How to clean a yellowed stretch ceiling. How to clean the stretch ceiling from soot and soot. How much does it cost to wash a stretch ceiling

Despite antistatic and protective impregnations stretch ceilings, you still need to wash them. In living rooms, it is advisable to do this 1-2 times a year, and in the kitchen - every 2-3 months as oily deposits and soot appear. Fortunately, cleaning the ceilings is not all that troublesome, and there is no additional cost or time to clean. In this article we will tell you how and what to wash stretch ceiling(glossy, matte, satin and fabric).

How to wash a stretch ceiling at home - a universal way

At home, manufacturers recommend washing the stretch ceiling only with special products or soapy water. In most cases, such cleaning is sufficient to clean the canvas from dust, construction dirt, greasy or nicotine deposits, and soot. In this step by step instructions we will tell you about the universal and only cleaning method approved by the manufacturers of tension structures.

You will need:

An ordinary mop with bristles, or better with a flat nozzle;
Clean and soft microfiber or flannel rags (2 pcs.);
A bowl of warm water (but not hot!);
Atomizer (optional);
Liquid soap;
For greater convenience, it is advisable to prepare a stepladder.

Our tip: The best way to clean ceilings is with a mop with a movable platform and a microfiber nozzle, which is also called a telescopic mop (pictured). The price of such a mop is quite high - from 2 thousand rubles, but it is light, nimble and already has a nozzle that can be washed repeatedly.

Washing a stretch ceiling with a telescopic mop is more convenient and safer for the canvas than any other

Step 1. Dilute a mild soapy water solution in a bowl. liquid soap and warm water. If you use a spray bottle, the following proportions are suitable: 4 drops of liquid soap for 1 glass of water.

Step 2. Throw / put on a cloth moistened with soapy water (but not hot!) Over the mop and start cleaning. Begin to wash the stretch ceiling with a mop moving from one corner to another, systematically moving through the entire canvas. If the ceiling area is very large, then you can divide it into several sections, each of which should be washed moving from the walls to the center of the canvas.

If you are using a spray bottle, you can distribute the product evenly over one section, then wash it by hand or with a mop and a clean, damp cloth. Next, you should move to another site. The principle of movement of the mop is still the same - from the walls to the center of the canvas.

It is good if you have a stepladder - it will allow you to manually remove local spots on the canvas, more dexterously wield a mop and better see dirt. Also, a stepladder is needed if the ceilings are high.

Avoid applying too much pressure to avoid rubbing dirt or dust into the canvas and damaging it. Especially great care must be taken when washing stretch ceilings installed close to the base (for example, at a level of 3-4 cm). In the latter case, it is better not to use a mop at all, but to wash the ceiling with your hands, climbing a ladder.

Washing stretch ceilings by hand is safer than with a mop

Step 3. If necessary, use one of the home remedies or specialty tools described in the next chapter to remove tough stains.

Step 4. If you wish, you can play it safe against the appearance of stains and once again walk along the canvas with a mop and a clean, damp cloth.

Step 5. After finishing cleaning, be sure to wipe the stretch ceiling with a clean, dry cloth to get rid of the remnants of the product, and most importantly - from streaks. In fact, this stage is the polishing of the canvas.

Key rules:

For cleaning stretch ceilings, it is permissible to use only soft, lint-free rags (microfiber or flannel). Brushes and hard sponges must not be used.
Absolutely forbidden use cleaning agents for cleaning ceilings containing: acetone, alkalis, solvents, chlorine, abrasive particles, as well as any washing powders, laundry soap, mustard, soda.
Tensile structures must not be washed with hot water.
If you plan to wash the ceiling by hand, be sure to remove the rings (especially with stones) from yourself before starting cleaning so as not to damage the film.

