Stretch ceiling can be called a specific material that is used in interior decoration to give them beauty and sophistication. Although most manufacturers claim that such ceilings do not need maintenance at all, they still need to be washed and cleaned periodically.
What is the stretch ceiling made of?
Most often, in the manufacture of the ceiling, PVC film and polyester fabric are used. They are quite durable and resistant to external damage. To increase their service life, you need to learn how to properly care for them.
Washing the ceiling
This process is considered a very painstaking and delicate job, so there are a few basic points to be aware of. Improper use can lead to material discoloration, dimensional changes and various types of deformation.
Try to avoid the use of abrasive cleaning agents that will adversely affect the materials. In addition, you should not use substances that consist of alkali and various acids.
How to care for stretch ceilings
There are two options with which you can wash the product:
Dry, where a dry cloth is used to rub the surfaces. You need to move here gently, without committing rough actions. Wet, carried out with a wet sponge.
Many people who have stretch ceilings at home try to wash them with a brush or a mop, but this cannot be done, because in this way they can be scratched or damaged, and it is completely inconvenient to operate with mops.
Before you start cleaning, you should stock up on the following materials: ladder, sponge, napkin, vacuum cleaner and mild detergents.
Cleaning methods depend on the type of surface and the type of dirt. If you need to get rid of dust or streaks, then you can do with just one napkin dipped in water. After processing, do not forget to wipe the ceiling with a dry sponge.
If the room was renovated and the layer of dust on the ceiling is very large, then here you will have to arm yourself with a vacuum cleaner and a soft nozzle. Make sure that the brush does not touch the material, and drive it about 3 centimeters from the ceiling. If you do not adhere to this rule, you can damage the product.
Use a rag and a cleaning agent to remove the stains. Move smoothly without pressing and rough touches. After the performed actions, be sure to wipe the surface dry.
To return the shine to the product, you need to soak the sponge with a substance that is used to wash the windows or with ammonia. Then wipe the ceiling again with a dry cloth.
What is allowed to wash stretch ceilings
An ordinary soap solution is considered the best option. In order to make it, you need to add a little washing powder and laundry soap to the water. You can also use dish or glass cleaner.
Before using any substance, you need to test it on the surface. Apply a small amount in the corner of the ceiling, wait for a while and see the result. If spots or any changes in color appear, then this solution cannot be used.
Currently, you can buy a universal mixture, which is designed exclusively for washing a stretch ceiling. The downside here is the price of such a substance. Therefore, many owners choose the first option for caring for ceilings, because the end result is not particularly different.
How to properly care for a glossy surface
The ceiling is made in matte and glossy appearance. If you do not want to have stains on the gloss, then it is worth washing it with a glass cleaner. But here, too, you should first carry out testing and look at the reaction of the product. This is due to the fact that the composition of the product may contain dyes that change the color of the treated surface.
Use soft microfiber cloths and suede sponges. Also today special napkins are sold for cleaning the room.
The gloss is given to the gloss by a solution of ammonia, and the dust is removed with a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush. Do not use harsh products that damage the surface.
The matte surface is very similar to a plastered wall. Such structures are made of a canvas that is impregnated with polyurethane. There can be no scratches or dust here. But even such a product needs maintenance.
It is easier to wash such a ceiling than its glossy counterpart, because there are no streaks on the matte surface. Clean it with hot steam or grease-free products.
How to wash fabric ceilings
This design is much thinner and more delicate than PVC. That is why it is worth washing it very carefully using glass detergent. Remember that the composition of the product can change the color of your ceiling.
Here you can not act in a circular motion, which leaves stains on the fabric. Move only forward - backward.
What to do with the ceiling in the kitchen
It just so happens that it is the kitchen ceilings that get dirty most often. This is especially true for rooms where there is no extractor hood. During cooking, soot is formed from fat, which mixes with dust and is very difficult to wash.It is not necessary to delay the maintenance of the surface for a long time, to run it. Wash the ceiling frequently to prevent dirt from eating into its structure. You need to use the above-described products that do not contain abrasive particles.
