Teamwork key to cleaning ceiling beams

Last week, I received a phone message from a young lady requesting that I discuss in my weekly column, the cleaning of exposed ceiling beams. Per her request, here are my thoughts.

Here in Northwest, we like to build beautiful homes that have ceilings from 10 feet to 20 feet. On entering these homes, we are caught by the expansiveness of the rooms and the exceptional views that they provide. Rooms have several ceiling fans and exposed finished or unfinished wood beams.

Once the home is occupied and the living envelope is heated, the heat will naturally rise and, with it, collect moisture, dust, hair, lint, etc. Over time, a build-up of these products will naturally turn into a muddy type substance that will settle on the fans and structural beams. The cleaning of these surfaces can prove to very challenging primarily because of the height involved. All of the work must be done on extended ladders. This fact increases the likelihood of falling off the ladder while trying to clean the surface.

Before we start the cleaning process, the furniture and floor surfaces must be protected. Sheeting material must be cut and secured to each piece of furniture. Floor surfaces must be covered with a drop cloth.

When using extended ladders, two people must be involved in the cleaning process. One person works at the top, cleaning the surface, and the second person supports the first person by holding the ladder and providing the cleaner equipment and supplies when needed. Remember, a person fallling off a ladder will result in injury to the person, not to mention the damage they cause to the surrounding area that they fall on.

The act of cleaning these surfaces can be cumbersome. Usually it requires at least four different types of cleaning. The first step requires the cleaner to dust off all the loose debris. The second step requires the cleaner to break loose build-up areas and clean out the cracks and crevasses. The third step requires the cleaner to scrub down the surface with a good cleaning fluid and the last step requires the cleaner to rinse the surface with fresh clean water to remove any soap residue that may be left behiind.

Once all of the above is done, the room is inspected by the homeowner to make sure they are satisfied. After the inspection, all the equipment, sheeting material and drop cloth are removed. The room is vacuumed and contents are replaced.

Depending on the home's size, this process can take several days to complete. I recommend that homeowners have this process done at least once a year. For folks who have upper respiratory problems, more frequent cleaning may be required. For those of you who do have an upper respiratory condition, a good high-end air cleaning system will make a substantial difference in your living environment.

If you are allergic to any of the above products, please don't use them. Always test fabric and paints before using any chemical compound. Please remember to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands and eye protection for your eyes.

If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed Madan at Northwest Environmental Services (255-2266) or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed Do?

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified executive housekeeper and certified fire, water and mold inspection and remediation contractor. Ed is chief executive officer of Northwest Environmental Services, which specializes in commercial, residential construction, and crime scene/meth lab cleanup.