What else can you wash stretch ceilings

Despite the fact that manufacturers categorically do not recommend cleaning stretch ceilings with anything other than soap solution or special products (sold in hardware and hardware stores, in companies that manufacture stretch ceilings), practice shows that sometimes they can be replaced:

Window cleaner (based on ammonia)- this tool is good because it allows you to wash stretch ceilings (except for matte and fabric) without leaving streaks. It also copes well with greasy deposits and soot, local pollution. It is safest to use colorless liquids (no dyes in the composition).
Dishwashing liquid- it is as neutral as soap, but it copes better with greasy bloom, which is important for washing stretch ceilings in the kitchen.
A solution of warm water and 10% ammonia (in a ratio of 9: 1)- suitable for washing only glossy and satin stretch ceilings (NOT suitable for matte ceilings!). They can effectively remove greasy and nicotine plaque, soot, food contamination and splashes, as well as remove streaks after basic cleaning. After applying the solution, the canvas must be wiped dry.

Test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area before cleaning. Apply it first, then wipe it clean and dry. If after 10 minutes the treated area has not faded, faded, deformed and remained streak-free, then the selected product can be used.

Today it is quite possible to carry out the finishing of the ceiling in the performance of almost any material. But more recently, the most common type of decoration was whitewash. If the apartment has not been renovated for a long time, then most likely the ceiling will be whitewashed here. Therefore, when it comes time to transform the apartment, removing the whitewash is just a necessary event.

In this article, you will find detailed information on how to clean the whitewash from the ceiling. Running a little ahead, I must say that this process is not difficult, but you should pay attention to some subtleties in the high-quality removal of whitewash from the ceiling.

Preparatory work

Whitewashing can be done in several ways. I would like to warn you right away that this work is very dirty and dusty.

Therefore, if possible, you need:

remove all available furniture from the treated room;
if this is not possible, then all pieces of furniture should be carefully covered, for example, with polyethylene;
covering the floor in the same way will also be very useful, since dust will get there too;
for convenience in work, you need to prepare a table;
you need to stock up on rubber gloves;
goggles, respirator are desirable.

Please note: If you cover the furniture with a protective film, this will not give a 100% guarantee that dust will not get on it.

It is still more expedient to take the objects out of the room where the process of cleaning the ceiling from chalk will be carried out.

Options for cleaning the ceiling from whitewashing

There are enough ways to clean the ceiling from whitewashing, we will give the most basic of them. So:

Option one

You can clean the surface without pretreatment with liquids, that is, "dry". Here you will need a spatula, with its help you need to clean off the whitewash.

This method is not very efficient and the most messy. In addition, you will probably find dust in the farthest corners of the apartment, not only in the treated room. This option is not recommended.

Option two

Clear will not disappear. A brush or a hard rag will help you with this. However, this method requires serious physical effort, to all it is quite "wet". Therefore, it will not suit us either.

Option three

Some people manage to remove the whitewash from the ceiling (provided that one layer is chalked), washing vacuum cleaner... This method, of course, will create a minimum amount of pollution, but remember that equipment can fail. You may not be able to use the vacuum cleaner anymore. This method is very doubtful.

Option four

You can pre-moisten the base of the ceiling with water, preferably warm, and then clean the surface with a spatula, this is a more acceptable option:

at arm's length, using a spray gun or a brush, moisten the surface with water;
when the whitewash gets wet, remove the chalk layer with a scraper;
after removing the bulk of the white, the remains can be cleaned with a damp cloth or sponge.

Please note: The ceiling should be wetted small plots by gradually removing each layer old whitewash.

This will prevent the water from drying out and you will not have to repeat the manipulation twice.

Option five

The most popular way to wash off lime is with soapy water.

To prepare it you need to take:

warm water - 10 liters;
2 tablespoons of tablespoons of soap, grated for speedy dissolution;
soda - 5 tablespoons of tablespoons.

Dip a sponge or roller into the resulting solution and wipe the ceiling until the lime completely disappears.

Tip: If these methods do not wash off the whitewash, then you can apply a solution of 3% acetic or of hydrochloric acid... Thus, the whitewash is swollen and easily removed.

Option six

The best way to remove lime from your ceiling is to use paste... This is done by applying a small layer of paste to the ceiling, which must be allowed to dry. Then the chalk is easily removed from the ceiling with a metal spatula.

