How To Clean Ceiling Tiles, 10 Things You Should Know

Ceiling tiles are excellent because they’re easy to clean by simply wiping them with a clean cloth. The hard part is getting to them, especially if you have a high ceiling.

To clean ceiling tiles, you should first get a ladder ready. Avoid using random pieces of furniture to stand on, as you may fall or cause damage. Next, wipe the tiles using a cloth and water/soap mix. Thankfully, ceiling tiles shouldn’t need to be cleaned too often.

Want to learn more about cleaning ceiling tiles? Keep reading to get all the vital information!

Cleaning Ceiling Tiles

Below is a guide on how to clean ceiling tiles:

• Step 1. Mix soap and warm water in a spray bottle or other container. A spray bottle is the handiest option because you won’t need to keep getting off the ladder to re-wet the cloth in a bucket. However, you can use a bucket if you don’t have a spray bottle.
• Step 2. Spray the tiles. Spray the area you wish to clean, working your way around the ceiling. If using a bucket or other container, dip the cloth into it and wring it out before wiping the tiles.
• Step 3. Wipe the ceiling tiles. Once the tiles or the cloth are sufficiently wet, start wiping. Ensure you get all dirt off, focusing on tougher stains, if there are any.
• Step 4. Use a fresh cloth and water to go over the ceiling. Doing this will help remove the soapy residue from the ceiling.
• Step 5. Finish by going over the ceiling with a dry cloth. Drying the ceiling tiles using a dry cloth reduces the chances of water stains.

And here are some additional tips to guarantee success the next time you clean your ceiling tiles:

1. It’s Best To Use a Ladder

A sturdy ladder is better than a chair, table, or another nearby object. Furniture isn’t designed to be stood on (like a table or chair), so you might cause harm to yourself and others if you stand on something and fall over or it breaks.

When using a safe ladder, you don’t have to worry about your safety and whether you’ll fall. As a result, you can focus on cleaning the ceiling tiles to the best of your ability!

Although ladders are much safer than standing on chairs and tables, it’s still possible to get injured when using one. To be on the safe side, take your time to set it up and make sure the floor is even before stepping on the ladder.

2. Soap, Water, and a Cloth Are All You Need

You might think that bleach and other household items are necessary for cleaning ceiling tiles, but thankfully, all you need is some soap, water, and a cloth!

Of course, you can use other cleaning items if you wish, but it’s easy to get by without them. Tiles are generally easy to clean (especially the ones with highly smooth surfaces), so even water alone can be a great help.

3. Ceiling Tiles Don’t Need To Be Cleaned Too Often

Unlike tile flooring that needs to be cleaned regularly due to excessive dirt from shoes and other things, ceiling tiles are not prone to high amounts of dirt and don’t need to be cleaned as regularly. 

You’ll likely need to clean them more frequently if they’re in the kitchen due to grease residue, but even then, it doesn’t have to be too often. It’s always a good idea to keep a close eye on the ceiling tiles and only clean them with soap and water any time dirt or grease develops.

On the other hand, dusting can be done more frequently because it’s easier and ensures your ceiling remains spotless. The two main options for dusting are using a vacuum or a duster. 

4. The Furniture Around You Could Get Dirty

It mightn’t cross your mind while cleaning ceiling tiles, but the furniture in the area could get dirty during the cleaning process, especially if a lot of dust falls. Always be prepared for this by moving furniture out of the way or covering it. 

Since the ceiling is the highest point in the room to clean, it’s best to start with it. Cleaning the floors before the ceiling is generally not a good idea because debris can fall, making the floor dirty again.

If you keep all that in mind, you should be able to prepare appropriately before cleaning the ceiling tiles.

● How Do You Clean Dust Off Drop Ceiling Tiles?

You can clean dust off drop ceiling tiles by using a vacuum to suck everything up. It’s the most effective method because it doesn’t spread the dust anywhere, and the vacuum can usually extend far enough that you don’t need to use a ladder. Using a duster or damp cloth can also do the trick.

The downside to using a duster is that it spreads dust around the room, making other furniture and the floor dusty. A damp cloth can collect dust well, so that’s a better option.

How Often Should You Clean Ceiling Tiles? 

You should clean ceiling tiles whenever they look dirty, which depends on the room. In a kitchen, ceiling tiles may need to be cleaned as often as once a week or every few weeks. Other rooms likely only need to be cleaned thoroughly every few months.

While cleaning often only needs to be done every few months, it’s good to dust regularly!

Why Are My Ceiling Tiles Turning Brown?

In many cases, tiles turning brown can indicate a water leak in the home. However, it can also indicate a build-up of dirt and grease, so you should try to clean them before assuming there’s a water leak. Old tiles could also become discolored if they’re old.

If there are specks of brown that look like grease, that’s likely the culprit. Thankfully, it’s easy to clean grease by following the steps mentioned in an earlier section. 

Can You Bleach Ceiling Tiles?

Bleach is the most commonly used disinfectant, so it’s no surprise that many people wonder whether they can use it on ceiling tiles.

You can use bleach on ceiling tiles, but it’s generally not recommended as it’s corrosive and can damage the grout over time. Better and less potent alternatives, like dish soap, are already highly effective at disinfecting ceiling tiles.

Additionally, spraying bleach all over your ceiling is a surefire way to fill your whole house with chlorine gas and potentially damage your carpet, floor, and furniture.

Conclusion

All you need to clean ceiling tiles is soap, water, and a cloth. Although cleaning doesn’t need to be done too often, it’s good to dust ceiling tiles regularly. 

After reading this article, you should know more about effectively cleaning ceiling tiles.