Inquiring about the dark line that runs front to back (or is it back to front) between our kitchen lights and roof air unit on our drop ceiling, I learned the following:
Behind the fridge outside vents allows dirt and air to circulate to cool fridge coils. Dirt can enter the above drop ceiling from the above fridge as this area may not be well sealed.
A drop ceiling is two pieces of wood that meet in the center. This meeting place is not taped on top to seal out airflow. Ceiling fabric is glued to the drop ceiling but could allow air to flow through the wood center crack and through ceiling fabric.
When running any exhaust fan, if there is not adequate incoming air from an open window or other open-source like another open ceiling vent, the coach inside will have negative pressure. Negative pressure wants to equalize and will draw air in from wherever it can, like through the center of the drop ceiling. Dirt is also drawn in and deposits itself on ceiling fabric.
We use Chem-Dry Professional Strength Spot Remover to clean the ceiling. This product is in a white spray can and is only available from franchised dealers, which can be found telephone book. We have called local dealers who have dropped off to us several cans, wherever we are. The product is water-based and will not loosen the glue that holds ceiling material in place.
We have been using it for many years, learning it from Foretravel, and it works very well. Worth the about $12/can which lasts a long time. Spray, wait 20 seconds to release dirt from fibers, blot, don’t rub. Use a white clean cloth. by Barry and Cindy 1997 U270 36′
Home Depot Sells ChemDry Stain Extinguisher for $3.97
Destroy stubborn carpet spots with the non-toxic ChemDry Stain Extinguisher. It removes soils and most stains and can also clean difficult filtration lines that build up under doorways and along baseboards and stairs.
• For spot-cleaning carpets
• Cleans filtration lines under doorways
• Will not leave dirt-attracting residues that cause spot re-appearances
• Safe and non-toxic with no harsh solvents
• No dirt-attracting residue
• Contains no harsh solvents that can damage your carpet
• MFG Brand Name: ChemDry
My wife and I rented a rug doctor with the upholstery hand tool. Cleaned the headliner with the hand tool and then did the carpet with the rug doctor. Everything looks good even got the blackout around the AC vents. Joseph Gambaro 1999 U295 36′
I’ve used Spot Shot Instant Carpet Stain Remover and Odor Eliminator with good results Dave Head 95 U320C SE 40
We’ve had success with the following: put hot water in a spray bottle and spray the stained area, then spray “Awesome” Concentrate full strength, scrub with a bristle brush, vacuum with a shop vac. Awesome is available at any dollar store. David Smith 1994 Grand Villa U280
Ceiling Cleaning
Grease Bunnies: When it comes to cleaning those dangling menaces on the carpeted ceiling just above your stove there is an easier solution other than removing your glasses and ignoring them. Grab a lint roller made for clothing and roll the ceiling. The grease bunnies stick to the roller without smearing into the ceiling. A piece of doubled over duck tape works in a pinch.
Speaking of ceilings: When a roof leaks, brown stains often make an unwelcome appearance on your ceiling. Mix a thin paste of baking soda and 3% hydrogen peroxide then gently dab a bit onto the ceiling. It’s not necessary to plaster the area, a small amount works fine. Wait 30 minutes and spray with straight peroxide. Wait several hours until the carpet has dried then brush off what you can and vacuum to remove the rest. You may need to repeat this treatment a week later if any stain still remains. If the stain is small, spray the peroxide directly onto the stain. Wait 30 minutes and spray once again.
Tool tricks: On your next trip to the hardware store pick up a 1 and a half-inch paintbrush and a sponge paintbrush. The regular paintbrush reaches into the small areas between the slats of ceiling vents to dust and remove cobwebs. It pulls out the sand and grit that collects so quickly in the corners of windows. As you dust, tuck it into your back pocket to whisk away cobwebs from door hinges, across the tops of window valances and in the corners of windows.
Dampen the sponge paintbrush in sudsy water to clean the slats of ceiling vents. Be sure to clean the blades of your fans regularly. Any buildup on the blades causes the motor to work harder, which wears them out faster. By RV Living
Water sometimes will leave an unsavory stain on our RV ceilings. This can be a hard stain to remove without damaging the surface around it. An inexpensive and simple solution to removing the stain is simple hydrogen peroxide. Dab a clean sponge with hydrogen peroxide, undiluted, on to the stain. Then absorb the stain with a clean paper towel. Repeat until the stain has disappeared. Always make sure to color test a hidden area before using the hydrogen peroxide and cover your carpeting below with a piece of plastic. www.betterrving.com