How to Clean Mold Off of the Ceiling

How to Clean Mold Off of the Ceiling
Published: Nov 6, 2008
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Ceilings constructed with any porous material cannot be cleaned and must be replaced, but smooth ceiling surfaces can be cleaned inexpensively and with relative ease. After cleaning, consider repainting the ceiling with anti-mold paint to prevent recurring issues.

Things You Will Need

  • Disposable gloves and dust mask
  • Eye protection
  • Plastic bucket
  • Stepladder
  • Mixing spoon
  • 2 tablespoons borax
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 2 cups warm water
  • Plastic spray bottle
  • Scouring sponge
  • Clean washcloth
  1. Confirm that the source of moisture promoting the mold growth is eliminated. Mold will return to a cleaned surface if moisture remains present.

  2. Put on your disposable gloves, face mask and eye protection. Position the stepladder under the moldy spot on the ceiling.

  3. Make a mold removal solution by combining 2 cups of warm water, 1/4 cup of vinegar and 2 tablespoons of borax. Stir the mixture well and place it in a spray bottle. Shake the mixture once it is in the bottle and periodically as you clean so any undissolved borax does not clog the sprayer.

  4. Spritz the cleaning mixture directly onto all of the visible mold. Use as little of the cleaning solution as necessary to avoid having excess fluid drip all over you.

  5. Use the rough side of the scouring sponge to scrub the moldy area. The mold should come off easily. Rinse the sponge in clean water as needed.

  6. Rinse the cleansed area of the ceiling very well with a clean washcloth and water. Allow the ceiling to dry completely.

The Drip Cap

  • Removing unsightly mold on ceilings is important as it can cause health problems for some people.
  • Position the stepladder under the moldy spot on the ceiling.
  • Use the rough side of the scouring sponge to scrub the moldy area.

Check out this related video.

Photo Credits

Santy Gibson/Demand Media

Santy Gibson/Demand Media

Santy Gibson/Demand Media

Santy Gibson/Demand Media

Santy Gibson/Demand Media

Santy Gibson/Demand Media

Santy Gibson/Demand Media

Santy Gibson/Demand Media

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.