How To Remove Mold From Popcorn Ceiling?

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
22 min read

Well! Popcorn ceilings in bathrooms were most likely installed between 1930 and 1990 if you’re dealing with them. Ceilings made of stucco or popcorn are making a comeback, but with new concepts and methods of installation. Bathroom ceilings are often overlooked by homeowners until they see black patches on the roofs. If the mold spreads to porous or textured surfaces, you’ll have a difficult time cleaning it up. It, if you want to discover how to remove mold from popcorn ceilings and receive the right knowledge, you need to keep reading and learn how to do so.

Definition of Popcorn Bathroom Ceiling

Applying a mixture, using a sponge or roller, or even utilizing a spray gun can make popcorn ceilings. To disguise paint defects and repair work, spray-on textured ceilings are ideal. When used as an acoustic ceiling, the materials you use in this procedure can reveal any noise that has been there previously.
How to Remove Mold From a Bathroom Popcorn Ceiling | ServiceMaster

Mold quickly forms on the bathroom ceiling when water sits on the surface.

A Brief History of Popcorn Ceilings

Because they were easy to spray on, conceal defects, and reduce noise, popcorn ceilings were popular in new home building and renovations throughout the mid-1900s. Also known as a stucco ceiling, the acoustic ceiling was a popular choice for homes with a lot of corridor traffic or as a cottage cheese ceiling.

Asbestos was a component of the original popcorn ceiling material. The widespread usage of asbestos in construction from the 1940s through the 1970s can be traced back to this period. Popcorn ceilings began to lose favor after the United States outlawed the use of asbestos. However, contractors continued to utilize Styrofoam as a substitute for textured ceilings.

Clean Your Popcorn Ceilings At Least Once A Year

Popcorn ceilings have a rough texture that attracts dust. Having dust build up in the ridges can make the area appear dreary and gloomy. Frequent cleaning can help alleviate allergy problems caused by a buildup of dust in the home, which may extend across the entire property. If you haven’t cleaned your popcorn ceiling in a while, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

What You’ll Need

As difficult as it may be, the process of cleaning a popcorn ceiling is an essential one. Cover your furniture and floors with plastic tarps to keep dust, Styrofoam, and cleaning solution from falling (below). You won’t be able to breathe in any loose particles if you don’t use a mask. To protect your eyes from falling dust and Styrofoam, you should also wear goggles. To get to the ceiling, you’ll either need a stepladder or a long vacuum attachment.

The cleaning solution consists of water, liquid dish soap, and either bleach or vinegar, all of which are placed in a spray bottle. Remember to have a sponge on ready for those tricky areas. An extra set of hands may be required to help you with the cleaning process.

Surface dust can be removed with duct tape or a lint roller, as an additional alternative. Dust will adhere to the tape if you simply roll it over the ceiling. Despite the fact that this is a valuable technique, it is also the most time-consuming because it takes longer to cover a greater area. You run the danger of the popcorn snapping off the lint roller if it gets stuck.

Cleaning Methods

You have a few options when it comes to removing the popcorn from your ceiling. It’s possible to speed things up by combining all or some of these methods. Also, what you already have at home will influence your choice of approach.

For starters, use vacuum attachments to get rid of all of the loose debris. Despite the fact that this will likely simply remove the surface dust, it will make the detailed cleaning process much more efficient.. Make use of a wide-brush attachment if you have one. A long enough attachment may allow you to perform this from the ground. However, if you must use a ladder, proceed with caution both when cleaning and when climbing up and down.

It is possible to use a broom to clean a ceiling in a similar manner. Allow the dust to fall to the floor by lightly sweeping the ceiling. Your mask will come in handy at this point! To avoid breaking any of the popcorn’s peaks, sweep carefully.

Spray the ceiling of your kitchen with a mixture of warm water and liquid dish detergent to remove grease marks. To use, spritz the stain, dab lightly, and allow to dry.

Bleach and water can be used in a spray bottle to remove mildew, smoke, or water stains. Start with a bleach solution of one part per five parts of water. To prevent more water stains, sprinkle the entire area with a light mist, but don’t spray too much in any one location. If it doesn’t work after a few hours, add a little more bleach and re-mist.

