The best ways to clean ceiling tiles at home
Tiles are often used to decorate the ceiling, which have gained popularity due to sound insulation, variety of textures, practicality and affordability. It is not difficult to maintain a fresh and attractive look - the main thing is to determine how and with what you can clean the foam tile ceiling from contamination.
Characteristics of Various Ceiling Tile Materials
Ceiling tiles are manufactured by extrusion, injection and stamping methods.
Extruded
As a blank for this type of ceiling tile, a strip of extruded polystyrene is used, which is obtained by pressing. The product can be covered with a protective film or covered with a layer of paint and varnish.
Extruded is the most expensive type of ceiling tile, having a smooth surface with no grain. His advantages :
- reliability;
- strength;
- water-repellent properties;
- hygiene, easy cleaning;
- dust and dirt repellent properties;
- aesthetically pleasing appearance;
- easy to cut into neat, uniform particles.
Stamped foam plates
The next type is made from expanded polystyrene blocks by stamping. Under the influence of a special press, products with a thickness of six to eight millimeters are obtained. The characteristics of a stamped (or pressed) ceiling tile are a loose and porous surface, as well as a brittle and brittle structure. This type of material for ceiling decoration is difficult to wash and clean. If you need to refresh it, it is recommended to apply a coat of white water-based paint on the surface.
Injection ceiling material
In the production of ceiling tiles by injection, the method of sintering polystyrene foam is used. The finished material has a thickness of up to fourteen millimeters, the correct geometric proportions and a clearly defined pattern.
The main advantages of injection ceiling tiles are:
- create a neat seamless ceiling covering;
- thermal and acoustic insulation;
- moisture resistance;
- respect the environment;
- not sensitive to fire;
- easy coloring in the desired shade.
Reasons for contamination
Ceiling tiles that have been used for a long time become contaminated for various reasons. Some of the most common factors include dust attraction, grease absorption, insect activity, cigarette smoke, and high humidity which leads to mold.
high humidity
This reason is typical, first of all, for so-called "wet" rooms - bathroom and kitchen.Also, on hot days without proper ventilation, humidity levels can rise significantly in other rooms. The consequence of this is the formation of mold, which not only does not look good, but also creates an unhealthy atmosphere.
Cigarette smoke
In rooms where people smoke a lot, the smoke rises to the ceiling, leaving unsightly dark streaks. In this case, you should give preference to an easy-to-clean tile with a smooth and even texture.
Dust and grease
If the tile has a pronounced relief surface and a “raised” pattern, dust accumulation will be noticeable on it over time.
The appearance of greasy stains on the ceiling tiles is typical for kitchens in the absence of a high-quality hood.
Insects
In the warm season, a huge accumulation of insects is observed on the ceiling, which leave traces of their vital activity there.
Basic cleaning tools
You can qualitatively clean the ceiling tiles from dirt with the help of well-known household tools and appliances.
A vacuum
As a preventive measure, it is recommended to vacuum the ceiling tiles. The procedure should be performed weekly. To do this, you must put the accessory in the form of a small brush on the vacuum cleaner. The device should be turned on at low power. After cleaning with a vacuum cleaner, you need to wipe the entire ceiling with a soft cloth, after slightly wetting it.
soft cloth
The most suitable option would be a small microfiber cloth or a bicycle. The main thing is that it does not fade when wet and does not leave fluff on the surface.
dish sponges
Dust and traces of cigarette smoke can be easily removed from ceiling tiles with a smooth surface using dampened scouring pads. They can also be used to apply detergent to embossed tiles.
Paper napkins
To mop up the cleaning solution, use ordinary paper towels with good hygroscopic properties.
Stool
Using a stepladder, you can easily reach dirt on ceilings of any height.
Fluffy bristle brush
A handy brush with fluffy and soft fibers will quickly and effectively remove any dirt from the surface of the ceiling tile without damaging it at all.
Water reservoir
To clean the ceiling tiles, you need to prepare a convenient container for water - a basin or a small bucket, preferably plastic.
Gloves and goggles
Since you will be dealing with chemical detergents, you must first wear protective glasses and gloves.
putty knife
Old dirt and residues of mastic or glue can be removed with a small spatula.
An overview of effective detergents
Ceiling tiles can be washed with effective detergents widely used in everyday life. Among them are shampoos, dishwashing liquids, washing gels, as well as proven folk remedies.
Dishwashing detergents
You can wash the ceiling covered with foam tiles using the same preparations that are used for washing dishes. Let's consider the most relevant and effective offers from manufacturers.