The use of all the described products will allow you to take care of stretch ceilings on time, maintain their attractive appearance and extend the service life of the product. The most important thing is to adhere to the rules and not damage the structure with hard brushes or incorrect movements.
Video: how to wash stretch ceilings
The beauty and practicality of stretch ceilings makes them more and more popular every day. How to wash a glossy stretch ceiling, as well as a matte or fabric one, are topical questions for owners of such a ceiling finish. It is to these questions that our article is devoted.
What is a stretch ceiling?
Before you wash your stretch glossy ceiling, you need to understand its structure and properties. Only in this case you will be sure that you are doing all the surface cleaning work correctly, which means that you do not damage the material.
Such a covering is a construction of a single piece of polyester fabric or polyvinyl chloride film. Such pieces are fixed on a plastic or aluminum baguette under the ceiling.
Important! A similar ceiling covering was popular in ancient Rome. At that time, they pulled on a fabric drapery. Later, in the Middle Ages in Armenia, they began to use a canvas impregnated with chalk for these purposes.
With the invention of PVC film in the 60s of the twentieth century, such ceilings acquired the look we were used to and began to enjoy great popularity. At first they were used only in apartments and offices, where the ceilings were defective, and they had to be masked. Every year this design was in demand more and more. After all, durable and resistant to mechanical stress of various types of materials for many years are able to delight with beauty and comfort.
Do I need to wash the stretch ceiling?
Some manufacturers claim that such coatings require absolutely no maintenance. But this is not the case. From time to time they still need to be cleaned.
This must be done with the knowledge of how to wash stretch ceilings at home. Incorrect handling can cause deformation, discoloration and material damage. The rules for cleaning such a ceiling covering will vary slightly, depending on the type of material in the base.
Washing stretch ceilings at home
There are two ways to clean such a structure: dry and wet:
- In the first case, a dry cloth will come to the rescue, which, in fact, is rubbed with the coating material.
- Wet cleaning is carried out with a sponge soaked in pure water without impurities or in a solution of non-aggressive detergents.
Important! Regular cleaning and washing of stretch ceilings helps to maintain their beautiful appearance and excellent condition. Lack of maintenance leads to the appearance of dirt, which will be very difficult to remove later.
In order to wash stretch ceilings at home, you will need the following items:
- Ladder.
- Soft sponge.
- Wipes made of suede, microfiber or other soft material.
- Vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment.
- Non-abrasive detergents.
How to wash glossy and matte stretch ceilings?
The safest means for the ceiling material are plain water or a mild soapy solution. You can also use dish soap or window cleaner.
Important! Before using the selected product, it is imperative to check the reaction of the ceiling material to it. To do this, apply a detergent to an area of the ceiling hidden from the eyes and check for a reaction after a while. If there are no stains, discoloration and damage, then you can safely use the selected liquid to clean the entire surface.
In addition to the aforementioned tools that are in every home, almost every hardware store can offer its customers how to wash stretch glossy ceilings without streaks. The only significant drawback of such special tools is their cost.
What is strictly forbidden to wash stretch ceilings?
Due to the fact that the material of the canvas is quite capricious in terms of the perception of chemicals, there is a list of means with which it is simply prohibited to process them:
- Washing powders of any type.
- Tar and laundry soap.
- Mustard and baking soda.
- Acetone.
- Products that contain an increased amount of chemicals of high concentration.
- Products containing chlorine.
- Powder detergents.
Important! Strong chemicals can cause loss of gloss and tarnishing of the material, deformation and sagging of the web.
How to clean a streak-free stretch ceiling? - Fundamental rules
In order for the ceiling covering to remain as beautiful as on the first day after installation, you should follow the basic rules for washing it:
- Use only soft sponges or soft tissues for this purpose.
