Cleaning Room Ceiling Tile

Ceiling tile can become dirty from exposure to grease, smoke, dust and other stains. Ceiling tiles in a drop ceiling collect dust, spiders and spider webs--and sometime rodent droppings. Cleaning room ceiling tile reduces potential odors and allergens. The job takes a bit of time and energy, but the fresh smell of clean ceiling tile is well worth the effort.

Vacuum and Remove

For ceiling tiles that are attached to the ceiling, vacuum the tiles to remove dust from the surface. If the ceiling tiles are in a drop ceiling, vacuum the tiles as you remove them so the dust on top does not become airborne. If there are rodent droppings on the ceiling tile, the dust may cause an allergic reaction or illness.

To remove the first tile, carefully stand on a ladder, push up the edge of the tile, tilt and rotate so it can be moved through the opening. Move the ceiling tile slowly to keep the dust from dropping. Use a vacuum with a long hose to vacuum the dust off the tile.

For each subsequent tile, vacuum the tile before lifting to remove. Stack all the tiles in order so you know where to place them when you put them back in the grid. For a large room with many different size ceiling tiles, it may be best to jot the location on the back of the tile so they are easier to replace.

Wash

For ceiling tiles that have been removed, vacuum thoroughly before washing. The backs of the tiles are usually too porous to wash. Wash the fronts of each tile with hot, soapy dishwater. If the tile is not washable, such as some brands of acoustic tile, vacuum each tile thoroughly. The tile is not washable if it absorbs water; test a small corner.

For ceiling tiles that are attached to the ceiling, carefully stand on a ladder and wash the tiles with hot, soapy dish water. Test the solution in an inconspicuous spot before cleaning a large area to make sure the cleaning solution doesn't harm the finish.

Replace and Deodorize

Place drop-ceiling tiles back into their original location. Add a deodorizing dusting of baking soda to help reduce smells in the room and prolong the fresh smell of the clean ceiling tile. As you replace each tile, sprinkle a light dusting of baking soda on top of the tile. Mix the baking soda with essential oil, such as lemon, lavender or orange to maintain a clean smell. Mix about 15 drops of essential oil per cup of baking soda.

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