How To Clean a Popcorn Ceiling

  • Step 1: Look for signs of asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can be released into the air during the cleaning process, posing a serious health risk to anyone who breathes them in. To clean your popcorn ceiling, you must be certain that your property is clear of asbestos. Before proceeding on, contact an asbestos removal company and have your ceiling tested for the presence of asbestos.
  • Step 2: Get ready. Protect your lungs from dust or Styrofoam inhalation by donning the appropriate gear. Anyone who is not wearing protective gear should not be allowed to enter the area. Fill a spray bottle halfway with your cleaning solution and shake it up. Water mist can be used to settle dust rather than keep it in the air by spraying it on the room’s surfaces.
  • In the third step, begin cleaning the surface dust by vacuuming, sweeping, or taping.
  • Step 4: Treat any ceiling stains with your cleanser.
  • Step 5: Use your chosen solution to mist the remainder of the ceiling. Use a sponge or rag to lightly dab any spots that appear to be unusually dusty or unclean.
  • Step 6: Allow the area to dry overnight, keeping it as aired as possible.

Looks like it was never even there before! If you suffer from allergies, having a spotless ceiling might make you feel and look your best. Maintaining the cleanliness of your ceiling is now a piece of cake, as you’ve learned how to clean it effectively. Thank you for your hard work, heroes of the cleaning world!

How to Remove Mold from Popcorn Ceiling

Getting rid of mold from a bathroom’s ceiling is a difficult task that also poses a health danger. Preventive steps can save you and your loved ones.

Regular maintenance to prevent mold in the ceiling

The popcorn ceiling is excellent in one thing that is catching dust. Using a few simple instruments, you can speed up the process of dust removal.

  • One thing the popcorn ceiling is great for is capturing dust and other airborne particles. With a few simple instruments, dust removal will be a breeze.
  • a vacuum cleaner equipped with a brush roll
  • Protective covers for furniture in plastic

Steps to clean ceilings

Using a vacuum or a duster on a pole, you may quickly and effectively clean the ceiling. You’ll need a long attachment if the summit is really lofty.

  • Using tarps or plastic covers will help keep popcorn from dropping on your furniture.
  • Make sure you’re dust-free by donning your mask.
  • When cleaning the ceiling, either use a duster attached to a painter’s pole or a vacuum cleaner to remove any remaining dust.
  • If you want a spotless ceiling, start with little sections and work your way up.

How to Remove Mold on the Ceiling in the Bathroom

There are a variety of forms and sizes of stains that appear on your clothes based on where they appear. Grease stains are the most frequent in kitchens, although water stains, mold and cigarette smoke stains can also be found in bathrooms. You’ll need the following items to remove all of these stains:

  • Dish soap in a liquid form.
  • Spray bottle with a large size.
  • Cloth made of microfiber.
  • Bleach.
  • It’s hydrogen peroxide.
  • Mouth guards and goggles

Removal of grease stains from popcorn ceiling

Check a tiny area first to make sure it won’t damage anything before you start spraying it with water.

  • Shake the dish soap and warm water in a spray container thoroughly before using.
  • Wipe away the grease with a microfiber cloth once you’ve sprayed the area.
  • Allow the surface to dry before moving on to the next step.

Removal of water stains and mold from popcorn ceiling

If your ceiling has a leak, you’ll notice yellow streaks on the surface. Because of the moisture in these spots, mildew and mold can grow. You’ll need bleach to get to the bottom of this problem. However, hydrogen peroxide solution is preferable to bleach because it can cause discomfort and only kills 36% of the mold’s roots, whereas bleach fails to kill even the mold’s roots at the root level. After the hydrogen peroxide has removed up to 90% of the mold in the first attempt, it will evaporate.

  • Spray a solution of three teaspoons of bleach and a cup of warm water into the bottle.
  • Steaming the mixture on the spots is preferable.
  • Allow the ceiling to completely dry before moving on.
  • If the stain persists, the cleaning solution is supplemented with more bleach, and the procedure is repeated.

Wear safety goggles and a mask to protect your mouth and eyes while cleaning the ceilings.

Because chlorine bleach does not allow for the use of 98 percent water to eliminate mold from porous surfaces and popcorn ceilings, many experts believe that chlorine bleach is superior to other liquid bleaches.

How to Remove Mold from Popcorn Ceiling | An Expert Guide

Removal of Cigarette smoke from popcorn ceiling

Assume you or any smokers in your household are habitual offenders. Popcorn ceilings include nicotine and smoke stains. To get rid of it, you can use a bleach solution to clean it. Hydrogen peroxide, on the other hand, is the finest substitute.

  • Spray the hydrogen peroxide solution on the popcorn ceiling after pouring it into a spray bottle.
  • For the best results, let it dry and repeat the process.

