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How to Eliminate Stains and Clean Different Types of Ceiling Tiles and Grout

Ceiling tiles can be very beautiful when they are installed for the first time. But after a year or so, what was once attractive to look at can turn into a grimy nightmare.

There are different types of ceiling tiles, and each of them requires unique cleaning and stain removal methods.

Colored or Sealed White / Nonporous Ceiling Tiles

This type of ceiling tile is really beautiful and sealed, often featuring intricate designs. 

Light dusting once monthly or every other month is the only kind of regular cleaning task that these tiles need.

• Disposable dusting sheets often scratch the finish, which means they are not recommended to use.
• Use a clean terry cloth to dry the tiles completely to prevent streaks and restore their high shine.
• Dust these tiles as needed with a soft cotton feather duster, static duster, or dust mop.
• Use a mild solution of one tablespoon dishwashing liquid added to one gallon of warm water. Soak a soft cloth in it and wipe it gently on your ceiling tiles.
• Since sealed ceiling tiles are nonporous, you can just use water and mild dishwashing solution to remove stains.

Porous Ceiling Tiles

These are a type of non-sealed sound-absorbing or acoustic tiles used in many commercial buildings today. Sadly, these ceiling tiles are tricky to clean since they are made of fibrous material that has holes in them.

A routine vacuuming or dusting using a soft brush attachment can prevent stains, dirt, and cobwebs from damaging your ceiling. Once stains formed, these tiles often need replacement.

• A soft dusting or brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner can work well to siphon off particles that regular dusting would have made airborne.
• Always be gentle to avoid pushing dirt into the tiles’ open holes.
• Avoid using disposable dusting cloths that can snag on these tiles and make them dirtier as they grind in cobwebs, dirt, and dust.
• Dust using a quality static duster or feather duster, paying extra attention to cobwebs and corners.
• Use a dust mask to ensure you don’t inhale dirt and dust, especially if it has been a long time since you dusted your ceiling.
• Cover your floors and furniture with a drop cloth to save yourself from the need to clean the entire room afterward.
• Wear protective eyewear to keep your eyes protected from particles and dust that may cause serious damage.
• Use a dry sponge to attack stains, dirt, or spots.

Wood Finished, Copper, Silver, or Tin Ceiling Tiles

These types of ceiling tiles often have facings made of materials such as PVC or vinyl. They feature beautiful finishes that resemble plaster, metal or decorative wood surfaces with intricate raised designs. These tiles are often easy to clean and waterproof.

• Clean tiles individually using separate towels for cleaning, rinsing, and drying.
• Clean using a soft cotton towel then wipe gently with the mild cleaning solution of one gallon of warm water and a tablespoon of dishwashing liquid.
• Dust with a static duster, feather duster, or dust mop.
• Dry the tile thoroughly with a piece of clean terry cloth to avoid streaking and restore high shine.
• Use another clean damp rag for rinsing the tiles.