- The washing process is carried out in the direction of the weld seam with light circular movements.
- After washing, wipe the cloth with a dry flannel cloth.
Important! Hard sponges and brushes can easily damage delicate surfaces: scratch, tear or deform the gloss.
- Remove any jewelry you are wearing. They can cause accidental damage to the material.
- Use only liquids for washing. Avoid abrasive products, creams and powders. They can damage the ceiling.
- Carefully read the composition of the product with which you decided to wash the stretch ceiling. In no case should it contain acetone. An excellent option would be products with an alcohol content.
- PVC cloths should be washed very carefully without pressure. In order to more effectively remove dust and dirt from the surface, use an aqueous solution with a temperature of about 35 degrees.
Important! It is strictly forbidden to use a mop for washing stretch ceilings at home.
- To carry out all the cleaning steps correctly, you should read the instructions. The coating manufacturer must necessarily indicate all the nuances of this process.
How to wash a glossy stretch ceiling without streaks at home?
Glossy ceilings create a unique and special atmosphere in the room. In order for the material not to lose its luster, it simply needs regular maintenance.
How and with what to wash stretch glossy ceilings?
In order to avoid streaks on the smooth and shiny surface of the ceiling, it is best to clean with a window cleaner.
Important! Sometimes window cleaners contain various dyes that can affect the color of the stretch ceiling. Therefore, you should definitely check the product on an invisible area of the material.
If the remedy fits, proceed as follows:
- Use a soft microfiber or suede cloth and a liquid of your choice to wipe dust off the cloth.
- Then dry the canvas with a clean flannel cloth.
- To remove construction dust from the ceiling, use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment.
Important! The vacuum cleaner should be turned on at minimum power. Do not bring it closer than 2-3 cm to the ceiling surface.
How to wash a glossy stretch ceiling to restore its shine?
To restore the shine of the canvas, it is treated with a solution of ammonia:
- Gently apply 10% ammonia solution to the glossy surface with a clean, soft cloth.
- Wipe the cloth dry after processing.
How to wash a matte stretch ceiling without streaks at home?
In appearance, the matte stretch ceiling resembles a flat plastered surface. Such a canvas has no tendency to scratches and cracks on it, dust does not settle on it. But, despite all its advantages, such a ceiling covering still requires periodic maintenance.
It is much easier to wash a matte stretch ceiling than a glossy one, since you can not be afraid of the appearance of stains. Therefore, caring for a matte surface is reduced to washing with degreasing agents or cleaning with hot steam.
Important! After cleaning, the matte cloth must be wiped dry.
How to wash fabric stretch ceilings?
The material for such a ceiling covering is more fragile compared to PVC sheets. Therefore, it should be cleaned very carefully, adhering to the following recommendations:
- Do not use window cleaners to clean fabric ceilings. Substances that are part of such products can penetrate into the structure of the canvas and lead to a color change.
- It is forbidden to clean stretch fabric ceilings in a circular motion. This can lead to streaks. Such ceilings should only be washed back and forth.
Important! For severe contamination, a powder solution can be used. When cleaning with this product, do not rub the same area for too long..
How to clean the stretch ceiling in the kitchen?
Most often, the problem of ceiling pollution is in the kitchen. Even if there is an extractor hood in the kitchen, the ceiling sheet is easily covered with oily soot, which, together with the dust, forms a compound that is difficult to remove. Therefore, in the kitchen, stretch ceilings should be washed more often so that dirt does not eat into the structure of the material.
The ceiling in this room is cleaned using the same tools and items as in any other room. After treatment with the agent, the canvas is washed around the entire perimeter with clean water and wiped dry.
Important! To easily remove soot, use dishwashing detergent or ammonia solution when washing.
Video
During the production process, tensioning materials for ceilings are impregnated with a special solution with an antistatic effect. Thanks to this, the ceiling covering becomes resistant to the adhesion of dirt and dust. Thus, the frequency of washing can be reduced to once every six months - this is not so often and not so difficult. These procedures will help maintain the beautiful appearance of the ceiling surface and extend the life of the material.
