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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Home and Garden
Housekeeping
Cleaning
Wall and Ceiling Cleaning
How to Clean a Popcorn Ceiling Co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Approved
Removing Cobwebs
|
Dusting the Ceiling
|
Treating Stains with Water
|
Q&A
|
Warnings
|
Things You'll Need
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH. Michelle Driscoll is a professional cleaner based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With over 7 years of experience, Michelle is the founder of Mulberry Maids, specializing in cleaning homes and small offices. Mulberry Maids services Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins and Loveland, and offers a variety of services, including commercial cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, and regular home cleaning. Michelle holds a Master's in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 89% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 70,242 times.
Popcorn ceilings, also called acoustic ceilings, are textured ceiling treatments that were popular in the mid 20th century. While they were installed for their appearance and ability to hide imperfections, they may leave you with a cleaning problem. Popcorn ceilings hold onto dust and are more challenging to clean because the texture damages easily. Still, regular, careful maintenance will leave you with a unique ceiling as long as you take down cobwebs, roll off dust regularly, and tackle stains carefully with water and vinegar or detergent.[1]XResearch source
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Removing Cobwebs
1 Vacuum the webs. A vacuum cleaner provides a way to suck up the cobwebs without rubbing the delicate popcorn texture. Choose a handheld vacuum with a hose extension that reaches the ceiling. For high ceilings, you’ll need a ladder. Point the vacuum and let its force suck away stubborn cobwebs.
2 Try a feather duster. When you don’t have the right vacuum cleaner, a feather duster will do. Use a feather duster on a pole extension or climb up with a ladder. Move the duster under each cobweb and lift it away so it doesn’t leave marks.
Remember to clean the cobwebs off the duster before you use it again so they don’t leave marks elsewhere.
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3 Use a lint roller. Get non-sticky lint roller tubes from the store. These can be used to replace paint rollers heads that work with extension handles. Tape the ends of the rollers to protect the walls. Roll over the ceiling, then throw away whatever webbing comes down. Replace the tape as the webs stick to it.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Dusting the Ceiling
1 Wrap duct tape around a paint roller. Paint rollers are gentle on popcorn ceilings, but you can choose a thick-nap one for maximum protection. Wrap duct tape tightly around it, sticky side up. Unlike brooms, this combination won’t damage the ceiling.[2]XResearch source
2 Roll over the ceiling. Gently move the roller over the ceiling. The dust will stick to the tape. When it stops working, try replacing the tape. The flexible nature of the roller and tape should also help you get into corners.
3 Use a broom. If you don’t mind causing flakes of the ceiling to fall, a broom can work. Make sure your standard household broom is clean so it doesn’t reintroduce dirt. As gently as possible, brush it across the ceiling. Flakes will come off, but so will the dust spots.
Wear a mask and eye protection when you do this. Popcorn ceilings from the 1970s and earlier may include asbestos, which is harmless when left alone.[3]XResearch source
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Treating Stains with Water
1 Get a paint roller. Paint rollers are soft and rounded so they don’t break apart the textures of the popcorn ceiling. Pick a thick-nap roller, ¾ inches (19 mm) thick or more. Also opt for an extension handle to make cleaning easier. The shape and softness of the roller will protect the popcorn texture from damage.[4]XResearch source
2 Dampen the roller. Expose the roller to clean water. Try using a small flow from a faucet to splash or lightly coat the roller. You only need enough to make the roller feel damp. It should not drip at all.
Water can easily damage this delicate ceiling, so be cautious or consider hiring a professional.
3 Roll over the surface. Push the paint roller over the dirty spots. Move in a line, applying an even coat of water. You don’t need to push hard against the ceiling. Rinse the roller when it gets dirty so it doesn’t spread any dust or dirt. Remember to squeeze out the excess moisture before using the roller again.
4 Add vinegar, detergent, or bleach. If your ceiling has deeper stains, you’ll need to repeat the process with a cleaning solution. In a bucket of water, add a small amount of vinegar, mild dish or laundry detergent, or bleach. If using bleach, mix 5 parts water with 1 part bleach. If using vinegar or detergent, use equal parts water and vinegar or detergent.[5]XResearch source
Bleach with water works best for smoke, mildew, and water stains.
