Last week I received a phone message from a gentleman requesting that I discuss in my weekly column the cleaning of exposed ceiling beams and fans.  Per his request here are my thoughts.

Here in the Northwest we like to build beautiful homes that have ceilings ranging from 10 feet to 20 feet.  On entering this home 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 beans.

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

Before starting 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 falling off a ladder will result in injury to the person not to mention the damage they cause to the surrounding area that they fell on.

The act of cleaning these surfaces can be cumbersome, usually it require at least four different types of cleaning.  The first step requires the cleaner to dust off all loose debris.  Second step required 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 required the cleaner to rinse the surface with fresh clean water to remove any soap residue that may be left behind.

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

Depending on the home size and the amount of buildup, this process can take several days to complete.  I recommend that home owners 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 that do have an upper respiratory condition, a good high end air cleaning system will make a substantial difference in your living environment.

When cleaning with any cleaning product, always wear eye protection and rubber gloves to protect your hands. If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (255-2266), e-mail them to nwees@hughes.net or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed do?  For more information about Ed, go online to www.nwees.com.

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified indoor environmental professional, forensic, fire, flood, mold Inspection and remediation/restoration contractor. Ed is the president of Northwest Environmental Services, Inc.