How To Clean Dust And Dirt Off Of Popcorn Ceilings In Minutes

Despite some overly enthusiastic (some would say delusional) interior design experts attempting to make an argument for a textured ceiling comeback, most of us would prefer this troublesome ceiling technique stayed in the 1970s. Quite apart from looking, well, less than appealing, the distinctive crags and crevices trap dirt, dust, and cobwebs like nothing else. Arguably, the best way to clean a popcorn ceiling — and by that we mean the most efficient and effective — is with a vacuum cleaner. It features a long handle that can reach the ceiling and it sucks away both the dust and any falling popcorn debris with little effort on your part, outside of tired arms from holding that vacuum handle above your head for so long.

A shop vac with a soft-bristled brush attachment and extendable handle is the best tool for this sneeze-inducing job. You could also use a regular vacuum cleaner with the same attachments. If you have particularly tall ceilings, you might need to haul your vacuum cleaner up a step ladder. Some experts recommend using a wet-dry vacuum if you have one, and there's even specialty wall and ceiling vacuum cleaners. Are cordless vacuums worth the hype? If you're unlucky enough to have a popcorn ceiling, we say yes! Instead of using a standard-sized vacuum, this could be a lightweight option. Considering their diminutive dust bins and average 15 to 20 minute charge, you might have to empty it more often, though. You'll also need some safety gear to protect you from dust and any bits of ceiling that break off as you work: a long sleeved shirt and pants, goggles, and hair protection.

The hidden downside of popcorn ceilings is that some may contain asbestos. Asbestos may be in a surprising array of items in older American homes, from insulation to cement roofing, but it's only harmful once airborne. If you live in a home built or renovated before the 1990s, it would be prudent to engage the services of an accredited inspector to check the ceiling for asbestos before you start chipping away at it, even if by accident. Other important preparations involve spreading an old sheet or a tarp over anything you don't want ceiling crumbs on — think beds, sofas, or electronics. No matter how careful you are, a little bit of the popcorn is bound to fall off.

Starting in one corner of the room, hover the vacuum head over the ceiling, applying feather-light pressure. You want the bristles of the vacuum attachment brushing the dust and not the popcorn texture wherever possible. Move across the ceiling in a grid-like fashion, making sure to slightly overlap each run. As mentioned, popcorn ceiling texture is erratic, so you may need to go over an area more than once from different directions if you find the dust sticking. Pay special attention to ceiling features, like light fixtures, molding, and cornices. They're magnets for dust and web-building creepy crawlies. Once you're finished, carefully gather up the corners of any tarps or sheets you used to protect your furnishing and shake them outside (keep your mask on). Dump the contents of the vacuum in the trash can right away.