Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Stain Removal From Acoustic Ceiling Tiles

Older homes often have ceilings made of acoustic tiles. Because of their delicate and porous nature, these ceilings are notoriously difficult to clean, especially when the stain is a large one. Fortunately, there are several easy and inexpensive ways to remove stains from ceiling tiles.


For Small Stains


Try soaking a cotton ball in household bleach and rubbing it on an inconspicuous area of the stain. If this works to remove the stain and the tile is not damaged by the bleach, use the cotton ball to gently remove the rest of the stain.


You can also purchase a rubber sponge in most home improvement centers. Use this dry sponge to gently rub away any stained areas.


For Larger Stains


If your acoustic ceiling tile is stained over a large area, first try the rubber sponge on an inconspicuous area of the tile. If the sponge doesn't work to remove the stain, either replace the tile, or pull it out of the ceiling, give it a fresh coat of paint, and replace.


Mildewed or Water-Damaged Tiles


Because the tiles are so delicate and mildew nearly impossible to remove, it is best to replace any mildewed or water-damaged tiles with new, fresh tiles. You can purchase inexpensive acoustic ceiling tiles at most home improvement centers.


Regular Maintenance


The best way to prevent stains from forming on ceiling tiles is to clean them monthly. If your vacuum has a brush attachment for its hose, use it to go over the ceiling tiles very gently, so as not to disturb or scratch them. Failing that, cover your furniture to prevent dust falling on it, and wipe the ceiling tile gently with a dry chamois.

Tags: ceiling tiles, ceiling tile, cotton ball, home improvement, home improvement centers, improvement centers, inconspicuous area