How to Clean a Ceiling

Whether you have flat or textured ceilings, built-up grime can make this area tricky to clean.

Madeline Buiano is an editor at MarthaStewart.com, sharing her knowledge on a range of topics—from gardening and cleaning to home.

Although they are extremely low-touch parts of your home, ceilings can become quite dirty over time. The reason? Much of what is stirred up around your house (think dust, oil, grease from cooking, and other random particles) can wind up on your ceilings, building up until they become a sticky mess. Fortunately, it's not that difficult to get them clean, so long as you have the right tools and tips. We asked cleaning experts for their best advice on how to tackle dirty ceilings with confidence.

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There are a few different factors that dictate how often you should clean your ceilings. "If you smoke, live in an area with heavy pollution, have high humidity, or suffer from asthma or allergies, you may want to clean your ceiling more regularly—like every two months," says Jennifer Parnell, co-founder of Humble Suds. "If you aren't affected by any of these, then every three to six months should suffice." If you notice any visible marks or dust, you should clean those spots as you see them.

Cleaning your ceilings can be a lot of work if you have to lift heavy, cumbersome tools overhead for extended periods of time, so it's best to use lightweight materials that have a far reach. "Get an extra-long telescopic extension for your duster and a step ladder," says Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO of AspenClean.

For a cleaning solution, use a pH-neutral all purpose cleaner or make your own. If you want to try your hand at a DIY formula, mix a few drops of dish soap with water.

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Textured ceilings, like popcorn ceilings, are more challenging to clean than flat ones. "There are a few methods to try depending on the tools you have available," says Parnell. The most effective cleaning method, though, is to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter and a long extension wand and soft bristled attachment. "If you do not have a vacuum, follow the same directions above but use a stiff bristle broom to knock dust free," Parnell says.

Does your ceiling have stains that won't come off? You can remove them in a few different ways.

For tough stains that won't budge, make a paste with baking soda and water.

If your stains are water-based, an all-purpose cleaner should do the trick.

Any oil splatter that got on your ceilings while cooking can be remedied with dish soap.

Once you've done a deep clean, a few simple habits can help keep your ceiling looking fresh. Most buildup is caused by airborne particles (like grease, smoke, dust, and moisture) that rise and settle overhead. Taking steps to reduce those particles can help prevent stickiness and dust accumulation. Try these tips: