How Much Does Acoustic Ceiling Cleaning Cost? [2025 Data]
Acoustic ceiling cleaning costs average $550 depending on size
Acoustic ceiling cleaning costs average depend on ceiling square footage and other factors.
Ranging from $0.45 to $0.65 per square foot, larger acoustic ceiling projects cost more overall but have a lower rate compared to smaller spaces.
Ceilings that are hard to access or soiled heavily with dust and stains may drive costs higher.
Professional acoustic ceiling cleaning prevents stubborn building and expensive repairs, and a well-maintained ceiling can boost your home’s value.
This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.
Acoustic ceiling cleaning costs average $550, ranging from $450 to $650 depending on the project's scope and scale. You can expect to pay between $0.45 and $0.65 per square foot, depending on ceiling size, material, and cleaning method. Understanding these costs helps you plan for a cleaner home.
Acoustic Ceiling Cleaning Cost Factors
Acoustic ceiling cleaning costs depend on several key elements. Let’s look at the main factors that influence your final price.
Type of Acoustic Ceiling Cleaning
Acoustic ceilings come in a few common types, each with its own cleaning challenges. Drop ceilings, suspended tiles, glued-on tiles, and popcorn ceilings all require different approaches. Drop tiles are easier to remove and clean individually, while glued or sprayed textures may need gentle surface cleaning. Residential ceilings call for more careful handling than commercial spaces, which may use more durable materials.
Size
Total square footage is a major driver of acoustic ceiling cleaning cost. Expect to pay between $0.45 and $0.65 per square foot. Most pros set a minimum charge for small jobs, but larger spaces may qualify for volume discounts. For example, a single bedroom may be on the lower end, while cleaning an entire house or large commercial area increases the total but can lower the per-square-foot rate.
| Size (Sq. Ft.) | Description | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 100–300 | Small room | $45–$130 |
| 300–500 | Master bedroom or office | $135–325 |
| 1,000–1,500 | Apartment or 2–3 rooms | $450–$975 |
| 1,500–2,000 | Small to mid-sized home | $675–$1,300 |
| 2,000–2,500 | Medium home | $900–$1,625 |
| 2,500+ | Large home | $1,125 and up |
Frequency
How often you clean your acoustic ceiling affects both appearance and long-term costs. One-time deep cleaning is more expensive per visit, while regular contracts (annual, semiannual, or quarterly) provide discounts. Neglecting cleaning can lead to stubborn buildup, stains, or odor, which can drive up future costs and incur extra charges for special cleaning treatments.
Materials
The material your ceiling is made of impacts cleaning methods and price. Mineral fiber and fiberglass tiles are common and respond well to gentle cleaning. Cellulose tiles and spray-on popcorn ceilings may require more careful handling. Ceilings installed before the 1980s could contain asbestos, which demands professional testing and safe, specialized asbestos removal services.
Labor
Acoustic ceiling cleaning is performed by cleaning specialists, janitorial services, or restoration pros. Professionals charge between $70 and $90 per room to clean acoustic ceilings, depending on location and demand, averaging out to $25 to $30 per hour. High ceilings, complex spaces, or jobs requiring lifts or scaffolding can increase labor costs. Some companies bundle labor and materials into a single per-square-foot rate, while others itemize these charges.
Additional labor charges apply for evening, weekend, or emergency service. If your ceiling is hard to reach or requires extra prep, expect higher fees.
Location
Where you live and where the ceiling is located in your home can impact pricing. Urban areas and regions with a high cost of living have higher labor rates. Cleaning ceilings in kitchens, bathrooms, or basements may cost more due to grease, moisture, or mildew. Vaulted ceilings, stairwells, or commercial spaces can add to the total bill, especially if special equipment is needed.
Cleaning Method
There are several ways to clean acoustic ceilings, each with its own pros, cons, and cost impacts. Dry cleaning (using gentle brushes or sponges) is best for delicate textures. Wet cleaning or enzyme-based solutions tackle stubborn stains and odors but require careful application to avoid damaging tiles. Vacuuming is effective for dust removal, especially in commercial settings.
Choosing the right method depends on your ceiling’s material, condition, and the type of soiling present. Dry cleaning is safest for older or delicate ceilings, while wet or enzyme cleaning is more effective on tough stains. Wet methods require more labor and drying time, which can increase the total cost.
Cost of Common Acoustic Ceiling Cleaning Add-Ons
Acoustic ceiling cleaning jobs go beyond basic dusting and washing, and some may need additional services to treat tougher stains, remediate mold, or repair damage. These add-ons can impact your total acoustic ceiling cleaning cost, especially if your ceiling is neglected or damaged. If cleaning isn't enough, tile replacement or repair may be necessary.
Depending on your ceiling's condition, plan for these add-on costs:
Mold or mildew remediation: $10 to $25 per sq. ft.
Drop ceiling tile replacement: $2 to $17 per sq. ft.
Asbestos testing/abatement: $5 to $20 per sq. ft.
Water damage remediation: $45 to $55 per sq. ft.
How Often Should You Clean Acoustic Ceilings?
Most homes benefit from cleaning acoustic ceilings every one to two years, while commercial spaces or kitchens may need more frequent attention. Factors like pollen, humidity, or heating and cooling cycles can increase dust and debris buildup. If you notice visible stains, dust, lingering odors, or increased allergy symptoms, it’s a good idea to hire a professional for acoustic ceiling cleaning.
Regular acoustic ceiling cleaning not only keeps it looking sharp, but it also extends its lifespan and improves your home’s air quality. Staying on top of maintenance helps you avoid bigger, more costly problems down the road.
DIY Acoustic Ceiling Cleaning vs. Hiring a Pro
Taking on acoustic ceiling cleaning yourself can save money, but it comes with risks and challenges. DIY costs include cleaning products, tools like soft brushes or vacuums, protective gear, and possible rental equipment to access high ceilings. While you may save on labor, DIY cleaning requires time, physical effort, and a steady hand to avoid damage. DIY is best for small, accessible areas with light soil.
For large, high, or older ceilings—or when you want the job done right the first time—hiring a pro is a safer investment. Hiring a pro for acoustic ceiling cleaning ensures safe, thorough results, especially for large areas, high ceilings, or ceilings that may contain asbestos. Pros have the right tools and experience to handle stains, odors, and delicate materials.
Tips to Reduce Cost While Cleaning Acoustic Ceilings
Use these tips to reduce your acoustic ceiling cleaning costs:
Schedule regular cleanings to prevent buildup and deep stains.
Compare multiple quotes from local pros for the best price.
Combine ceiling cleaning with other maintenance tasks for bundled service discounts.
Move furniture and prep the area yourself to save on labor.
Address minor stains promptly to avoid costly deep cleaning.
Ask about recurring service contracts for lower per-visit rates.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