Stretch ceilings are installed once every many years. The surface has excellent external characteristics, but over time, the ceilings collect dust particles on themselves, because of which it no longer looks so presentable.
Stretch ceilings advantages:
- Perfectly integrated into the interior design.
- Manufacturing materials are highly durable.
- Resists the negative effects of moisture.
- They are waterproof and resist mold and mildew.
- Possibility of re-assembly.
According to the material of manufacture, they are divided into:
- Film. They are made by PVC films.
- Tissue. The fabric is made, as a rule, by weaving from polyester yarn impregnated with a special water-repellent polyurethane mixture.
By the type of texture:
- Glossy. They are distinguished by their high reflectivity. Visually significantly "expand" the space of the room.
- Matte. Unlike glossy ones, they have a rough surface, devoid of reflectivity.
- Satin. They are an intermediate component between glossy and matte ceilings. Their surface is flawlessly smooth and at the same time absolutely devoid of reflective effect.
Can stretch ceilings be washed
According to the manufacturers, dust should not settle on the smooth film coating of the stretch ceiling, since the coating itself is impregnated with an antistatic agent. But! Firstly, advertisers often wishful thinking, and secondly, if your glossy ceiling adorns the kitchen, then the appearance of droplets of fat and other waste products on it is inevitable even with a good hood, and it will have to be cleaned.
The ceiling must be washed at least once every six months. But if you think that it is too rare or often, then "as it gets dirty" is the best option.
In order to properly care for stretch ceilings in a house, you need to know exactly what material it is made of.
How to care for a stretch ceiling
Use a foam sponge or soft cloth.
Dry cleaning
The method includes removing dust and cobwebs from the ceiling surface. It is carried out with a soft lint-free cloth (for glossy ceilings) or a brush with soft long bristles.
Vacuuming
Requires compliance with simple rules:
- The suction power should be low.
- Use only a smooth attachment to avoid damage to the surface.
- To clean as safely as possible, the distance between it and the brush of the vacuum cleaner should be at least 5-10 centimeters.
Wet cleaning
Most often, the ceiling does not require thorough washing, limit yourself to the following:
- With the rag wrapped around a mop or long-handled brush, gently walk over the ceiling surface without pressing down on the rag. This will remove dust and cobwebs from the surface. If the ceiling is glossy, polish the surface (where necessary) with a soft cloth and mastic or window cleaner.
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Ready funds
The easiest way is to use specially created household chemicals. They are able to qualitatively wash away dust and stains from the PVC surface. The composition of such products contains special components that have the ability to dissolve dirt, polish and clean the film, give it additional shine and maintain its appearance at a height. In addition, the means for washing stretch ceilings leave a film invisible to the eye, which acts as a protection against the appearance of various fungi and microorganisms.
Types of funds:
Brands and manufacturers:
When choosing a detergent, consult with the masters who installed it and be sure to try the composition on pieces of film left after installation.
How to clean a streak-free glossy ceiling
The basis for the manufacture of glossy coatings is a polyvinyl chloride film. It is distinguished by high strength and unpretentious operation. It is important to know that gloss is very sensitive to sudden changes in temperature. Do not expose it to cold. This is especially true in winter, it is necessary to avoid wide open vents and freezing of the room.
It is more difficult to take care of a glossy stretch ceiling, because it is prone to staining, in addition, it is here that scratches and damage are more clearly visible.
One monthly dry cleaning is sufficient. Wet care is recommended to be performed at least three to four times a year.
If a glossy finish is installed in the bathroom and in the kitchen, it will need wet cleaning more often. In the bathroom, the constant accumulation of condensation serves as a source of pollution for gloss. And in the kitchen there is a stove on which food is prepared. Grease splashes and soot deposits that settle on the surface require timely cleaning. The hood installed in the kitchen will help to reduce the negative impact of these factors.
