ceiling surface to another.

How to clean kitchen grease from a popcorn ceiling

Cleaning kitchen grease from a popcorn ceiling can seem daunting, but it’s pretty simple with the right tools and techniques. 

What you’ll need before you clean

• Ladder
• Soft cloths or sponges
• Warm water
• Tarp
• Dish soap or white vinegar
• Baking soda (optional)

Depending on the level of stain, there are two methods to clean grease from your kitchen popcorn ceiling.

Cleaning with a dish soap solution

The dish soap solution is best for cleaning fresh kitchen grease and more minor stains.

Gather your materials:

Gather your materials and place a ladder under the area you want to clean. Cover kitchen utensils, pots, and all kitchen appliances with a tarp before beginning.

Mix cleaning solution: 

Combine two tablespoons of dish soap with two quarts of warm water to create a cleaning solution. 

Clean gently with a sponge or cloth:

Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the solution and wring it out so it’s just damp. Gently rub the grease stain with the damp cloth or sponge, working in a circular motion. Don’t scrub too hard, as this can damage the popcorn ceiling texture.

Let ceiling air dry:

Let the ceiling air dry overnight. If you live in a humid area, install fans in the room to speed up the drying process. 

Cleaning with white vinegar

Vinegar helps clean stubborn stains around your house. Vinegar by itself, and sometimes combined with baking soda, is a nontoxic option  for cleaning everything from the microwave in your kitchen, to the upholstered chairs in your living room.

Mix vinegar solution:

Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water. 

Clean stain with a soft cloth or sponge:

Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the solution and gently rub the stain until it lifts.

Add baking soda for extra cleaning power:

For extra cleaning power, apply a paste of baking soda and water to the stain. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with a damp cloth. Repeat as needed until the stain is removed.

Rinse and dry:

Once the stain is gone, rinse the area with a damp cloth to remove any cleaning product residue. Let your popcorn ceilings air dry. Use fans to speed the drying process if you live in a humid location. 

Clean your home from popcorn ceilings to tile floors 

Cleaning a popcorn ceiling requires patience and care to avoid damage to the textured surface. It’s essential to always use a soft cloth or sponge and to gently rub when cleaning your popcorn ceiling. A pro tip is to always test a small, inconspicuous area first with your cleaning solution before cleaning the entire ceiling. 

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