An excellent way to create coziness in an apartment is suspended ceilings. The material of the ceiling covering creates the effect of ideal purity, shine and celebration. The design pleases the eye with its purity of color and bold design ideas. Therefore, the appearance of stains, dust and dirt on it is upsetting. There is a desire to immediately get rid of the annoying obstacle. There are a lot of ideas on how to wash a plastic ceiling in order to return it to the freshness of newness. There is no need to start cleaning until you are familiar with the cleaning products. Try to find out the cause of the contamination and possible ways to remove it.
Types of plastic ceiling coverings
Before you wash the ceiling coverings, you need to clarify what type they are to ensure proper cleaning. There are two types of suspended ceilings:
- Glossy with a pattern. They are easy to clean.
- Plain matte. They are cleaned using the dry method (with a damp soft cloth and a vacuum cleaner). It is better not to install such panels in the kitchen, since stains are easily absorbed into the material.
Suspended ceilings are most often made in white. Keeping plastic panels clean takes effort.
White plastic ceiling
Wood-look plastic suspended ceiling
Glossy plastic ceiling
Thanks to the varnish coating, plastic ceiling panels are highly wear-resistant. Additionally, they have an antiseptic effect, UV resistance, and scratch resistance.
Acetone
In this case, the most dangerous drug for your plastic is one that can dissolve some types of plastics. To avoid this kind of damage, soak a cotton pad in acetone and make a few strokes on a small area in an inconspicuous place with a quick movement; if everything works out, then with active movements from top to bottom, wipe the yellowed areas, and then rinse thoroughly with water. Just remember to ventilate and wear thick rubber gloves!
Causes of contamination of suspended ceilings
Ceilings made of plastic panels become dirty for reasons that do not always depend on the carefulness of the owners. Plastic coatings gradually lose their shine and newness for the following main reasons:
- From black spots left by insects.
- Marks left during repairs in the form of dots of cement, paint and glue.
- Steam condensation in the kitchen and bathroom, containing particles of chlorine and limescale, which, when dry, form stains.
- Rust stains from leaking ceiling pipes.
- Brown residue of tobacco smoke.
- Grease deposits (in the kitchen) in the form of stains.
- Leaking roofs.
- Collecting dust.
Contaminants are removed in different ways and means. Use a different product for each type of stain.
Hydrogen peroxide (3%) and hair lightening agent (6-9%)
If everything is not completely neglected, then hydrogen peroxide itself will be enough, with which we wipe all yellowed areas with a cotton pad or sponge (depending on the area). One procedure cannot be done here; such manipulations must be carried out from 3 to 5. If the result still does not suit you, then add 2 tbsp to 1 liter of water. spoons of hydrogen peroxide and hair lightener, thoroughly wipe the surface with a moistened sponge (with gloves!) and its whiteness will again delight you as before. If you want to know for what other purposes this cheap drug can be effectively used, take a look at the Novate.Ru page, you will be surprised at a lot.
How to remove dirt from suspended ceilings
To remove simple dirt from a suspended plastic ceiling, use a cloth soaked in water. For convenience, fill a basin with water and place it on the counter or stool from which you will wash the ceiling. If water fails, use heavy artillery.
Detergents should be in liquid or gel form, without large abrasive particles that leave scratches. Before cleaning your plastic ceiling, choose a product from a reputable brand. After reading the instructions, make a solution of the appropriate concentration.
Perhydrol (30% aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution)
This drug can be bought at any pharmacy, but when working with it, take special precautions - avoid contact with eyes and wear thick rubber gloves. If this is a ready-made solution, then simply moisten a soft sponge and wipe the yellowed areas several times, then rinse thoroughly with water (be careful, perhydrol tends to get very hot!). If this is a tablet form (hydroperide), then dilute it as indicated in the instructions and do the same.
If you are not pleased with the result, then add 2 tbsp to 1 liter of water. spoons of perhydrol 30% and how much bleach or stain remover (make sure that the perhydrol does not heat up during operation!). With all precautions, thoroughly treat heavily soiled or yellowed surfaces. Then wipe everything with a sponge soaked in clean water, and then dry. This method has proven itself to be the best for cleaning the inside surface of a microwave oven.
Products for removing heavy dirt from plastic ceilings
To clean a suspended ceiling, use the following popular plastic cleaners:
- Glorix floor cleaner also quickly cleans plastic ceiling surfaces and destroys mold. Dilute it in water and leave it on the surface of the ceiling for 5-15 minutes, then simply rinse with a damp soft cloth.
- "Cif Cream" perfectly removes stubborn dirt, lime deposits, and rust. He cleans the ceiling without streaks.
- Detergents “Mr.Muscle” and “Mr.Proper” foam well and do not leave streaks.
- “LOC” is a functional product (“Amway”) that cleans all surfaces. Does not need to be washed off with water. The solution is prepared by mixing thirty milliliters of the product with five liters of water. After using it, it is not necessary to wash the panels with water; it is enough to simply dry them.
- Alcohol-containing high-gloss cleaners and glass cleaners.
