How to Remove Unsightly Stains from Your Popcorn Ceiling

If you’ve kept up with our blog thus far and still don’t want to remove your popcorn ceilings, we know you’re in it for the long haul. Maybe you don’t mind them so much, you have a nostalgic family owner, or you’re renting your home and can’t perform such extensive in-home repair projects. Whatever the reason may be, you’ll want to become familiar with the best tips and tricks for keeping your ceiling clean.

As with most other surfaces in your home, stains can seem to appear at any time. Since popcorn texture is so absorbent, you may find a few discolorations in your kitchen or around your living room from a variety of sources. Whether it’s a water spot, a rogue paint splash from a group of rowdy kids, or an oil spot from a bubbling kitchen pan, those spots can really stand out in stark contrast to your bright white ceiling. That’s why New Ceilings’ experts on popcorn removal in Tampa have this handy guide for you:

1. As with any home improvement project, preparation is key. You’ll want to create a clear space where you can set up a ladder and protect the floor and your surroundings from falling popcorn texture and cleaning chemicals. *As an important note, please don’t attempt this cleaning method if you haven’t tested your ceilings for asbestos. Doing so could leave you vulnerable to potentially carcinogenic fibers in the popcorn texture.
2. Next, you’ll want to fill up a clean, empty spray bottle with pure bleach. The higher powered chemical will help to eliminate even the deepest-set stains from beneath the surface of your drywall; however, pure bleach is highly corrosive and can cause serious chemical burns. Always wear protective goggles, an apron, and protective gloves when you handle it.
3. Once your spray bottle is ready, spray that spot down. Don’t be afraid of overspraying–you want the spot to be good and soaked so it can help all traces of the stain work its way out. When the area is completely saturated, you’ll want to let it dry, opening windows and doors if necessary to keep the fumes from collecting in your home.
4. If step 3 takes care of the stain completely, you’re all set! However, if there’s still some discoloration, you’ll want to check out a popcorn cleaning solution like KILZ. This solution is usually tinted to match your ceiling’s color and thoroughly cover up any remaining stain.

While this is a thorough and effective guide, if your popcorn ceilings have water stains, this may be an indicator that you need extensive drywall and roofing repairs. If you have any questions or you’re unsure if you can tackle this project the DIY way, never fear! That’s why the experts on popcorn removal in Tampa are here. New Ceilings has the tools and expertise to take care of all your ceiling and texturing needs. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, give us a call at (407) 378-6040 today.