It is better to wash the glossy stretch coating using the products recommended by the manufacturer. But if there are none, then:
- Clean the dirty, glossy ceiling with a microfiber cloth dampened with a solution of water and soap or dishwashing detergent. Then rinse the solution off the surface with clean water and wipe dry with a soft cloth.
- Wash the glossy surface of the ceiling with warm water and a little ammonia. The ammonia is good for getting rid of stubborn dirt and giving a glossy surface a shine.
- Those products in which alcohol is the main ingredient are also quite suitable. Means for washing glass and mirrors. They will not leave any streaks on the glossy ceiling, and they will remove stains quickly and efficiently. Test the product on the least visible area before use.
Ammonia is essential for cleaning glossy ceilings.
- For dazzling reflections, rub it with a special mastic, a polish sold at a household chemicals store.
How to clean matte ceilings
If the coating is not very dirty, it is not necessary to wash it; dry cleaning with napkins and a vacuum cleaner is sufficient.
For wet cleaning, choose the right detergent first.
- Dishwashing gel solution, detergent solution or alkaline soap solution. The substance must be well diluted in water so that there are no hard granules.
- Glass cleaner containing ammonia. With its help, it is easy to get rid of dust and minor greasy dirt. The main advantage of such formulations is that after them there are no stains.
- If desired, a homemade solution is prepared at home. You will need water and ammonia, 30 ml of the product for 5–7 liters of liquid is enough to put the film in order.
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If you have any concerns about the safety of the detergent, do an experiment. Take a few drops of the composition and test on a small area of the film. If nothing happened to the material within 10-15 minutes, use the product calmly.
How to clean fabric ceilings
Textile materials can be easily cleaned of dust with a vacuum cleaner, they do not accumulate an unpleasant odor. And if, nevertheless, a stain appears on the fabric ceiling, then it can be easily cleaned - the main thing is to know the nature of its origin and not hesitate to clean it.
Before you start cleaning, it is helpful to read the following guidelines:
- Before using this or that tool for cleaning satin, you should test the possibility of its negative effect on a test piece of material that was not used during installation.
- When the stain is fresh, you should immediately blot it with a soft flannel cloth or paper napkin.
- Regardless of the nature of the pollution, begin to remove stains, moving in the direction from the edges of the ceiling to its center.
- To avoid the appearance of streaks, do not wash the satin ceiling with a lot of water.
- Before you clean the fabric ceiling with a stain remover, you need to carefully study its composition. If chlorine is present in it, its use is not recommended.
- When the stain is removed, wipe the surface with a damp soft cloth, and then remove the remaining moisture with paper towels.
You will need a soft sponge and soapy water. In cases with more complex stains and in the presence of grease and soot stains, add a little washing powder or dishwashing liquid to warm water.
The ceiling, matt or glossy, can only be washed with detergents. acid-free.
How to clean a stretch ceiling in the kitchen
Kitchen - a room where the ceiling requires special care. The reason is that greasy deposits and soot are added to the settling dust. Remember that simple wet cleaning is unlikely to be limited to.
To effectively clean the film from dirt and not spoil the expensive coating, take note of the following rules:
- If you do not want to purchase a special product, use formulations marked "anti-grease", for example, gel for dishes. If the dirt is not too abundant and old, laundry soap will cope with it.
- If you have made a choice in favor of a detergent solution, use formulations designed for automatic washing. Such a powder will not produce abundant foam and will be easier to wash off the film, leaving no streaks.
- No matter how severe the contamination, you should not use iron brushes and use abrasive detergents, as well as bleaching compounds. Since the material is vulnerable, you risk damaging it.
- When washing the film, try not to apply too much pressure on it. Otherwise, you will destroy the structure of the material and the uniformity of the surface.
You can wash a glossy stretch ceiling at home without streaks using washing powder, glass cleaner or dish gel. For each of them there are special rules of application.
