Maintenance rules for stretch ceilings and the best maintenance products
Suspended and stretch ceilings emphasize the style of the room. In modern and classic design, matte, glossy and fabric canvases, textured modules are used. Structures are quickly assembled and disassembled, they serve for a long time with proper surface care, stretch ceilings are washed with special, improvised means. Depending on the type of coating, dry or wet cleaning is carried out.
Characteristics and specificities of suspended ceilings
The suspended structures consist of polymer plates fixed on a metal frame. The difference between stretch ceilings is that a film or fabric is pulled over the frame. The space between the suspended and main ceilings makes it possible to install electrical wiring and light fixtures in different areas of the room.
Types of structures:
- solid - consist of drywall. Plastic and environmentally friendly material is used to create stepped and curly ceilings.To access the communications, a discreet hatch is made in a continuous canvas;
- modular - they consist of modules of the same or different texture, there are cells, cassettes, racks, wood, metal and mineral fibers.
Advantages of suspended and stretch ceilings:
- increase sound and heat insulation, perforated coatings improve ventilation in the room;
- hide an uneven surface;
- the damaged plate can be easily removed and replaced; it is not necessary to completely remove the structure for the repair.
The glossy surface reflects and diffuses light, so even with just one lamp the room will be bright. This will help save energy.
The peculiarity of the installation is that the ceiling will drop by 20 centimeters. Therefore, decorative patterns are suitable for rooms with a height of three meters or more.
General rules
Recommendations for the maintenance of all types of structures:
- wet cleaning of the ceiling in the living room and bedroom once a year, in the bathroom and kitchen - every six months;
- after cooking, make parties at home, inspect the ceiling and wipe fresh stains with dry towels;
- use special detergents for cleaning suspended ceilings that do not contain aggressive substances;
- clean with sponges and soft cloths;
- in order not to damage the smooth surface, remove jewelry from hands or work with gloves before cleaning;
- do not remove stains with solvents and abrasives, otherwise scratches and light marks will remain on the surface;
- wash the structure with smooth movements back and forth, left and right and along the seams. Circular movements leave streaks on the canvas;
- do not rub and scrape dirt. Hand pressure can break the material.
The kitchen and bathroom are humid and warmer than the rest of the rooms. Steam rises upwards, fat splatters. Drops of moisture settle on the hinged surface, and the alkaline coating freezes.To ensure that the structure retains its aesthetic appearance longer, it is recommended to clean the kitchen and bathroom more often.
Rules of operation
Fabric ceilings last up to 10 years, and PVC coatings - 20 years. The service life of the hanging curtain can be extended up to 30 years and more if you follow the instructions for use:
- maintain the temperature in a room with a film structure within +5 ... + 50 degrees, with a fabric structure - -35 ... + 50 degrees;
- permissible power of spotlights with incandescent lamps - 40 watts, with halogen lamps - 35 watts;
- avoid contact of sharp objects with the canvas;
- in case of flooding from above and sagging of the tension band, do not try to empty the water yourself;
- do not apply paint and whitewash;
- avoid shocks and pressure on the canvas;
- use special agents for cleaning.
In an apartment, the temperature rarely drops below five degrees Celsius or rises above fifty. Manufacturers recommend observing the temperature regime, since at subzero temperatures the film cracks and melts due to heat. Under the influence of alkaline, acid solutions and acetone, the pattern fades on the coatings, holes appear. Therefore, it is also necessary to select household chemicals for cleaning according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Care features for various materials
Coatings are distinguished by the decorative properties of surfaces.To prevent them from getting lost after cleaning, special maintenance recommendations have been drawn up for different types of suspended ceilings.
glossy pvc
Film is the most resistant to chemicals compared to fabric and drywall. The main thing when cleaning a glossy surface is to remove dust without leaving scratches. It is cared for in much the same way as mirrors:
- brush with a long, soft bristle brush and wipe with a dry paper towel;
- the shine is rendered with a polish.
You can polish the gloss using an alcohol solution: one part of alcohol is diluted in ten parts of water at a temperature of up to forty degrees. Stains remain on the upholstery, so when cleaning is complete, it should be wiped off with a paper towel or paper towel.
To avoid leaving fresh fingerprints on a clean surface, you should work with gloves.
Matte PVC
The matte film is cleaned of dust and dirt using a steam generator. A soapy solution is used as an alternative to steam. Drying is optional. Scratches are also clearly visible on the matte surface, so only liquid products and soft cloths are suitable for cleaning.
Especially for the ceiling it is worth buying household microfiber cloths. Polyester fiber does not fray, streak or pill on the surface, absorbs moisture quickly and dries quickly, and is easy to wash. Microfiber cleaning cloths absorb and remove grease without using household chemicals.
Fabric
Satin is used as a base for fabric coverings.The surface looks matte with a slight sheen, but the stains remain on it like a gloss. To clean the fabric ceiling, apply detergent, wipe off dirt and rinse with a slightly damp cloth. You don't need to wipe.
Detergents
Branded and homemade solutions are used against oily and alkaline contaminants in the kitchen and bathroom. The main problem that arises when washing the ceiling is stains. To remove them, you need to wipe the surface after the detergents with a damp and dry cloth.