The paste is prepared very simply, as well as for pasting wallpaper.

To do this, take:

per liter of water - 2 tablespoons of starch or flour;
we dilute flour in small amount water;
then we combine this mass with boiling water, the composition is ready.

Please note: This method of cleaning the ceiling from chalk is the most expedient of all.

When wetting the surface with the paste, the whitewash can be removed very easily.

It is also good in that it will bring a minimum of pollution, the work will be neat and clean.

Option seven

There is the fastest and easiest method of how to clean the ceiling from whitewash - use a grinder (see). To do this, you should walk over the surface with emery with the largest abrasive. If you do not have a sander and do not plan to purchase one, you can rent this tool.

Tip: This method is very dusty, so there should be no furniture in the apartment. With direct surface treatment, the door to the room must be tightly closed.

Please note: Before starting this process, you must wear a respirator and safety glasses. This will prevent dust from entering the respiratory tract.

Outcome

In any case, before making repairs to the room, it is necessary to remove the old cladding from the walls and ceiling. It is quite simple to clean from whitewashing, but in some cases it takes a decent amount of time. There are quite a few ways for this process. You just have to choose the most suitable method specifically for your case. After the work is done, you can start a new surface finish.

Manufacturers offer consumers a wide range of choices finishing materials High Quality at an affordable price. Such an approach cannot but rejoice a person, since for a reasonable price you can purchase high-quality finishes that will last for many years. These include the stretch ceiling - a unique material that combines practicality and sophistication. But at the same time, it must be remembered that sooner or later it will also have to be cleaned. In the article we will tell you how to clean it in the kitchen from soot, soot, grease, nicotine and much more.

Basic rules for care

Before you start cleaning the surface, you need to familiarize yourself with the basic rules and advice from experts. This knowledge and recommendations will allow you to avoid deformation, and will also allow you to carry out a high-quality cleaning of the ceiling from any kind of contamination, even from soot.

First of all they pick up necessary tools and materials that will be needed in the cleansing process:

stepladder;
soft cloth rags or foam sponges (sponges);
a vacuum cleaner with a special brush head made of soft bristles;
detergents.

The best material that is suitable for washing the film is microfiber - a novelty that will delicately and efficiently cope with the task at hand.

If there is no stepladder or comfortable ladder, then you can use a simple mop, which should be wrapped in a cloth. Carefully and with special care it is worth choosing detergents for cleaning the ceiling in the kitchen. The use of abrasive powders is unacceptable, since solid particles will easily damage the film and leave scratches on the surface.

Consider only mild detergents that are neutral:

gels;
pastes;
sprays;
liquid soap;
soft washing powder and others.

The ideal option is considered to be alcohol-containing compounds, for example, detergents for cleaning mirrors and windows. Using them, you can not only remove dirt, but also preserve the gloss of the surface.

The leader among the aggressors for PVC films is a solvent such as acetone. It will quickly corrode the material and a hole will appear in the ceiling, so its use is unacceptable.

Basic cleaning methods

As you know, there are two types of stretch ceilings: PVC film and fabric. Depending on the type of material in question, there are several ways to purify. If we are talking about simple types of dirt, then they can be dealt with with a simple damp cloth, for example, made of suede. In this way, you can clean the ceiling from streaks and dust. With a thick layer of dust after repair and construction work, you can use a vacuum cleaner with a nozzle that will protect the coating from deformation.

If necessary, to remove traces of the primer, which also hit the ceiling during the repair, you should prepare a soapy solution. Dilute liquid or laundry soap in warm water and remove the contamination with a sponge. It is necessary to wash it with soft and circular motions, avoiding pressing and pressure, in order to prevent stretching of the PVC film. Soap solutions can also help get rid of grease if desired, or you can use dish detergent.

When it comes to suede polyester fabric, you should use a dry brush. As in the previous case, it is necessary to cleanse with gentle movements that follow from left to right.

After any cleaning, the ceiling surface must be thoroughly dried with a dry, clean, lint-free cloth.

