Tips for Cleaning a Tin Ceiling

If you have a tin ceiling in your home, you might have realized by now that you need a bit more maintenance to keep it clean. Since most tin ceilings have an embossed pattern, a lot of dust and cobwebs can accumulate on them. This build-up can cause the tin to look dull.

Step 1 - Dust Regularly

Because of the shine on a tin ceiling and the embossed pattern, the ceiling will show dust and cobwebs faster than a regular ceiling. Use the dusting wand on your vacuum to clean the ceiling regularly. Most likely, you will need a ladder to reach the proper height. Be sure to get into all the crevices of the embossing.

You can also use a long-handled extension brush such as those used for ceiling fans to dust the tin ceiling. Most of these brushes use a static charge to hold the dust, but you will still need to stop occasionally and take it outdoors to shake the dust out of it.

Step 2 - Wash the Tin

If your tin ceiling is in a kitchen, you may notice kitchen grease accumulating on the tin. This will require that you wash the entire ceiling, one panel at a time, so you'll need a step-ladder, a mixture of water and household cleaner, and a sponge.

Add a little non-abrasive dish detergent to a bucket of warm water or for more effective cleaning power, use a dish detergent that cuts through grease. Soaking the solution into a sponge, thoroughly wipe down each tile.

Step 3 - Finish Up

Dry each panel as you go with a clean towel.