Glorix is easy to use. Suitable for light cleaning
Cif Cream removes traces of rust well
Products easily remove simple stains
Functional LOC will remove any stain from your ceiling.
Chlorine bleaches or stain removers
Such products must be used very carefully and carefully (remember personal protective equipment and try to avoid inhaling vapors). Naturally, we do not take pure bleach or white, but chlorine-containing bleaches or stain removers at the rate of 1 tablespoon per 1 liter of water. Soak the plastic elements in this solution for 10-12 hours, then rinse thoroughly and do not forget to wipe.
Do-it-yourself products for cleaning plastic suspended ceilings
Plastic ceilings can be washed not only with special chemicals. DIY solutions are suitable for these purposes. They do not lag behind in results from purchased chemicals.
- A melamine sponge, which has excellent cleaning properties, is considered an excellent tool for removing greasy stains. It is capable of removing any dirt and stains, including traces of ink, markers, and felt-tip pens. To do this, soak it in water and wipe the stained area.
- Plastic panels are washed with ammonia and water. Add one tablespoon of alcohol to 1 liter of water. Dip a rag or sponge in the solution and wipe the ceiling with it.
- Chlorine bleach is used to remove yellow stains. The composition is prepared from ten liters of water and 2-3 tablespoons of the product. Cleaning is carried out with a clothes brush.
- Traces of fat can be removed with vodka or table vinegar.
- Soda solution removes all types of contaminants. If the contamination is severe, then lubricate the contaminated area with slightly moistened soda with water. Leave the stain for 1-2 hours. Then remove the baking soda with a soft cloth.
- To make a universal solution for washing the ceiling, use soap shavings (30-40 g) diluted with water.
Do not use washing powder or sink cleaners to clean plastic ceilings. They have an aggressive effect on the material.
Overview of special tools and devices
Professional products sold in household chemical departments.
Follow the instructions! Remember, acid and abrasive powders negatively affect PVC!
Among the many cleaning products, the following are reliable and effective:
- The brand offers a LOC product that can clean dirt on any surface. The product is safe, environmentally friendly;
- Muskul. A powerful liquid product that will leave your bathtub, faucets and trim sparkling. It is not afraid of either limescale deposits or stains from rust;
- creamy paste solution for glossy surfaces. Removes stubborn, stubborn stains without leaving scratches or damage. Knows how to eliminate the unpleasant consequences of bad habits of apartment owners - removes yellowness from tobacco smoke;
- Proper. An indispensable assistant in the kitchen. Helps keep panels in order by dissolving grease and organic contaminants;
- The cleaning spray will save the slatted ceiling and walls from fungal pests thanks to its antiseptic effect. Can wash panels, eliminating any dirt.
- Household chemicals for whitening plastic window sills
- Useful tools for cleaning windowsills
An inexpensive and easy-to-handle melamine sponge has cleaning capabilities. Safe to use on all types of surfaces and materials. Easily removes limescale deposits, dirt, stains, traces of ink and marker.
Sequence of work for cleaning the surface of a suspended ceiling
Any work is done quickly and easily if its sequence is strictly followed. It represents a certain algorithm:
- Start your plastic ceiling cleaning job by ensuring safety. Wear a hat and work clothes. Protect your hands with rubber gloves. This is necessary to avoid allergies to cleaning products and detergents, drying out the skin on your hands and injury.
- Test a corner of the plastic to determine its reaction to detergents. Leave it for a while. If there are no negative effects on the surface of the material, begin cleaning.
- Before washing, you need to clean the surface of suspended ceilings with a vacuum cleaner so that large particles of dirt do not cause mechanical damage to the ceiling surface.
- To soften dirt, the suspended ceiling is moistened with a warm soapy solution.
- Then carefully rub off the stains.
- The surface is washed abundantly.
- Then dry.
- To give the plastic shine, the clean glossy surface is wiped with a special polishing compound.
Such a powerful disinfection can return not only ideal cleanliness to the ceiling, but also refresh the living space.
Do not use detergents containing abrasive particles to clean plastic suspended ceilings; they will leave scratches on the smooth surface of the material. Do not use hot water to wash the plastic surface, as this will cause the panel to deform.
Various alcohols
Due to the fact that plastic does not react chemically with alcohol solutions (methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, etc.), they can be safely used to whiten yellowed stains. But to be sure of a successful outcome, it is better to check the reaction of a particular plastic surface to such a radical substance. To do this, walk (with rubber gloves!) over the most inconspicuous area with a cotton pad soaked in alcohol; if everything goes well, then you can safely wipe all the yellowed areas. There is no need to rinse off alcohol solutions, but the room must be ventilated.
Required Tools
To wash plastic from nicotine deposits, grease, dust and other contaminants, you need to use only soft, gentle products and tools.
To care for plastic panels you will need:
- rubber spatula/hard brush (for processing seams);
- latex gloves;
- ladder;
- sponge (foam rubber or melamine);
- a rag made of cotton or other soft fabric;
- mop with sponge (for washing ceilings and other hard-to-reach places).
Attention! To preserve plastic products for as long as possible, it is recommended to use self-prepared cleaning solutions.
