How and what to wash matte and glossy stretch ceilings without streaks at home
Stretch ceilings have long become commonplace, and most families choose them. They are practical, attractive and affordable. The only drawback that owners of false ceilings face is that the ceiling sheet gets dirty over time. This can be a major problem if you've never cleaned them before. How to properly wash stretch ceilings and what methods exist for this, we will find out below.
Reasons for contamination
Despite its inaccessibility, the suspended ceiling gets dirty over time. Its sources are:
- Open the windows of the house. Together with the fresh air, dust enters the room and settles throughout the apartment, including on the ceiling.
- Kitchen ceilings get dirty while cooking. Even a powerful hood does not save from this.
- Cigarette smoke settles on the surface of the ceiling in the form of yellow streaks.
- Children's pranks often lead to the fact that the stretch ceiling canvas loses its original whiteness.
- In the bathroom, the ceilings are covered with a white coating due to condensation.
How often to wash
During the production process, the suspended ceilings are treated with a special compound that repels dirt. However, it does not protect the surface 100%, and over time its protective properties weaken. Experienced housewives, who have been dealing with suspended ceilings for several years, recommend washing the canvas 2 times a year.
To note! The first cleaning is best done after six months from the date of installation of the structure.
Features of the maintenance of stretch ceilings
Stretch ceilings are:
- fabric;
- mast;
- bright.
Each type has its own nuances when cleaning, which are worth mentioning separately.
Mast
Features of Matte Ceiling Care:
- it is not recommended to use detergents containing acetone;
- coarse brushes and powders are not suitable for cleaning matt surfaces.
The following methods are best for cleaning:
- wipe off dust with a damp cloth or cloth;
- use of a steam generator;
- cleaning with warm water, the temperature of which does not exceed 40 points oh;
- use of special detergents.
Fabric
Fabric surfaces require increased attention from homeowners, as the material is capable of absorbing foreign odors and dust. When cleaning, consider the following nuances:
- Do not use abrasive detergents.
- Hard brushes damage the structure of the fabric, shortening its life.
- It is not recommended to clean the satin ceiling with chemicals, especially alcohol. It destroys the structure of the tissue.
- Dyes easily stain the fabric of the ceiling covering.If such substances are present in the cleaning agent, it should be discarded.
Bright
Shiny surfaces are washed according to the same rules as matt surfaces. When you clean them:
- do not use coarse brushes or powders;
- remove jewelry from fingers and wristwatches. With careless movement, they can scratch and even tear the material;
- when erasing dust, try not to press the surface. Make light circular movements, barely touching the ceiling.
On the kitchen
The kitchen ceiling is the most affected and the most contaminated. The cleaning technology depends on the material used in the drawing process. The main rule to know about kitchen ceilings is to remove stains quickly. The longer the hostess delays cleaning, the more difficult it will be to wash off the stain in the future.
To note! To ensure the safety of the chosen method, process a small section of the ceiling in a hard-to-reach place.
If nothing happens to the surface in half an hour, continue cleaning.
Cleaning technology
Stretch ceilings have been used for a long time, during which many cleaning methods have been developed that are easy to implement at home:
- using an eraser;
- water and alcohol;
- soapy water;
- use washing powder;
- using special means.
These and other methods will be discussed in detail below.
With an eraser
The eraser, as a cleaning agent, is suitable for matte surfaces that become dirty during use. Just rub the stain with light movements and it will disappear. The main thing is not to press too hard and intensively, otherwise you risk rubbing the hole.
Water and alcohol
This lightweight alcohol-based solution is perfect for removing dirt from all surfaces except fabrics. The solution is prepared like this:
- we take 1 liter of warm water;
- add 1 tablespoon of vodka or alcohol to it.
Such a solution effectively removes stains that remain after wet cleaning.
Ammonia hydrate
The substance helps treat oily stains that suddenly appear on your ceiling. Benefits of Ammonia Hydrate:
- cautious impact;
- ease of use;
- Efficiency.
