How to Remove Stains on a Popcorn Ceiling

A popcorn ceiling is quick, easy and inexpensive way to finish a ceilng to create in any interior room. They require little maintenance and they last for a long time. However, popcorn ceilings, like any surface, will get dirty. From water spots to light and dark stains, a popcorn ceiling needs to be cleaned from time to time. Here’s a quick how-to list on getting your popcorn ceiling back into tip-top shape.

Step 1—Prepare Your Area

Cover the furniture and the floor section located directly underneath the stain. This protects the surfaces from getting in contact with bleach or the popcorn ceiling cleaning solution. You may wish to enlist the help of an assistant to help keep everything covered while you spray the solutions. It also helps to have one or two other people hold a drop cloth up close to the ceiling when you are spraying to prevent any unnecessary overspray.

Step 2—Fill the Spray Bottle

Take a new spray bottle or a spray bottle that has been completely cleaned and fill it with 100 percent pure bleach. Do not dilute the bleach by adding water because the bleach at pure concentrated levels works best on stains and water spots found on the ceiling. In addition, you want to keep as much moisture away from your popcorn ceiling to prevent water saturation.

Step 3—Get in Position

Take your step ladder and open it directly under the stain. Step up high enough to comfortably touch the ceiling with your hand, without having to over extend or contort your body. Put on your eye goggles to protect your eyes from bleach or solution overspray. Spray the stained area well. Cover the entire stained (water or otherwise) area with bleach. Do not be afraid to thoroughly spray.

Step 4—Drying Time

Get down off the ladder and allow your popcorn ceiling to dry completely. If you are sensitive to smells, you may want to open windows and doors to allow the bleach smell to escape the room. This will also help with decreasing the amount of time needed to dry the ceiling. Allow the ceiling to completely dry.

Step 5—Add Popcorn Ceiling Cleaning Solution

After 24 hours has passed, look at your popcorn ceiling. Does it look clean? Are there still stains and water marks? If your ceiling looks completely clean, remove the drop cloths from the room. If there still are still stains, spray on popcorn ceiling cleaning solution (such as KILZ upshot). This type of product is usually tinted to match most popcorn ceilings. This should cover up any remaining stained areas.