5 Apply the solution. Use your paint roller, keeping it damp instead of dripping, to roll even lines over the dirty portions of the ceiling. Alternatively, you can use a spray bottle to lightly spritz the ceiling. It requires climbing up on a ladder, but the spray bottle provides control over how much of the solution is applied to any spot. Allow the solution to sit and soak in. There’s no need to remove it, and trying to would put pressure on the popcorn texture.
Before you do this, you can also apply a stain-blocking primer such as Kilz.
6 Let the solution sit on the popcorn ceiling and repeat if needed. Wait a few hours to see if the solution has had the desired effect on the ceiling. If stains are still visible, repeat the application. You may need to repeat this process a few times for tough stains.
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Community Q&A
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Question Can hydrogen peroxide be used to clean a popcorn ceiling? Community Answer The only way to "clean" a popcorn ceiling would be to paint it. And that will be a somewhat messy but rewarding chore. The "popcorn" elements you see are added to the drywall spray mud right before it is sprayed onto the ceiling, so they will fall from the ceiling when you paint over them (not all but a lot of them). Never wet a ceiling with anything other than a "mist" of water and truly this is only done when the entire ceiling is being scraped to remove the popcorn texture for the process to upgrade the ceiling with new drywall spray texture minus the popcorns. I would not suggest this project for anyone other than a professional. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 4
Question What ratio should I use of water-to-vinegar dusting a popcorn ceiling? Lina DaSilva Top Answerer Use a mixture of one part white vinegar to four parts water. Use a soft cloth or a sponge – nothing too abrasive. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
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Tips
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Warnings
Some popcorn ceilings, especially those made in the 1970s and earlier, contain asbestos. Submit a sample to a testing lab if you are not sure. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Popcorn ceilings damage easily, so limit pressure and exposure to water and cleaning solutions. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Things You’ll Need
Vacuum cleaner or duster
Paint roller
Duct tape
Extension handle or ladder
Mild vinegar or detergent
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Co-authored by: Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner This article was co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH. Michelle Driscoll is a professional cleaner based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With over 7 years of experience, Michelle is the founder of Mulberry Maids, specializing in cleaning homes and small offices. Mulberry Maids services Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins and Loveland, and offers a variety of services, including commercial cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, and regular home cleaning. Michelle holds a Master's in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. This article has been viewed 70,242 times. 64 votes - 89% Co-authors: 6Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 70,242 Categories: Ceilings | Wall and Ceiling CleaningArticle SummaryX
To clean a popcorn ceiling, first wrap a paint roller in duct tape, with the sticky-side of the tape facing up. Then, gently move the roller over the ceiling and the dust on the ceiling will stick to the tape. Next, if your ceiling has stains, remove the duct tape and dampen the roller with a little bit of water. Make sure that it’s just damp, not dripping. Then, use the roller to apply an even coat of water over the stains. For tougher stains, you may need to repeat the process using a cleaning solution made of equal parts vinegar and water. Keep reading to learn how to remove cobwebs from your ceiling.Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Cheryl
Sep 8, 2018
"I had no clue how to clean every room in my home's popcorn ceilings. I have allergies and asthma, so your ideas makes perfect sense and will make my home healthier. Thank you."..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner Co-authors: 6Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 70,24289% of readers found this article helpful. 64 votes - 89% Click a star to add your vote
Cheryl
Sep 8, 2018
"I had no clue how to clean every room in my home's popcorn ceilings. I have allergies and asthma, so your ideas makes perfect sense and will make my home healthier. Thank you."..." more
Kathy Kniss
Jan 5, 2023
"It has given me more courage and knowledge to attempt this great idea that I just came up with yesterday! Thanks- I'll let you know what happens! I'm off to Lowes!"..." more
Anonymous
Jun 23, 2017
"Cleaned up pop corn ceiling with water and vinegar."