A few secrets

To clean the surface from soot should be extremely careful and careful, as the film can be damaged in the process. Choose the right detergent. The surface should barely be touched.
When cleaning, pay attention to the presence of seams and joints. In this case, it is necessary to wash only along the seam, and not across.
To restore the characteristic shine to the ceiling, after cleaning it is necessary to wipe the film with a solution of alcohol or ammonia. It is also allowed to use vodka, which is diluted in water in a ratio of 1:10.
For stubborn stains such as paint marks, do not rely on own strength, especially if you are not sure about them. In this case, it is better to trust the professionals and seek help from a special cleaning company.

Several precautions should be taken to avoid new and heavy contamination:

hang a horizontal curtain in the bathroom to prevent splashing water from scattering;
above hob it is necessary to install a powerful hood in the kitchen;
champagne stains often remain in the living room, so be careful when opening bottles.

Unlike PVC film, the fabric base is more vulnerable, so you should be careful about cleaning it. All actions must be thoughtful, balanced and effortless. The cloth is also susceptible to cleaning and washing, but rubbing in one place for a long time is not recommended.

If we are talking about dirt, and not about simple dust, then it is best to use special detergents for washing the cloths. They were designed for this very purpose. Please consult with the seller before making a purchase. If it is necessary to remove dirt from the glue, then it is best to wait until it is completely dry and carefully remove the film by prying it off with a sharp object.

It is prohibited to use detergents for washing glass in the case of textiles, since the composition contains substances that can destroy the structure or affect the color.

In conclusion, we can say that when cleaning stretch ceilings, it is necessary to choose the right detergents. Everything will depend on the degree and kind of pollution, as well as on the material of the ceiling.

Video

See how to mop your ceiling:

If a stain forms:

Today, almost no one uses such a ceiling decoration as whitewash. It has been replaced by modern, comfortable materials that are more technological. But whitewashing can still be found in old houses. Any renovation, as you know, begins with the dismantling of the old finish. And when it comes to the ceiling, which is whitewashed in the old fashioned way with lime or chalk, the question naturally arises: how to clean the whitewash from the ceiling with a minimum of effort.

The need to remove whitewash

Despite the fact that in our time there are many varieties of finishing materials intended for ceilings, in residential buildings still, in apartments and public buildings all also have ceilings that are whitewashed with lime or chalk mortar. And before proceeding with the repair, it becomes necessary to clean the surface of the ceiling from dirt.

But when carrying out repairs, it should also be remembered that experts do not recommend applying others on top of the chalk. Construction Materials... If you plan to paint the ceiling surface with a waterproof paint composition or paste over with wallpaper, then the chalk layer must be removed, since any of these substances simply will not grab due to the properties of the material with a whitewashed surface. And if it grabs, then the adhesion strength of the next layer will be much lower than necessary.

No material on such a ceiling will last long. And even if your plans simply include updating the whitewash, then this must be done either with a similar compound that you used earlier for whitewashing, or after removing the old layer of chalk, if you will use a different solution.

Often, spots of various origins appear on the ceiling. In the kitchen, this is most often grease and soot, in the bathrooms - rusty spots caused by leaks from the neighbors on top. Such defects cannot be masked in any way or even with a fresh layer of whitewash - they will still show through over time. In this situation, it is advisable for you to think about how to remove the whitewash from the ceiling.

It is also necessary to remember about removing chalk from the surface even when mold has appeared on the ceiling. It is very difficult to get rid of the fungus, for this it is recommended to clean the surface to the base, and only after that you can start processing the plane special means... Remember that you need to get rid of blackheads even if you decide to make a suspended or stretch ceiling, otherwise the mold will spread to the walls.

Preparatory work

Looking ahead, you need to make a reservation that the whole workflow is not too complicated, but it is worth paying attention to some subtleties in order to qualitatively remove the old whitewash from the ceiling. Surface cleaning can be done in different ways. I would like to warn you that this work is dusty and dirty.

