How to clean and disinfect ceiling tiles

With every Armstrong ceiling tile, there are specific cleaning and disinfecting guidelines. Each is based on a number of details, specific to your ceiling tile. Please keep the guidelines below, as well as follow our tips for how to clean and disinfect to keep your ceiling tile looking new.

Maintenance tips

Cleaning guidelines

Disinfecting guidelines

Maintenance tips

Cleaning guidelines

Disinfecting guidelines

General ceiling tile maintenance tips

Here are a few quick tips to keep your Armstrong Ceiling looking like new:


A. Remove dust or loose dirt with a brush or vacuum with an attachment used for upholstery. Always clean in one direction to avoid rubbing dirt or debris into the tile.

B. Remove pencil marks, smudges, and stubborn dirt with an ordinary art gum eraser.

C. Use fresh, good grade wall cleaner to tackle stubborn spots.

D. Most mineral fiber and fiberglass ceilings may be cleaned with a damp cloth or sponge and mild soap. Use as little water as possible and wipe the soapy film off with a clean, damp cloth or sponge.
Note: This cleaning method does not apply to cloth-faced ceiling panels.

E. Some ceilings can withstand scrubbing, moisture and germicidal cleaners. Be sure to read the performance features of your specific ceiling.


Cleaning ceiling tiles guidelines

Due to differences in the finishes and textures of Armstrong ceiling products, different methods of cleaning ceiling tile are required. Cleaning is only recommended for the finished face of the board. Always keep in mind, cleaning conditions and aesthetics may be impacted by other elements in the room or space.

• It is recommended that only clear mild detergent cleaners be used, as dyed liquids can permanently discolor the finish of some ceiling tiles.

• Mineral fiber and fiberglass ceiling and wall panels should never be soaked in water or other liquids.

General cleaning

With most of our ceiling products, there are two different cleaning options. Be sure to read the instructions for your specific ceiling tile. Most ceiling tiles are delicate and care should be taken to avoid excessive contact and handling with the tiles.

Option 1: Cleaning ceiling tiles with a vacuum.

A commercial vacuum system with 100-inches/H2O vacuum capacity is recommended for removing dust particles. The vacuum system cleaning attachment should be a 3" diameter wand with natural hair bristle. A HEPA vacuum filter is recommended to minimize air borne dust during the cleaning process. Care must be taken while vacuuming to avoid excessive pressure. Use a blotting action to minimize potential damage of surface texture on ceiling and wall panels.

Option 2: Cleaning ceiling tiles with a damp cloth.

1. Using a mild, clear detergent on a clean damp cloth or soft sponge, wipe lightly on the surface of the tile to remove any dirt.

2. Dry any excess moisture with a clean, white microfiber cloth.
Note: If moisture is not removed, it may stain the surface over time.

Heavy duty cleaning

For a more thorough ceiling cleaning, follow these steps:

1. Dampen a cloth or sponge in water containing mild soap.

2. Wring out the cloth or sponge and gently wipe off the ceiling tiles or panels.

3. Remove the soapy film residue with a different cloth or sponge that is slightly dampened in clean water.
Note: Mineral fiber ceiling products are manufactured for performance and are made of delicate material. Excessive handling will cause damage to the tiles.


Disinfecting ceiling tile guidelines

Along with the cleaning guidelines, our ceiling panels can be disinfected in a variety of ways. It is recommended that only clear cleaners be used, as dyed liquids can permanently discolor the finish of the ceiling tiles. The panels should never be soaked in water or other liquids, as this can have a huge impact on the tiles integrity. Use gloves and eye protection when handling cleaner and cleaning equipment.

Disinfecting methods

Fog disinfectable

The fog method is an application method where very fine droplets of disinfectant are sprayed throughout a room in a fog.

Steps to follow:

1. Remove any obvious dirt before evenly applying cleaner.

2. Fog the disinfectant evenly over the ceiling surface.

3. Wipe dry with a clean, white microfiber cloth. Additionally, the board may be air dried.

Spray disinfecting

The spray method is used to kill bacteria, germs, etc. on the surface it is sprayed on.

Steps to follow:

1. Remove any obvious dirt before applying liquid cleaner.

2. Spray the disinfectant evenly over the board surface.

3. Wipe with a dry, white microfiber cloth after the recommended wait time (usually 10 minutes).

Wipe disinfecting

The wipe method is where very fine droplets of disinfectant are wiped onto the surface of the ceiling tile.

Steps to follow:

1. Remove any obvious dirt before applying liquid cleaner.

2. Apply cleaner to a sponge or cleaning cloth. Squeeze out the excess liquid until the sponge or cloth is damp.

3. Gently and evenly wipe the cleaner across the tile surface with the damp sponge or cloth. Use even strokes, up to 5 passes across a single position along the surface. Do not exceed the time of exposure recommended by the cleaner manufacturer (typically 10 minutes).

3. Wipe with a clean, white microfiber cloth to remove excess liquid.

4. Allow the tile to finish drying.

More than a clean

If cleaning your ceiling is not enough, we have you covered.

Replace a few tiles

Change the entire ceiling

Frequently asked questions

What's the best way to clean ceiling tiles?

The best way to clean ceiling tiles is with a damp cloth and gently wiping the tiles.

How do you clean commercial ceiling tiles?

For a more thorough ceiling cleaning, dampen a cloth or sponge in water containing mild soap. Wring out the cloth or sponge and gently wipe off the ceiling tiles or panels. After washing, remove the soapy film residue with a different cloth or sponge, slightly dampened in clean water.

Can you clean acoustic ceiling tiles?

Yes. Acoustic ceiling tiles can be cleaned using the guidelines above.

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