Anonymous
Sep 18, 2017
"The duct tape and duster helped, thanks." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Co-authored by: Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner This article was co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH. Michelle Driscoll is a professional cleaner based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With over 7 years of experience, Michelle is the founder of Mulberry Maids, specializing in cleaning homes and small offices. Mulberry Maids services Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins and Loveland, and offers a variety of services, including commercial cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, and regular home cleaning. Michelle holds a Master's in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. This article has been viewed 70,242 times. 64 votes - 89% Co-authors: 6 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 70,242 Categories: Ceilings | Wall and Ceiling Cleaning Article SummaryX
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1 Vacuum the webs. A vacuum cleaner provides a way to suck up the cobwebs without rubbing the delicate popcorn texture. Choose a handheld vacuum with a hose extension that reaches the ceiling. For high ceilings, you’ll need a ladder. Point the vacuum and let its force suck away stubborn cobwebs. 
2 Try a feather duster. When you don’t have the right vacuum cleaner, a feather duster will do. Use a feather duster on a pole extension or climb up with a ladder. Move the duster under each cobweb and lift it away so it doesn’t leave marks. 
3 Use a lint roller. Get non-sticky lint roller tubes from the store. These can be used to replace paint rollers heads that work with extension handles. Tape the ends of the rollers to protect the walls. Roll over the ceiling, then throw away whatever webbing comes down. Replace the tape as the webs stick to it. Advertisement 
1 Wrap duct tape around a paint roller. Paint rollers are gentle on popcorn ceilings, but you can choose a thick-nap one for maximum protection. Wrap duct tape tightly around it, sticky side up. Unlike brooms, this combination won’t damage the ceiling.[2] 
2 Roll over the ceiling. Gently move the roller over the ceiling. The dust will stick to the tape. When it stops working, try replacing the tape. The flexible nature of the roller and tape should also help you get into corners. 
3 Use a broom. If you don’t mind causing flakes of the ceiling to fall, a broom can work. Make sure your standard household broom is clean so it doesn’t reintroduce dirt. As gently as possible, brush it across the ceiling. Flakes will come off, but so will the dust spots. 
1 Get a paint roller. Paint rollers are soft and rounded so they don’t break apart the textures of the popcorn ceiling. Pick a thick-nap roller, ¾ inches (19 mm) thick or more. Also opt for an extension handle to make cleaning easier. The shape and softness of the roller will protect the popcorn texture from damage.[4] 
2 Dampen the roller. Expose the roller to clean water. Try using a small flow from a faucet to splash or lightly coat the roller. You only need enough to make the roller feel damp. It should not drip at all. 
3 Roll over the surface. Push the paint roller over the dirty spots. Move in a line, applying an even coat of water. You don’t need to push hard against the ceiling. Rinse the roller when it gets dirty so it doesn’t spread any dust or dirt. Remember to squeeze out the excess moisture before using the roller again. 
4 Add vinegar, detergent, or bleach. If your ceiling has deeper stains, you’ll need to repeat the process with a cleaning solution. In a bucket of water, add a small amount of vinegar, mild dish or laundry detergent, or bleach. If using bleach, mix 5 parts water with 1 part bleach. If using vinegar or detergent, use equal parts water and vinegar or detergent.[5] 
5 Apply the solution. Use your paint roller, keeping it damp instead of dripping, to roll even lines over the dirty portions of the ceiling. Alternatively, you can use a spray bottle to lightly spritz the ceiling. It requires climbing up on a ladder, but the spray bottle provides control over how much of the solution is applied to any spot. Allow the solution to sit and soak in. There’s no need to remove it, and trying to would put pressure on the popcorn texture. 
Community Answer The only way to "clean" a popcorn ceiling would be to paint it. And that will be a somewhat messy but rewarding chore. The "popcorn" elements you see are added to the drywall spray mud right before it is sprayed onto the ceiling, so they will fall from the ceiling when you paint over them (not all but a lot of them). Never wet a ceiling with anything other than a "mist" of water and truly this is only done when the entire ceiling is being scraped to remove the popcorn texture for the process to upgrade the ceiling with new drywall spray texture minus the popcorns. I would not suggest this project for anyone other than a professional. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 4 
Lina DaSilva Top Answerer Use a mixture of one part white vinegar to four parts water. Use a soft cloth or a sponge – nothing too abrasive. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1