Therefore, you need to do the following things whenever possible. Remove all furniture from the room to be treated, if this cannot be done, carefully cover it with plastic wrap and cardboard. The floor must be covered in the same way. To ensure a convenient and comfortable workflow, prepare a table in advance, stock up on rubber gloves, a respirator and goggles.

note: If you nevertheless decide to cover the furniture with foil, then remember that this manipulation does not give a 100% guarantee. Dust will still get on the furniture, so try removing the headsets from the room.

You can ask someone from your relatives or friends to help you. When you shoot from the ceiling old layer whitewash, the assistant is next to a large basin, moves behind you and does not allow construction debris to fall on the floor and things. You can also use a specially prepared waste container from available tools.

To do this, you can use any container that is suitable in size for the selected spatula. Usually, for this purpose, it is customary to use a laundry detergent box in which a spatula is placed. The design is quite simple, the main thing is to firmly and correctly attach the tool to the box using tape or rope. The disadvantage of this method of removing old layers of whitewash is only the slowness of the work, but the main thing is that all work will take place without dirt and dust on the floor.

note that there should be a doormat at the exit from the room. It seemed at first glance - a trifle, but it is an important figure in any repair. After all, the process of removing whitewash from the ceiling is delayed for several hours. You will want to leave the room fresh air", Eat, smoke and spread ominous dust and chalk throughout the apartment. Therefore, dry your feet before leaving the renovated room.

It is also recommended to take care of the availability of warm water in advance. It is uncomfortable to run every 5 minutes to get water into the bathroom. That is why you should have both cold and hot water at hand, as well as a small container and a spray bottle. For this purpose, you can take one and a half liter plastic bottle, but do not fill it to the brim with warm water. It is better to pour 400 grams of water into a bottle - this is enough to moisturize the ceiling and conserve your energy.

Options for cleaning the ceiling from whitewashing

The whitewash is based on slaked lime or ground chalk. To prevent shedding of the material, in some cases, glue is introduced into its aqueous solution. Therefore, flushing is considered the main method of removing chalk from the ceiling. However, in addition to flushing, there are a great many ways to clean the whitewash from the ceiling. Let's take a look at the main ones.

Wet way

If you haven't found a sander, you can use the good old fashioned way to remove whitewash. It is necessary to take a foam rubber sponge, soak it with water and moisten the ceiling. You can also use a paintbrush or spray bottle at arm's length from the ceiling.

Water must be taken warm without fail. In a bucket of water, dilute 3 tablespoons of washing powder and 5 tablespoons of baking soda. Instead of powder and soda, you can dissolve salt in hot water. Next, you should moisten a roller in the resulting solution and roll it over the ceiling plate. Difficult areas and hard-to-reach areas should be cleaned in the same way, but using a brush.

The water will be absorbed very quickly into the whitewash. To make sure to quickly remove the whitewash from the ceiling, it is recommended to walk on the surface several times so that the material is well limp. It is recommended to substitute dishes directly under the layer of chalk to be removed, into which pieces of whitewash will fall. This way you can avoid heavy pollution of the room.

All whitewash will become limp after a while and become more pliable. Then take a putty knife and clean the surface. This method is quite time consuming and it will take a long time to remove the whitewash in this way. When you have cleaned the entire surface, you need to go over it with a sandpaper and then apply a primer.

After grinding, sometimes small defects become noticeable on the surface, so they need to be eliminated with a special mixture designed for this purpose, for example, using gypsum plasters... Such mixtures are sold in any building supermarket already ready-made and are used according to a simple principle - the method of adding water.

note the fact that it is recommended to wet the surface in small areas, removing each layer of whitewash gradually. This will prevent the water from drying out and you won't have to repeat everything twice.

You can also clean the ceiling by washing it down with water until all the whitewash is gone. For work, you can take a brush or a hard cloth. However, this technique on how to blur the ceiling from whitewashing requires serious physical effort and is quite "wet". Therefore, it is better to first thoroughly moisten the ceiling with water, and then remove the material with a spatula.