"Myth"
Household dishwashing detergent "Myth" has a gel-like texture and is available in bottles with a capacity of 500 milliliters. It is used economically and easily resists almost all types of contamination.
Fancy
A gel-type dishwashing detergent that contains no harmful additives.
Fairy
An economical dishwashing detergent ideal for cleaning foam ceiling tiles.Removes grease, stains and dust.
Frosch
An effective product from German manufacturers, available in the form of a washing gel and a gentle balm. Contains no harmful additives and is environmentally friendly. Effective on a wide range of soils.
"Eared Nian"
"Eared Nian" tableware is also one of the safest for health and the environment. Contains chamomile and aloe extracts.
Got out
One of the most affordable detergents based on glycerin and plant extracts. Easily removes common stains from ceiling tiles.
Sarma
A popular dish with a thick, gel-like consistency. Effective in hot and cold water. Removes any dirt from foam ceiling tiles.
"Surprise for Cinderella"
Highly effective cleanser with a soft, gel-like texture that is gentle on hands. In addition, it has an antibacterial effect.
Help
Gel formulation in 500ml bottles. Stands out for its economical consumption and its great ability to dissolve grease and dirt.
"I was born"
The safe and effective washing gel of the national brand "I was born" is specially designed for washing children's dishes. The product does not contain any chemical additives hazardous to health. It does not cause allergic reactions, so it is suitable for cleaning ceiling tiles in any room.
"The World of Childhood"
Another safe and hypoallergenic detergent that does not contain harmful and dangerous ingredients. Easily removes most types of dirt.
Gels for washing clothes
Gels for washing clothes are no less effective than popular dishes, which can be used to transform the appearance of ceiling tiles in a short time. When choosing, you should pay attention to products from such brands as:
- Ariel;
- Parsley ;
- home;
- Organic shop;
- Tide;
- Green and clean;
- Alles GUT.
Hair shampoos
In the absence of an effective detergent or washing gel, ceiling tiles can be washed and refreshed with regular shampoo. A small amount of product should be applied to a soft foam sponge and rubbed vigorously into soiled areas. Then wipe with a soft cloth dampened with water and blot with a paper towel.
Traditional methods
Often when washing the ceiling, finished with foam tiles, traditional methods are used - effective and proven.
Salt
An environmentally friendly method of cleaning ceiling tiles is to use table salt. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of product in 5 liters of water. Soak a sponge in the resulting liquid and process the dirt, paying attention to every millimeter. This procedure must be repeated until all traces of contamination have disappeared. This method does not require rinsing.
The vinegar
In equal parts, you need to mix vinegar with boiled water. Soak a sponge or soft cloth in the resulting solution. Generously wipe down soiled areas, especially those that have absorbed grease and cooking odors. As with the previous method, there is no need to rinse off the liquid.
Acetic acid
A more concentrated version, acetic acid, is effective in removing old, soaked-in stains and dirt. After putting on rubber protective gloves, you need to moisten a household sponge in undiluted acid and apply to the most contaminated places.
Work must be carried out with the windows open.
Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is also effective in removing stains from foam ceiling tiles.It is necessary to moisten a piece of clean white cloth and intensively wipe off the dirt, in a circular motion. If necessary, if the stains had time to be heavily gnawed, it is recommended to repeat this procedure several times. After cleaning, rinse the ceiling with clean water and then dry it with paper towels.
Gum
Fresh stains on ceiling tiles can be removed with a stationery eraser. In this case, it suffices to carry out a few scouring movements until the contamination disappears.
How to properly clean the ceilings at home
The house cleaning process consists of sequential steps:
- Remove dust, cobwebs, insect residue and other dry contaminants with a vacuum cleaner.
- Clean hard-to-reach areas with a soft bristle brush on a long handle.
- Remove accumulated dirt with a dry cloth or sponge.
- Wash greasy stains with household chemicals, alcohol, vinegar or saline solution.
- Elimination of foreign odors absorbed with a solution of vinegar or citric acid.
Security engineering
Before cleaning ceiling tiles, make sure the stepladder is reliable and stable. It is also necessary to protect your eyes with bulky goggles, and your hands with rubber gloves. In order not to become numb from the uncomfortable position, you need to rest and warm up. The procedure should be performed with windows open and air circulation to reduce the harmful effects of chemical fumes.
Preventative measures
Regular maintenance is a guarantee of cleanliness, cleanliness and freshness of the ceiling. To prevent mold from forming, the ceiling area should be treated with an antifungal solution and dried before laying the tiles.A preventive dry cleaning of the ceiling with a vacuum cleaner is recommended every month. If fresh dirt appears, remove it immediately with a soft, dry or suds-soaked cloth.