How to Clean Metal Ceiling Tiles

Generally speaking, metal ceiling tiles are a very low maintenance material. Metal tiles of any variety are quite resistant to stains and damage of all types. In addition, your ceiling probably receives less dirt, water, and other stain causing materials than any other part of your home. However, in the unlikely event that the metal tiles on your ceiling get dirty, you will need to clean them. What follows should give you everything you need in order to do it.

Step 1 - Dusting the Tiles

In order to keep your tiles looking their best, and to prepare them to be washed without damaging them, you will have to dust them. You can do this by going over the tiles with a feather duster. Use one with a long handle if possible, but if you do not have one, you can have a helper set up a ladder and spot you while you stand on it and use a hand duster on your ceiling.

Generally speaking, this will be all you need to do to keep your tiles in good condition. In particular, tiles on your ceiling will not get stained very often.

Step 2 - Mixing a Cleaning Solution

Get out a bucket and fill it with warm water. Squirt in a small amount of dish soap and mix them together thoroughly.

Step 3 - Washing the Tiles

If you have not done so already when you dusted the ceiling, set up your ladder and have someone hold it for you while you work.

Soak your sponge in the mixture of soap and water that you made, making sure to wring it out partially so it does not drip. Once you have gotten soapy water on your sponge, use it to go over your ceiling tiles. When you have finished cleaning a particular area, use a towel to dry it. Finally, when you have finished what is in easy reach, move your ladder and work on the next area. Do this until you have washed and dried the entire set of ceiling tiles.

Step 4 - Polishing the Tiles

Your metal ceiling tiles are now clean. Chances are that they look as good as new. However, it is possible that some of them, or even all of them, look drab, faded or even dirty. In cases like these, you should use a cleaning product specifically for metal to clean them. There are many varieties of commercially produced metal polish that you can use in this situation. It is best to choose one formulated specifically for the particular type of metal your ceiling tiles are made out of.

Once you have chosen your metal polish, put a small amount of it on a clean rag. Get back up on your ladder, having your helper assist you, and use the rag to apply metal polish to the problematic tiles. Use a second clean rag to remove the polish once you have applied it.

Focus your efforts on tiles that appear to be in bad shape. Chances are good that not all of your tiles actually need to be polished.