How to Control the Mold from Popcorn Ceilings

The first time you deal with mold on popcorn ceilings, you can’t be confident you won’t have to deal with it again. Mold can grow on the ceilings of your home if there is a lot of humidity in the air. In order to eliminate mold from your bathroom ceilings, you must first remove all moisture. To complete this work, you will need to identify the causes of mold and moisture in the restrooms. The following are a few steps you can take to minimize the growth of mold:

  • Open the doors and windows in your bathrooms and kitchens to improve the flow of fresh air. Instead of windows, consider installing an exhaust fan in these spaces.
  • It’s important to examine the pipes in your bathroom and kitchen for water leaks. Wrapping your pipes can also help reduce condensation.
  • Mold spores can be eliminated by cleaning your bathroom on a regular basis.
  • Curtains, showers, and mats that are resistant to mildew and mold can be used to avoid the growth of mold.

Removing mold from popcorn ceiling with vinegar

For 82 percent of germs on porous, nonporous, and black mold surfaces, the best chemical is white vinegar, which is acidic.

Using this product safely is important because the odor dissipates fast from most surfaces when exposed to air. Using a spray bottle and baking soda and water, thoroughly wipe the ceiling with the mixture of undiluted distilled white vinegar and undiluted hydrogen peroxide solution (3 percent concentration). White vinegar, which is 80% acetic acid, loses some of its potency when water is added. After a few minutes, remove the moldy surface from the mixture and allow it to soak in. Make sure the area is clean and dry before moving on. Vinegar’s scent will dissipate in a matter of hours.

Removal of mold from popcorn ceiling with the baking soda

Baking soda is useful in the home for a variety of things, including absorbing odors and soothing heartburn. As a result, it protects the health of your family, as well as your pets.

Mix 1/4 tsp. baking soda with water in the spray bottle to dissolve. Using a sponge or brush, scrub the mold-infested region in the ceiling with the baking soda and water solution. Spray and dry the area once more, without scrubbing it. This will assist keep the rot off of your roofing in the future.

A thick mixture of baking soda, water, and white vinegar can be used to remove stubborn mold spots. Next, apply the mixture to the affected area and allow it to set. Clean the area with water to get rid of black mould.

What Works Best On Bathroom Popcorn Ceiling Mold

While we recommend a bleach and water solution, if you are very sensitive to bleach, you may choose another choice.

Distilled vinegar is a well-known mold-fighting superfood. White vinegar can be used on its own or diluted with water for a more subtle scent. Undiluted hydrogen peroxide and a baking soda and water solution may also be beneficial.

No matter which path you take, you’re likely to be able to DIY a solution using things you already have around the house. You may save time and money by making your own anti-fungal treatment before heading to the store.

How Can I Prevent a Mold in The Bathroom Ceiling?

Preventative measures are always the best bet when dealing with an issue. Doing just a little proactive thinking now will pay off in the long run, saving you both time and money in the future.

As with basements, bathrooms have high levels of humidity, making mold growth more likely. Proper ventilation, whether from fans, open windows, or dehumidifiers, is the most fundamental preventative measure you can take. Make sure to dry your towels outside or in your bedroom to reduce humidity after showering.

But there’s more you can do than that!

Choosing mildew-resistant paint for your bathroom ceiling and walls is one of the best preventative measures you can take. Spray-on canisters of this specialized paint are available for easy application to popcorn ceilings.

To prevent mold from forming, this paint contains FDA-approved anti-microbial components. Keep in mind, however, that if you apply it over mold that already exists, it will not address the problem permanently.

FAQs

How do you get mold off a popcorn ceiling?

Using a spray bottle and vinegar or bleach to remove mold from a popcorn-textured ceiling is the best option because both are liquids. As they soak into the popcorn ceiling’s surface, these liquids will lift it from its perch. Mold defects can be disguised by painting, but it is impossible to eliminate them completely.

How do I get rid of black mold on my ceiling?

Pour distilled white vinegar into a spray bottle, spray the liquid onto the ceiling, and let it there for an hour to get rid of the black mold. Brush it clean after that.

How do you clean the popcorn ceiling?

With a combination of bleach and water, cleaning the popcorn ceiling is a cinch. Spray the solution on the stains after pouring it into the spray bottle. Use safety eyewear and let the ceiling dry completely before doing this procedure.

What is mold remediation?

Removal and/or cleaning of mold from an indoor environment, such as a house or a company, is called mold remediation (removal).

There may be specific equipment and methods needed to completely remove mold from an affected property, thus it’s recommended to engage mold remediation/removal pros.

You can reach us 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at the number at the top of the page for mold removal and remediation services.