Dry method

You can clean the ceiling without pretreating the surface with water, that is, "dry". To do this, you need to prepare a spatula, with its help, you should clean off the whitewash. This method is not very effective, and a lot of dirt is also formed. After work, you will probably find dust in the farthest corners of the apartment, not only in the treated room. Therefore, it is better to refuse this option.

The quickest dry way to remove whitewash on the ceiling is to use a sander. If you do not have such a device, and buying a grinder is not included in your plans, then you can always rent it.

This technique is practiced exclusively in empty rooms where there is no furniture, and the doors, floors and windows are covered with cellophane wrap. In addition, there should be no furniture in the whole apartment, so a lot of dust will form. Put on a hat and a respirator on your head to prevent dust from entering your lungs.

You need to fasten the largest abrasive paper that was in the store to the typewriter, and walk over the entire area of the ceiling, sanding section by section. Then you just have to thoroughly wash the room where the work was carried out. After wet cleaning, you can safely proceed to the next job.

Making the paste

The best option for cleaning the ceiling from lime is the use of paste. This is done by applying a small amount of paste to the surface, which is recommended to dry. Further, the whitewash from the ceiling can be easily removed with a metal spatula.

Making the paste does not require much effort, it is prepared in the same way as for pasting walls with wallpaper. Take 2 large spoons of flour or starch per liter of water. If you chose flour, then you must first dilute it in a small amount of water, and only then combine the mass with boiling water.

This method of cleaning the surface from chalk is the most expedient of all those considered. When wetting the ceiling with paste, the whitewash will be removed easily. This method is also good in that it brings a minimum of pollution, the work process will be neat and clean.

However, we live in the 21st century, and many modern people do not even have a clue what kind of paste is and how it should be cooked. They may not need such knowledge, because today in stores there are special removers for chalk on an adhesive basis. They need to be applied to the ceiling with a sprayer or brush, and after drying, clean with an improvised tool along with whitewashing.

Soap solution

The most popular way to remove old chalk from the ceiling is to use a soapy solution with soda ash. To prepare it, you need to take 10 liters of warm water, 2 tablespoons of soap, which is grated for quick dissolution, and 5 tablespoons of baking soda. In the resulting solution, you need to dip a roller or sponge and wipe the ceiling until the whitewash disappears completely.

If this method did not work to remove the whitewash, and you have not yet decided how to clean the ceiling from the whitewash, then you can apply a solution of hydrochloric acid or 3% acetic acid to the surface. Thanks to such simple tricks, the whitewash will swell, and it can be easily removed.

With a hammer

You can use a small hammer to remove old whitewash from the ceiling. This method will be effective when the whitewash layer is very thick. In order for the material to lag well behind the walls, it is recommended to simply knock on it with a hammer. Actions should be performed sequentially, it is advisable not to skip sections. After you have knocked on the surface with a hammer, the whitewash will lag behind the ceiling by itself, you just have to pry it a little with a spatula.

Using a vacuum cleaner

Some craftsmen manage to remove the whitewash from the ceiling with a washing vacuum cleaner, provided that there is only one layer of chalk on the surface. This method, of course, is distinguished by the formation of a minimum amount of pollution and dust, but it must be remembered that the technique is capable of failing after such a manipulation.

And you may no longer be able to use the vacuum cleaner for its intended purpose. This technique raises great doubts, but if you nevertheless decided on such a crazy step, adapt an inexpensive or old device for this purpose.

Application of newspapers

If you have any unnecessary paper wallpaper or old newspapers, their use will help you further simplify the workflow, and most importantly - minimize the layer of whitewash that will crumble on the floor and on you. Newspapers should be glued to the ceiling using the paste known to us in such a way that their edges hang slightly along the walls.

After the glue dries, you need to gently pull on these edges and tear off the material along with the whitewash adhered to the paper. Of course, this method does not guarantee absolute cleaning of the surface, and you still have to decide how to remove the whitewash from the ceiling, or rather, what is left of it. Still, this technique will allow you to get through work faster and with less energy.

