How do I clean a dirty popcorn ceiling?

Lynn Beal
by Lynn Beal

And yes, I would prefer to take it down but ......

  8 answers
  • Cindy Cindy on Dec 25, 2018

    Hi Lynn. I'm Cindy. Put the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner and gently run it over the ceiling. This will remove dirt and cobwebs. You can also use a feather duster to clean the ceiling , but if your ceiling is very dirty, the vacuum is the better choice. Cooking grease and cigarette smoke can stain popcorn ceilings.

  • Kmdreamer Kmdreamer on Dec 26, 2018

    You could paint it using a stucco roller

  • Gk Gk on Dec 26, 2018

    Consider painting it once you have cleaned it with a vacuum. It is amazing how stained and discolored a popcorn ceiling gets over the years. A fresh coat of paint does wonders!

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Dec 26, 2018

    cool blow dryer and microfiber duster


    if you think you will ever remove, try not to paint. It makes removal 10 times more difficult.


  • Gail Laurane Lewis Gail Laurane Lewis on Dec 26, 2018

    I've seen a new fleece style paint rollers on a long handle recommended on some diy sites for removing dust and cobwebs from popcorn ceilings with a minimum of mess. Haven't tried it yet but someday.......

  • Crystal Meyer Griffith Crystal Meyer Griffith on Dec 26, 2018

    Use a soft brush vacuum attachment to lightly go over the ceiling. This should remove dust and cobwebs. This will not remove carbon dirt like smoke stains from a fireplace or heavy smokers in the house. That pretty much requires scraping the ceiling down. Do not paint it. That makes it almost impossible to remove in the future. Ask me how I know! LOL

  • Lou Lou on Dec 26, 2018

    I used a large foam paint roller and went over the ceiling with a solution of water and 409. Of course you have to either remove all the furniture or cover it and your floor. You will be surprised at how much dirt comes off.

  • Karen Karen on Dec 28, 2018

    I think just a light layer of paint might be easiest