Dishwashing liquid
Regular dishwashing detergent will help clean up the shine and give it its original fresh look. To use it, you will need:
- take a bucket of warm water;
- add a teaspoon of detergent to it;
- shake off the water until foam appears;
- apply foam to a sponge and rub gently on the contaminated area;
- wait a few minutes, then remove the remaining dirt with a damp cloth.
The temperature of the water in the bucket should not exceed 35 oh.
Soap solution
An economical way to clean a matte or glossy stretch ceiling from dirt. Suitable as soap:
- liquid soap;
- economic;
- usual, toilets.
The concentration of the solution depends on the complexity of the stains. The only drawback of the method is its arduousness. To wash off the dirt without streaking, you'll have to try pretty hard.
Important! Do not use coloring soap.
Washing powder
Algorithm of actions:
- we take washing powder without a whitening effect;
- add to water and mix until completely dissolved. If large granules remain in the liquid, they will scratch the ceiling.
The method is considered harsh and is used only in the presence of severe contamination.
Wiper
It is very easy to clean a glossy canvas if you use a glass cleaner containing ammonia.To do this, it is enough to apply it to the place of pollution using a spray bottle, then wipe the surface with a dry cloth. Advantages of the method:
- absence of divorces;
- the surface regains its original brilliant luster.
Ammonia
A 10% solution of ammonia is considered a universal detergent for washing glossy coatings. The surface treated with this product regains its former appearance. Removes most stains, including nicotine stains, and leaves no traces.
Washing method for fabric cover
Satin and other fabrics used to stretch the ceilings should be washed with the utmost care. They are sensitive to a wide range of substances, degrading under their influence. Fabric covers should not be washed:
- solutions for cleaning glass;
- substances containing dyes.
For washing, it is recommended to use solutions based on:
- soap;
- powder;
- dishwashing detergents;
- ammonia.
It is permitted to use a vacuum cleaner to pick up dust. If you do it with care and with the right accessories, the fabric will not be damaged in any way.
Special detergents
There is a wide range of products on the market of detergents for removing old stains from stretch ceilings. Among them stand out:
- Edelweiss;
- New;
- Mr Muscle;
- Amway LOC;
- Black Care.
Edelweiss
Detergent benefits:
- Gentle action on the surface to be cleaned.
- Does not damage the skin of the hands.
- It has a convenient nozzle that allows you to spray the substance even in hard-to-reach places.
- Performs assigned duties well.
Disadvantages:
- not the cheapest tool, and not everyone will afford to clean the ceiling with it.
New
A universal remedy designed to eliminate:
- greasy spots;
- soap stains;
- dust;
- insect remains.
Mister Muscle
Cleaning all surfaces with Mr. Muscle is a real pleasure. The product has a delicate but powerful effect, removing all dirt without damaging the structure of the material. Resists dirt well in the kitchen and bathroom.
Amway LOC
An expensive, but effective remedy that has many positive reviews from housewives. If you don't care about the price, and most importantly - the result - buy LOC from Amway. The result will exceed all your expectations!
To note! When using commercial stain removers, strictly follow the instructions for use and the safety rules.
Black Care
In terms of quality and efficiency, it is in no way inferior to its competitors. It copes well with the set tasks, returning the original look to the ceiling.
Vacuuming
To clean the ceiling from dust with a vacuum cleaner, you must adhere to the following rules:
- use a wide nozzle. It should be smooth without brushes;
- if there is no tie, hold the vacuum cleaner away to avoid damaging the fabric.
steam cleaner
Using a steam cleaner for such purposes is undesirable. The fact is that the steam temperature is too high, and there is a great risk of deformation of the canvas. If you have a temperature control function, set it to a value no higher than 50 oh then gently treat the surface. In other cases, it is difficult to predict the consequences and you act at your own risk.
What you should not do
When washing stretch ceilings, you should not:
- use boiling water or water that is too hot;
- remove dirt with brushes;
- use products that contain alkalis or acids;
- use powder detergents.