Peculiarities of stretch ceilings care
An important advantage of stretch ceilings is their unpretentiousness. They do not yellow, are resistant to the formation of cobwebs and mold. However, to maintain the impeccable appearance of the cloths, you should not forget about the regular removal of dust and other contaminants. There are simple rules, observing which you will achieve perfect cleanliness without compromising the integrity of the structure and without significant physical effort.
When should a stretch ceiling be cleaned?
There are no strict restrictions on the frequency of wet cleaning. In the absence of heavy soiling, it is sufficient to clean the ceilings once every two to three years. Wet cleaning is necessary after partial repair of the room, moving, unpacking and assembling new furniture.
The fastest stretch ceilings get dirty in the kitchen – they are constantly deposited particles of grease, soot, moisture. In the bedroom they stay clean much longer.
Cleaning products for stretch ceilings
During wet cleaning, remember that any ceiling coverings should be cleaned carefully, gently, without pressing hard on the surface. For cleaning you can use ordinary foam sponges without abrasive parts, microfiber cloths, any soft rags. There are special means for cleaning stretch ceilings. Instead of them, it is acceptable to use ordinary dishwashing detergents or sprays for glass and mirrors. Never try to clean stretch ceilings with compositions containing acetone, abrasives, chemically active substances, otherwise you risk ruining the product.
Liquid means are not recommended to apply directly to the canvas. It is better to dilute a small amount in a container with water, foam and only then proceed to washing, periodically rinsing the sponge or cloth.
When wet cleaning high stretch ceilings, use a stepladder or a mop with a long arm. Most importantly, do not forget that the inventory should be lightweight, without sharp protruding elements. This will prevent accidental damage to the polyvinyl chloride film.
Useful trifles
Often after washing stretch ceilings, especially those with a glossy texture, unaesthetic streaks remain on the surface. A special washing technique will help to avoid this: wipe the cloth without pressure, moving from corner to corner, conditionally dividing the ceiling into several sections. Twist the cloth more often – it should not be too wet. Cobwebs are better removed with a dry cloth, not with a vacuum cleaner or mop. Any sharp movement will lead to the tearing of the film.
With matte ceilings things are somewhat different. This type of finish is not recommended to install in the kitchen area, as grease stains are strongly embedded in the matte rough coating and very difficult to remove at home. But the matte finish has its own advantage – it is almost invisible streaks, which will greatly facilitate cleaning.
A good help for cleaning stretch ceilings in the kitchen will be a steam mop with convenient attachments made of microfiber. Intense streams of steam will easily remove even stubborn plaque that has accumulated over the years.
To comply with safety regulations, wet clean your stretch ceilings during the daytime, with the lights off. To prevent lime scale on bathroom ceilings, wipe the ceiling dry after each use.
Washing of fabric ceiling coverings
Fabric ceilings make a room look truly luxurious. They are textured and look like decorative plaster. This type of ceiling perfectly masks all the defects and unevenness of the base. At the same time, you should know that not every fabric has a waterproof impregnation. Therefore, they are cleaned mainly with a dry method – a soft brush for the care of delicate coatings. It is better to refuse washing at all.
Clean very gently and carefully, without pressure, gentle longitudinal movements, because fabric stretch ceilings are quite fragile. Intense rubbing is strictly forbidden – it can disrupt the texture of the finish and spoil the appearance.
How to clean a stretch ceiling from various types of dirt
Let’s understand how and with what to clean ceilings from such types of contaminants as:
Soot
The kitchen is one of the most difficult rooms to clean. Grease stains and soot appear on all surfaces, including the ceiling. In the kitchen it is not recommended to install matte cloths, because it is not an easy task to clean them. The glossy finish requires less scrupulous care in this regard. In this case, strongly rub the surface, in an effort to wash away grease and soot, in any case is not allowed. The process of washing implies compliance with a certain technology:
- First, the cloth is moistened with a soap solution;
- is left for 15 minutes so that the dirt soaks away;
- wiped with a wet sponge;
- polished with a soft dry cloth.
Nicotine
If there are smokers in the house, yellow nicotine stains will form on the ceilings over time. To get rid of such contaminants, it is better to invite experts – a professional cleaning company. If you decide to clean the stretch ceilings yourself, then:
- take a soft sponge;
- make a soapy solution or arm yourself with a store specialized detergent;
- set up a stepladder;
- prepare a vacuum cleaner or a mop with a soft pile.
Nicotine stains are removed using a comprehensive approach. First, the ceiling structure is dry cleaned from dust (using a mop with a brush or vacuum cleaner). Then, standing on a stepladder, with a sponge soaked in detergent solution, wash the surface in a circular motion. We pay the greatest attention to the places with the strongest dirt. If necessary, the procedure should be repeated.`
Other types of contamination
Other possible contaminants include post-construction dirt (dust, traces of glue and primer, etc.). In this situation, treat the affected area with soapy water, wait 30 minutes for the dirt to soften, and clean the area with a sponge without pressing or rubbing.