Recently, stretch ceilings have become increasingly popular in apartments and private houses. It’s no wonder—these ceilings look stylish and beautiful, and the use of PVC film or specialized polyester fabric (materials used to make these ceilings) can help you create any interior design for a room!
However, the main advantage of stretch ceilings is that they are made from very durable, impact-resistant material. With proper installation and care, a stretch ceiling can last for many years, maintaining its attractive appearance.
It’s essential to clean stretch ceilings regularly, which is also a plus for households with people prone to allergies or with small children, as cleaning the ceiling will reduce dust accumulation. However, there are specific tips to follow. Incorrect care (especially improper washing) can lead to dullness or even deformation of the ceiling panels. So, how should you clean stretch ceilings properly?
Before cleaning stretch ceilings, gather the following:
- A step stool or ladder
- A cotton cloth or sponge
- Microfiber cloths (or chamois cloths)
- A soft brush, or ideally, a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
- Cleaning agents
Pro Tip: To avoid streaks, clean the ceiling in circular motions, rinse off the cleaning agent completely, and wipe the ceiling dry.
Special attention should be paid to the cleaning agents, as not all are suitable for washing plastic windows.
Remember! Despite their durability, stretch ceilings can be scratched, which will damage their appearance. Avoid using baking soda or any abrasive cleaning powders.
The best cleaning agents for stretch ceilings are those used for cleaning glass, dishwashing liquid, or regular soapy water. In general, the ideal cleaner for stretch ceilings should be liquid or gel-based, free of any abrasive particles. Moreover, the cleaner should not contain any acids or alkalis, as these can damage the PVC film.
Even if you have found what seems to be the ideal cleaner, always test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the ceiling. Apply the cleaner and wait an hour or two. If the spot dries without any trace, the cleaner is safe to use on the entire ceiling.
How to Clean Stretch Ceilings Properly
For light dirt, simply wipe the stretch ceiling with a damp microfiber cloth, then dry it with another cloth.
For very dirty ceilings, for instance, if dust has accumulated after a renovation, gently brush the ceiling with a soft-bristle brush or use a vacuum with a soft-bristle attachment. Avoid direct contact with the ceiling surface—the vacuum attachment should remain 2–3 cm away from the ceiling to prevent sagging.
Another cleaning method for heavily soiled ceilings:
Prepare a warm soapy solution, and using a sponge or microfiber/chamois cloth, clean the ceiling with gentle circular motions. Rinse with clean water in similar movements, then dry the ceiling thoroughly.
If you have a stretch ceiling made of polyester suede fabric, avoid wet cleaning. You can only gently wipe this type of ceiling with a dry cloth or use a soft-bristle brush.
Restoring the Shine of Glossy Stretch Ceilings
If your home has glossy stretch ceilings, follow these specific steps for cleaning:
- Use lint-free cloths
- Use only window cleaners or a 10% ammonia solution
- Wipe the ceiling dry after cleaning
It’s worth noting the use of mop heads with fabric attachments that are marketed as suitable for cleaning plastic windows. With these, there’s a high risk that you may apply too much pressure or make a sudden movement, which could tear or deform the ceiling fabric.
Therefore, if you’re unsure of how to properly clean stretch ceilings, or if you don’t want to deal with it or are worried about damaging the ceiling, consider hiring a professional cleaning company.