Ready-to-use formulations containing ammonia
Some of the ammonia is contained in detergents for cleaning mirrors, glass and tiles. When choosing a product, you need to read the composition, as it may contain other aggressive compounds. Products containing ammonia are suitable for matte and glossy ceilings. It is best to use gels, aerosols and liquids. Powder particles can scratch the surface. The advantage of ammonia-based products is that they do not leave traces.
Regular shampoo diluted in water
Any type of suspended ceiling can be washed with hair shampoo. A small medium is added to the water to make it soapy. Do not apply the shampoo until a thick foam has formed, as it is more difficult to rinse the surface. To avoid streaks, wipe the canvas with a damp cloth.
Aqueous solution of kitchen detergent
Dishwashing detergent is used to remove grease and splatters from drop ceilings. The downside of the cleaning method is stains. After the product, wipe the ceiling 2-3 times with a damp cloth.
Detergent or liquid soap
Universal household detergent - soapy solution. To prepare it, laundry soap is grated and shavings are poured into a bucket of water.Liquid soap is poured until a light foam forms. A sponge is moistened in the solution and the ceiling is wiped. The soap cleans all types of surfaces.
Ammonia solution
To cook you will need:
- 10 percent ammonia;
- the water.
The components are mixed in a 1: 9 ratio. Dampen a soft cloth in the solution, wipe the surface, then buff with a dry cloth. Instead of ammonia, you can use vodka. The product gives shine to a shiny finish. Ammonia is also used to clean stubborn stains from satin ceilings.
Prohibited funds
Cleaning should not damage the integrity and color of the canvas. Simple and effective products have a detrimental effect on specific suspended surfaces.
Broom
It is convenient to wash off dust and cobwebs with a damp mop. But it is dangerous for the stretch film. Hard rods leave small punctures and scratches on the coating surface.
Aggressive substances and solvents
The category of agents dangerous for the aesthetics of the false ceiling includes the solvent white spirit. Solvent gasoline is used to remove traces of oil paint, varnish. It dissolves vegetable fats well. But along with the stains, the pattern on the false ceiling will also be erased.
The same effect is produced by alcohol, gasoline, toluene, turpentine. Combustible substances leave a suffocating odor. If the surface is poorly rinsed after cleaning, the ceiling may catch fire in the event of a short circuit.
Compounds containing acetone
The chemical compound is hazardous to film coatings. Acetone will corrode, discolor and warp the PVC ceiling. The poisonous smell of the substance makes you dizzy.
Pure ammonia
From ammonia, the pattern is erased and monochromatic colors fade. The product solution effectively removes dirt and restores shine to shine. But in its pure form, ammonia harms the decorative coating in the same way as solvents.
Types of cleaning
Dry cleaning agents are chosen based on the material of construction. You can wipe fresh local dirt every day. From frequent washing with household chemicals, the ceiling wears out faster.
Dry
For cleaning use:
- microfiber, flannel, woolen cloths;
- sponges without a hard side;
- cloth brushes with long, soft bristles;
- A vacuum.
Suction of the film ceiling should be carried out carefully, at the minimum traction mode, so as not to tear. It is better to replace the nozzle with a hard brush with a detergent brush.
Also, for all types of ceilings, except for films, cleaning with a steam generator is suitable. Like a vacuum cleaner, the steam removes dust from fabrics and destroys mold at the seams. Panicles of feathers will help to dust off the volumetric decor. Their pile attracts particles and penetrates the small loops of the stucco molding, which are difficult to clean with a rag.
Wet
It is not recommended to use a mop to clean film and embossed plasterboard ceilings. Careless movement can crush or push the surface.
Suspended structures should be washed by hand from a stepladder or a wide table, gradually moving around the room. Dust and cobwebs are previously removed with a dry cloth or vacuum cleaner. To wash the glossy and matte ceiling, use cold water with a temperature of 40 degrees. Wipe the wet area dry.
Common Mistakes
Suspended and stretch ceilings deteriorate rapidly with the following maintenance issues:
- ignoring fresh stains. It is easier to remove dirt immediately after it appears, and not during general wet cleaning. To wash off old dirt and grease, you will need special solutions. Fresh drops can be easily wiped off with a damp or dry cloth;
- the application of the cleaning product on the suspended canvas without prior control. To do this, after installation, leave 2-3 coating samples and check the action of ready-made and homemade solutions on them;
- electric light cleaning. The reflections of the lamps on the gloss make the dirt difficult to see and in daylight they become visible. And the cleaning will have to start again;
- treatment of water-absorbent materials with a damp cloth. It is best to use a vacuum cleaner or dry shampoo to clean the stamped foam tiles;
- clean stubborn stains with chlorine-based cleaning agents. The caustic substance leaves an odor, white marks and eats holes in coatings.
Scratches, punctures and holes that appeared on the new stretch ceiling during cleaning are not included in the warranty case. So that you do not have to change the canvas at your own expense, you should follow the rules of care and promptly remove dirt with gentle means.