Is it possible to wash foam ceiling tiles or is the repair over?

Contrary to the fears of many housewives, it is possible to wash ceiling tiles. And it’s even necessary, because dust, soot and small particles of fat settle on it, and it also absorbs unpleasant odors.

Types of shelf tiles

There are three types of foam trim panels. They all differ in thickness and density, so before you start cleaning you need to find out what exactly the ceiling is covered with.

• Stamped tiles

Its cheapness fully corresponds to its quality. Due to its too porous structure, this finishing material actively attracts dirt and is difficult to clean. This is not the best option for decorating a kitchen where you cook regularly and a lot, since you will have to scrub off dirt at least twice a week.

Putting stamped tiles in order is also complicated by the fact that they strongly absorb moisture, and frequent wetting leads to destruction of the material. To avoid troubles, remove dust and the most noticeable stains using the dry method, and then wipe the surface with a well-wrung out sponge.

• Extruded tiles

Thanks to the moisture-repellent layer applied to the front side, it is easy to clean it from various types of contaminants. You can wash the ceiling tiles with wet microfiber, but do not rub with force with the abrasive side of sponges and hard brushes, as this will damage the integrity of the protective coating.

• Injection tiles

The easiest to care for: does not absorb water and is very resistant to mechanical damage.Grease and soot, which are invariably present in the kitchen, are easily removed from its surface both mechanically and chemically.

Detergents

You won’t be able to find a special cleaner for cleaning ceiling tiles in the store, so you can use the usual household chemicals:

• dishwashing liquid;
• washing gel;
• laundry soap solution;
• cheap shampoo without keratin and oils.

It is strictly not recommended to use washing or cleaning powder, as well as products containing acid, chlorine and other aggressive components to wash ceiling tiles.

Fighting stains

To remove local stains, such as fly marks or stubborn soot, you can rub them with a white eraser (a colored eraser may leave streaks on light-colored tiles).

Old fat can be dissolved using vinegar essence. To do this, pour it onto a white cotton cloth and apply it to the stain for several minutes. If the effect is not very pronounced, the procedure is repeated 2-3 times. Ammonia has a similar effect.

Splashes of fruit and vegetable juice become less noticeable if you rub them with a cloth soaked in a strong salt solution (about 100 g per half liter of hot water).

Traces of wine and blood can only be destroyed with a special spray for removing biological stains.

You cannot use acetone or gasoline on foam tiles, since they dissolve both the dirt and the material.

Sequencing

Before cleaning, the entire surface of the ceiling should be vacuumed. If this is not done, black stains will be added to the existing stains. If you don’t have a vacuum cleaner, you can sweep away the dust with a Duster brush or a broom with soft, long bristles.

You also need to prepare the necessary tools:

• clean rags made of soft, lint-free fabric or special dry wipes for cleaning;
• a new sponge for washing dishes;
• container for soap solution;
• not a very hard brush;
• paper towels;
• spatula (it will come in handy if, after renovation, there are deposits of putty or glue on the kitchen ceiling);
• stepladder

Rules for washing ceiling tiles

If stamped tiles are to be cleaned, pour detergent into a bucket or basin of water and whisk until a layer of thick, dense foam appears on the surface. This is what is applied to the ceiling with a dry sponge. Then the surface is wiped with a damp but well-wrung out sponge.

If water accidentally gets on the foam, immediately blot the wet spot with a paper towel.

A solution of laundry soap is used only when washing waterproof types of tiles. Before using aggressive chemicals (for example, vinegar essence), do a test application on the area of ​​the ceiling where the likely damage will be least noticeable.

Safety precautions

Since you will have to work at heights and with your head up, you need to take care of your own safety.

• To prevent detergents and dust from getting into your eyes, you will need glasses (if you don’t have protective glasses, regular sun glasses will do).
• Rubber gloves will protect the skin of your hands from contact with caustic substances.
• Shoes should have a heel and fit tightly around the foot, and a rubber grooved sole will help prevent falling from a stepladder.

An apron or robe with large pockets will not only keep your clothes clean, but will also allow you to have all the cleaning tools with you, which will significantly speed up the work.