I have a long standing VCT customer that is a seafood restaurant. They have several things that hang from the ceiling and rafters that serve as decoration. Things like old nautical related signs, an old fisherman (not a real one, it’s just a make believe one), blocks (that’s like pulleys for you non-sailors), exposed AC ducted work and a whole bunch of other stuff. All this stuff needs to be cleaned off. Just vacuuming it won’t cut the mustard. Actually I don’t think there is any mustard up there but there’s a lot of other gooey stuff.

Do any of you guys or gals have any suggestions? I have done a fare amount of acoustic ceiling cleaning over the years and I thought of using some of that detergent but I think I would need to cut it a little. I’m afraid if I don’t I might pull off some paint. If I understand correctly, ceiling cleaner is a mix of H2O, hydrogen peroxide and a mild degreaser. What I was thinking is if I was to lightly spray an item or small area, not really enough to make it run, just enough to wet it, maybe work it in with a soft brush, wipe it off and then spray it down with H2O in a pump up sprayer and then wipe that down. What’a you all think?

Thanks for your help on this one. Who ever comes up with the best idea gets a free diner on me at one of our local seafood places. The place I’m thinking has really great looking floors, pretty good food and dirty decorations, okay?

David Gelinas

I would NOT spray and rub. Too easy to mess up.

Here's what you do:

1) Cover floor under hanging items with a drop cloth.

2) Vacuum with extention tube/brush.

3) Clean all items with a steam vapor unit (use the extention w/brush)

4) Apply air-flow with a directional fan for drying.

5) Remove drop cloth and check floor for and necessary mop up.

You're done.

When cleaning with the steam-vapor unit, keep the nozzle moving and you shouldn't damage anything. If anything is made of "paper mache", spray steam several inches out from the surface and then gently use the nozzle brush and blot dry with a cotton towel.

Sounds like a "fun" project David. The dry steam vapor sounds like a possibilty.

Another idea to think about is ultra sonic cleaning. I don't know hard it would be to actually remove the items, but if you could it may be worth a try. I remember talking to a cleaner several years ago in Atlanta who cleaned electronic items, keyboards, etc in the tanks with no adverse effects.Maybe you could try one of the mini blind cleaners in your area and sub the work to him. I guess the fisherman might get a little cranky if you tried it with him though. Good luck.

Dave,

Any post from you would be "a little out of the normal realm".

Sorry bro - you left yourself wide open for that one.




Rick Gelinas