Stain removal methods

If, when removing chalk from the ceiling, you are faced with the need to remove greasy stains, then you can use washing powder, and if it does not help - turpentine and gasoline. Alkaline solutions can also help. Such a substance can be bought in stores or made by hand.

To create the simplest alkaline solution, take water and soda ash... You will need one liter hot water 3 tablespoons of baking soda. At the same time, the consumption of any solution for cleaning the surface from greasy stains reaches 1 - 1.5 liters per square meter.

If you need to remove mold from the ceiling or traces of fungus, then you are advised to use a strong antiseptic, for example, bleach, or treat the ceiling with copper sulfate. Soot from the surface, for example, in the kitchen, is recommended to be washed off with a 3% hydrochloric acid solution.

And if you encounter rust before removing the whitewash from the ceiling, then it is best to use different salt solutions to remove it. However, it is not recommended to use a saline solution in which the salt is more than three to four percent. Also remember to wear rubber gloves when cleaning rust with this solution to avoid various hand problems.

Rust marks can also first be washed off with water, and then treated with copper sulfate. If the stain is large, then it should be treated with vitriol primer. A vitriol primer is prepared as follows: for 10 liters of water, take 100-150 grams of copper sulfate, 250 grams laundry soap, 200-250 grams of dry animal glue, 25-30 grams of natural drying oil, 2000-3000 grams of sifted chalk.

In older homes where there is a plastered surface under the whitewash, stains may need to be removed to find the cause or source of the contamination. In such a situation, it is recommended to restore the waterproofing of the floor by plastering the site again.

The main thing when cleaning the ceiling from chalk is the correct organization of work, which is the key to success. In order not to waste time, you must ensure the continuity of the work process and proceed as follows: the moment you scrape off the chalk in one part of the ceiling surface, the other area should already be saturated with moisture.

Always monitor the quality of your work. When the ceiling is dry, check how well the chalk is washed off. To do this, simply run over the surface with a clean hand. If after this there are no residues of whitewash left in the palm of your hand, then you performed the work on the highest level... If this is not the case, you should use a special primer for the whitewashed surface.

If there are plastered areas on the ceiling after removing the chalk, check the strength of the plaster. To do this, tap the plastered areas. If the plaster has insufficient strength, it must be removed from the surface of the walls. When all the work on cleaning the ceiling is completed, it must be rinsed. To do this, take a bucket of warm water, a foam sponge and start cleaning the ceiling.

Whichever method you choose to remove whitewash from the ceiling, in any case, you should take the furniture out of the room. Cleaning the surface is quite simple, but in some cases it takes a decent amount of time. We brought many different ways how to wash off the whitewash from the ceiling or peel off the chalk. You just have to choose the appropriate technique specifically for your case. At the end of the work, you can safely proceed to the new ceiling decoration.

Most of the dust, grease and smoke tend to settle on ceilings, especially in kitchens, laundries, and near doors, windows and fireplaces. Gray, black and yellow smoke spots not only look unpleasant, but also contribute to paint and drywall deterioration. Fortunately, with proper preparation and proper assessment of the source of the stain, removing smoke stains from the ceiling is not difficult.

Steps

Part 1

Prepare your work surface

Take care of ventilation. If you are dealing with harsh cleaners, you first need to make sure the area is well ventilated. This can be achieved different ways but the simplest is to open a window and turn on the fan.

If the room has no windows, leave the door open and turn on the fan to maximum.

Place the plastic underneath the work area. Particles of soot and smoke can fall from the ceiling to the floor, so the presence of the film will facilitate subsequent cleaning. This is especially true for walls and ceilings with traces of damage from smoke and soot, since during the cleaning process the soot will begin to flake off and crumble.
- It can also be used to trap dust and accidental drops of cleaner that could damage the floor. Alternatively, the floor can be covered with a thick tarpaulin cloth.
Wear sturdy rubber gloves. Some cleaning agents are corrosive and should not come into direct contact with the skin. Choose a pair of thick rubber gloves. Do not use thin latex medical gloves as they can rip easily and even melt or burn when exposed to some cleaning solutions.
- Most rubber gloves on the market are durable enough for this job. Be sure to check out the household chemicals section at your local hardware store.
Put on a protective mask. As debris can drip from the ceiling, eye protection must be provided. Choose between a simple mouth and nose mask and a respiratory mask depending on the amount of air circulation in the room.
- To protect your hair and eyebrows from crumbling debris (although not dangerous), wear a head guard.
Take the stepladder. Use a sturdy ladder to reach the ceiling and tops of walls, and avoid flimsy stools or stairs intended for outdoor use. The stepladder will allow you to achieve greater stability, without which it will be difficult for you to clear the ceiling.