What makes mold grow?

Tiny spores of mold might invade your home. Moisture is required for the spores to start growing, digesting, and killing. A wide range of surfaces, including;

  • Wood
  • Tiles on the ceiling.
  • Wallpaper
  • Paints
  • Carpet
  • a flat, flat surface made of metal or plastic
  • Insulation

High humidity or flooding are ideal conditions for the growth of mold. Mold and mold spores cannot be completely eradicated from your home. Mold growth, on the other hand, can be halted if you keep your house dry.

How does mold grow?

To thrive, mold needs a combination of nutrients, water, oxygen, and warm temperatures. Dead organic material like wood, paper, and fabrics, as well as some synthetic items like paints and adhesives, provide mold with nutrients. Mold necessitates moisture to grow, yet certain strains can tolerate relative humidity levels as high as 70% by absorbing moisture from the air.

At normal indoor conditions, most molds can thrive, and few if any can grow below 40 F or over 100 F. If the temperature is outside this range, molds may remain dormant or inactive, but they may reactivate when the conditions are more suitable. Mold and mold spores can be killed at temperatures considerably above 100 F, however the exact temperature required to kill certain species has not been established.

How to Remove Mold From Popcorn Ceiling With Homemade Solutions · Wow Decor

How long does the mold removal process take?

The amount of mold, where it is growing (behind walls, etc.), and what it is growing on all play a role in how long it will take to remove it. Mold eradication (remediation) can take anything from a single day to five days on average.

You can reach us at the phone number at the top of this page if you have any queries concerning mold removal (remediation).

How do I know when professional mold removal is complete?

When mold has been eliminated, you can tell in one of two ways.

  1. While visible mold colonies and mold spores may be gone, they can still be present in the air and hidden areas. In other words, a visual examination is not the greatest technique to ensure that all of the trash has been disposed of.
  2. A third-party test is usually the best approach to ensure that all mold has been completely removed.

A mold remediation firm cannot test while performing remediation, which creates a conflict of interest. Residents of Maryland should be aware of this, since there is a state legislation requiring particular certifications of mold remediation companies and prohibiting them from doing so. There are a variety of testers, from home inspectors to industrial hygienists, so be aware of this. Please check with your independent tester to see if their written tests can be used as evidence in a court of law.

Ensure the mold spore count is within acceptable ranges by performing a clearance test after mold removal, as well as by following the recommended pre-testing procedures (e.g., testing for mold spores).

Do I need to hire a mold remediation/removal expert to remove mold, or can I do it myself?

That’s a good one. As long as you understand that removing mold (by cleaning it, cutting it out, etc.) disperses mold spores throughout the house, anyone may eliminate mold from a home or company.

Negative pressure confinement and the proper personal protective equipment are the only methods for successfully removing the mold. This will need that you follow IICRC S-520 and appoint an industrial hygienist to ensure that the mold is completely eradicated.

The IICRC has certified SI Restoration’s mold removal and mold treatment crews as IICRC-trained (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification). Any time of day or night, seven days a week, you can reach us at the number shown above for mold removal services.

What about other companies that claim to test and remove mold?

Using a company that performs both mold testing and mold removal and remediation is not problematic until:

  1. You’re a defendant in a lawsuit before a judge.
  2. Because the testing business didn’t do its job correctly, you become ill as a result of exposure to mold.

Using a business that performs both mold testing and mold removal may save you time in the beginning, but in the long run, it may result in circumstances that are significantly worse.

Let us begin by laying out the facts:

Let’s say you’re building a house and you hire a contractor who assures you that they would perform quality control checks on their work once they finish. When the house is finished, the builders will give you a certificate stating that they have inspected the structure and found it to be sound.

No, I wouldn’t. Since they would constantly declare they did a terrific job, I hope you don’t. When a judge hears a lawsuit and hears that a mold contractor certifies that he examined the mold-effected areas and they are fine, it’s the same thing. No, I wouldn’t put my faith in them.

Are you qualified to do professional mold remediation?

The Institute of Inspection For Cleaning And Restoration has certified SI Restoration (IICRC).

Call us at the number at the top of this page, or fill out our contact form, for more information on SI Restoration and our mold removal, mold treatment, and other restoration services. The District of Columbia and Maryland are included in our service area (Washington DC). Located in Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

Conclusion

You no longer need to be concerned about mold growth on your popcorn ceiling because you now know many methods for removing it. You only need to know how to avoid having the same issue happen again. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe by avoiding the effort of cleaning up after yourself.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

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