How to get rid of dust on a popcorn ceiling – 4 simple steps for easy removal

With their many ridges and grooves, popcorn ceilings have a habit of accumulating dust over time, which not only makes surfaces look dingey but also compromises air quality.

There are a few routes to take if you want to remove dust on a popcorn ceiling quickly and easily: either use a vacuum cleaner with the right attachments, an extra-long duster, or a damp microfiber cloth. 

Whichever method you choose, the contoured surface of a popcorn ceiling requires a gentle hand or you risk damaging it. We turned to cleaning professionals for their top cleaning tips for carrying out this task safely and efficiently to get your 'fifth wall' looking its dust-free best.

How to get rid of dust on a popcorn ceiling

Dusting the ceiling is a good task to tick off as part of a spring cleaning checklist and will make a big difference to how clean the space feels as a whole. Be sure to tackle small areas at a time and take plenty of breaks, so you are then less likely to make mistakes or get overwhlemed.

Popcorn ceilings were popular in the seventies, and while many homeowners wish to remove the popcorn ceiling in their homes, their bumpy surfaces do help with acoustics, muffling the sound from above.

1. Get prepped

As with any DIY project or cleaning task, preparing your space is key. As tempting as it may be to skip this step, the experts recommend using a protective face mask for cleaning, at Amazon and goggles, at Amazon. This will prevent the inhalation of dust particles and stop dust from in your eyes and causing irritation.

It's also important to keep the space as well-ventilated as possible while cleaning to reduce the level of dust in the air, and turning on an air purifier will help return the air quality back to normal afterward.

Set up your step ladder, turn off any fans or air conditioning to prevent the dust from circulating like a snow globe and causing a sneezing fit, and dig out your best vacuum cleaner's attachments. You'll need as wide a brush attachment as possible, with soft bristles. Cover furniture and flooring with dust sheets, available at Amazon to help make clean-up easier while protecting your best couch from dust particles.

2. Vacuum with soft brush attachment

Work slowly and methodically, focusing on a small area at a time. Gently run the soft brush attachment over the surface, collecting the dust as you go and moving your ladder along frequently to avoid the temptation to over-reach and lose balance.

'To get rid of the dust on a popcorn ceiling, it is best to use a soft-bristled brush or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment,' says professional cleaner John Ward from Mold Busters. 'Avoid using water or any cleaning solution, as this can damage the popcorn texture or cause it to fall off.'

3. Minimize mess with a damp cloth

This will take longer, but you could use a damp sponge or microfiber cloth, at Amazon, as long as you have wrung it out to remove all excess moisture.

'Using a damp cloth or sponge to wipe the ceiling can help capture dust and debris more effectively and prevent them from falling to the floor,' says Angela Lee from Hellamaid cleaning company. If the ceiling is very dusty, you could wipe it down – being careful not to use too much water – and then vacuum it as a second step.

Angela Lee

Angela Lee writes for cleaning company Hellamaid.com and has made it her mission to help others create a cleaner and more organized living space, learning from the experts and staying up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques in the industry. With years of experience in home organization and cleaning, she has a wealth of knowledge to share with readers.

4. Use a duster with extension

No idea where you put your vacuum attachments? Simply use a duster with an extendable handle, at Walmart. This will of course mean vacuuming the floors when finished, but will effectively remove dust on the ceiling and cornicing, and while you are in spring cleaning mode, it's a good chance to clean blinds, too.

FAQs

Once you're done, dispose of the vacuum bag and clean the brush attachment, or wash the duster or microfiber cloth to prevent the dust from spreading around the next time you clean.