Part 2
Clean the ceiling from soot
1. Vacuum your work surface. Vacuum the walls and ceiling that need cleaning before you start cleaning. Dust can adhere to soot and oil deposits from smoke stains. Vacuum the dust to reduce cleaning time and the amount of rags and cleaner used.
  - Vacuuming is especially important for acoustic ceilings and other uneven surfaces, as water and a rag simply won't be able to get into all the cracks.
  Michelle Driscoll is the owner of Mulberry Maids in Colorado. She earned her Masters in Public Health from Colorado School of Public Health in 2016 and understands how important a clean environment is to health.
  
  Founder of Mulberry Maids
  
  If the ceiling is porous, use only a vacuum cleaner and dry sponge. Michelle Driscoll, a cleaning professional, says porous ceiling tiles absorb soot, which is difficult to remove. Vacuum the tile first to remove as much grime as possible, then wipe the tile with a dry or gum sponge to remove grime and grime. Do not wipe porous tiles with a damp sponge. If the ceiling is significantly damaged, it is best to replace the tiles or hire a professional to clean the ceiling.
  
  Wipe off dust with a dry towel or sponge. Wipe off any dust left after vacuuming with a dry towel or sponge.
  - There are special sponges to remove soot and smoke stains. You can find them at most hardware stores.
2. Treat your work area with a grease cleaner. If the surface of the stain is small enough, start cleaning with a degreasing dish soap. To clean a wider area, you will need a more powerful product. Sodium phosphate will quickly eat away grease, grime and stains, making the cleaning process much easier.
  - Sodium phosphate should never come into contact with bare skin, so be sure to wear gloves. Also, be sure to use a cleaning rag or sponge, which you do not mind, as sodium phosphate can discolor and wear out the material.
  - For a milder alternative, use 1 cup (240 ml) ammonia diluted in a bucket of hot water.
3. Wipe the stain with a clean cloth or sponge. After spraying, wipe off the solution and grime with firm strokes. If there is a lot of soot on the ceiling, you will need to use a few rags or sponges and often rinse off any collected dirt from them.
  
  Continue cleaning with a degreaser until you have removed all the grime. A single pass with a degreaser may not be enough, especially if it is a large area with a thick layer of plaque. Continue cleaning the ceiling with degreaser until all traces of stains and grime have been removed.
  - In case of significant damage to the treated surface, add more cleaner to the solution, but only in small portions.
Part 3
Remove cigarette smoke stains
1. Scrape off any caked resin drops. Cigarette smoke can leave yellow droplets on ceilings and walls. Before you start cleaning the ceiling from stains, the frozen drops must be scraped off. Use a butter knife or spatula for this.
  - If there are a lot of drops on the surface of the ceiling, then during or after their removal, part of the drywall may fall off. In such a case, you will most likely have to replace the ceilings first before proceeding.
2. Mix water with vinegar or sodium phosphate solution. After removing the drops of resin, prepare enough vinegar or sodium phosphate solution so that the damaged area can be coated several times. For small spaces such as a bathroom, a 4-liter bucket is enough. For best results, follow the instructions on the packaging of the cleaner.
3. Apply vinegar or sodium phosphate to the ceiling. Dip a rag or sponge into the solution and squeeze it out gently to prevent the solution from spilling onto your face. Put on gloves and apply the cleaning solution to the stain.
  - Dip and squeeze out the cloth or sponge again when it is completely dirty.