If dusting your tall ceiling has you in over your head, here’s how to get it done
Cleaning high ceilings is easier when you start at the top and work down, preventing dust from settling on furniture you already cleaned.
Electrostatic dusters hold dust better than feather dusters, reducing allergens in your home and saving you time during each cleaning session.
Telescoping poles extend up to 20 feet, letting you keep your feet on the ground while reaching vaulted ceilings safely and comfortably.
Hiring a local house cleaning professional takes the stress off your plate, especially when tall ceilings feel like too much to tackle alone.
When you first fell in love with those vaulted ceilings, you probably weren’t thinking about what a challenge they’d be to clean. Luckily, with the right tools, you can still admire your ceiling without turning a blind eye to the dust. Use these seven tips to ensure your home stays clean and dust-free from the ceiling down.
No matter the duster or the technique you use, some dust is bound to fall as you’re dusting the ceiling. If you save the ceiling for last, that dust will settle on your furniture, knickknacks, and all the other spots you just worked so hard to clean. Treat your ceiling as the start of your cleaning marathon, then work your way down to picture frames, furniture, and finally, the floor.
"Whatever type of duster a homeowner uses, a portion of the dust being removed from the ceiling or ceiling fan will fall through the air and onto surfaces below,” said Asya Biddle, Angi Expert Review Board member and manager of The Dustbusters, a family-owned and operated janitorial company in Williamsport, PA. “Always set aside time to clean those areas, too."
For a high ceiling, an electrostatic duster is your best friend. Feather dusters only knock dust around, while microfiber requires direct contact to pick up dust. Electrostatic dusters grab more dust per swipe and hold on to it, reducing allergens in the home (and saving cleaning time).
If you’re not familiar with this wonderful tool, it’s a tall and fluffy duster that often has a rainbow of colors from top to bottom. The fine fibers use a static charge to attract dust like a magnet, allowing you to dust a larger area with way less effort. Simply twist the handle in your hands to fluff the fibers, then drag them through a plastic bag or across a TV screen to get them charged up and ready to dust.
Tall ladders aren’t a walk in the park—they can be dangerous, especially if you’re not used to them. What’s more, if you’re working with considerable square footage, you’ll be stuck climbing up and down repeatedly to hit the entire surface safely. These ladders can also be pricey if you don’t already have one in your garage.
Rather than chancing it with a ladder, pick up a telescopic cleaning pole at your local home improvement store. These can extend up to 20 feet or more, allowing you to keep your feet firmly on the ground as you work.
If a basic dusting doesn’t scratch your cleaning itch, you can take it a step further with a mop attachment for your telescoping cleaning pole. After you’re finished dusting, protect your furniture with a plastic tarp and mop the ceiling with your favorite all-purpose cleaner. It might feel a little upside-down, but the results will make it worth the extra effort.
Dust and debris can fall from the ceiling as you dust—and the last thing you want is to have it falling into your eyes. Unlike dust, corneal abrasions and eye infections are nothing to sneeze at, so a pair of safety goggles is an absolute must. If you’re particularly sensitive to dust or prone to allergies, you may also want to don a dust mask to prevent yourself from breathing anything in.
Losing a fight with a dust bunny that’s just out of reach can be frustrating (infuriating, even!). However, it’s important to stay mindful of your body’s physical limits. Nothing is worth severe back or neck strain, and there’s always another way to get it done.
If you choose to go the ladder route, it’s doubly important to prioritize your safety over a speckless ceiling. Leaning too far, stepping beyond a safe point, or losing track of your footing can all have serious consequences. Let the cobwebs go, or find a safer way to get them down.
Dusting a high ceiling or cleaning tricky spots in your home can be a real feat (if not a huge pain). If you’re still having trouble, get in touch with a local house cleaning service that can clean high ceilings and take the extra stress off your plate.
I had FabClean 614 clean my apartment, and she did an outstanding job. She was so professional and efficient. My apartment looks absolutely spotless every surface, every corner, all cleaned to perfection. Definitely highly recommend FabClean 614 if you're looking for top-notch cleaning...
Fab Clean 614Best cleaning I've had at my property
Fantastic group, very communicative, and they really did a great job cleaning my condo. Will be hiring them for recurring cleaning!
eMaids of Northern ColumbusExcellent the crew was great did what I ask cleaned up and the price was awesome
All Star Paving and SealingOn time, clean and finished fast. Windows seem sturdy and the finish is good. Caulking was done with no smudges. Would recommend.
Window Depot USA of Central OhioI definitely recommend Ramonaâ s cleaning service! I have booked services with her many times and she arrives on time, ready to work and provides a great service.
Your Cleaning Solutions LLCMary Cleaning Service is fantastic! The entire team is professional and pay a great deal of attention to detail. They do such a thorough job of cleaning my house. I would definitely recommend!
It was just fine. They did a good job. They cleaned what needed to be cleaned.
Dezired Cleaners LLCThey cleaned my very dirty basement. They were prompts, quick, thorough and their price was fair.
JDE House Cleaning LLCExcellent! We were very satisfied with the service provided and the entire experience from start to finish. Very friendly and professional staff. I was able to instantly get in contact with them for a quote and the response time and overall communication remained quick and easy throughout the...
Prime Cleaning ServiceFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Discover the average acoustic ceiling cleaning cost, what affects pricing, and how to save. Get expert tips to budget for your acoustic ceiling cleaning project.
Popcorn ceiling removal costs depend on the size of your ceiling and any additional services like asbestos removal and resurfacing. Learn all the costs here.
Clean walls are an important part of a well-kept house. Use this wall cleaning cost guide to see what it would cost to hire a professional to get the job done.
Dust and debris love to collect on your ceilings and walls. Leave behind the dread of cleaning these areas with our effective tips and tricks.
Unsure how to hire a wall and ceiling cleaner? Learn what to look for in a qualified pro, questions to ask, and steps to ensure you get quality results.
Ceiling more than 10 feet high and in need of a refresh? Find out how to paint high ceilings safely for a room that looks pulled together.
