Clean Smoke Off of a Ceiling

Ceilings often become stained after the smoke from cooking, candles, fireplaces or cigarettes drifts upwards. Smoke can leave patches of yellow stain, or simply an overall yellowing effect on your ceiling. Common household cleaners can take care of most smoke stains, and can remove any odors left behind. Follow these tips for a clean ceiling.

Steps

Clean the Ceiling

  1. Set up a work area.
    • Lay a drop cloth under the area where you will be working.
    • Set up a stepladder, making sure it is secured.
  2. Vacuum loose stains. Use a vacuum attachment to remove any areas of the stains that are loose or peeling. This will also rid the area of dust and other dirt.
  3. Prepare the smoke-covered area with a dry sponge.
    • Rub a dry sponge across the area that is stained. This will loosen any smoke particles. Do not use a wet sponge, as water will only saturate the ceiling, particularly one that is very porous.
  4. Prepare the cleaning mixture.
    • Put on rubber gloves to protect your skin.
    • Mix 1 tbsp. (15 ml) of tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) with 1 gallon (3.78 L) of warm water.
    • Dip a large, clean sponge into the mixture and wring it out. Carefully wipe the solution across the stained areas using even strokes. Do not wipe off the solution.
    • Repeat this as many times as necessary until all yellowing is gone.

Remove Odor from the Ceiling

  1. Prepare a vinegar mixture. Make a mixture of one-half white distilled vinegar to one-half water.
  2. Clean with the solution. Use a sponge to wipe the ceiling with the mixture. Concentrate on heavier areas where smoke may smell the most. Do not rinse off the mixture, but allow it to dry.

Paint

  1. If you still notice yellowing, prime the area with an oil based primer.
  2. You are now ready to apply a paint. If you are doing a small area using a matched paint, fade out the edges providing less pressure as you go outwards.

Tips

  • For tin or synthetic tiled ceilings, remove any dust or dirt with a rag. Use a mild dishwashing liquid and a wet sponge to wipe off any smoke stains. Polish with a dry cloth.
  • If you have an acoustic, or "popcorn" ceiling, do not wash it or apply any wet cleaning solutions. Acoustic ceilings are extremely porous, and the textured portions of the ceiling can come off easily. For an acoustic ceiling, use a vacuum attachment to lightly clean off dust, without applying pressure. To remove yellowed smoke stains, purchase a spray bleaching solution made for these types of ceilings.
  • When cleaning smoke stains, especially fireplace or cigarette smoke, place small bowls of vinegar throughout the room. This will absorb odors as you are cleaning.
  • Do not get too much cleaning solution on the ceiling. Make sure your sponge has enough cleaner on it, but is not dripping. Over-saturating the ceiling or allowing large drips will cause water stains.

Warnings

  • If you have an acoustic ceiling that was installed prior to the 1990s, have it inspected by a professional for the presence of asbestos before attempting to work with it.

Things You'll Need

  • Drop cloth
  • Stepladder
  • Vacuum attachment
  • Large sponge
  • Rubber gloves
  • Water
  • Tri-sodium phosphate (TSP)
  • Vinegar

Sources and Citations

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