Our ceiling tiles are designed to last, but like any surface, they need a little care to keep looking their best.
Whether your ceiling is made of Styrofoam, faux-tin, PVC or real metal tiles, knowing how to clean, repair and replace them will keep your ceiling looking new for years.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to make your tile care easy (and stress-free).
1. Cleaning Ceiling Tiles
Not all ceiling tiles can be cleaned the same way. The material, and whether it’s coated or uncoated, makes a big difference.
Styrofoam, PVC & Faux-Tin Tiles
These are the easiest to maintain because they’re naturally moisture-resistant.
- Dust regularly with a Microfiber Duster
- Wipe gently with Mild Soapy Water
- Avoid abrasive pads or scrubbing hard to protect patterns and finishes
Pro Tip: In kitchens, clean tiles every month before grease hardens, it’s much harder to remove once it sets!
Did You Know? Faux-tin ceiling tiles aren’t actually made out of tin, but they’re designed to mimic the look perfectly. Due to being lightweight and washable, they can last for decades without rusting.
Metal & Tin Tiles
Metal tiles can be coated or uncoated, so test first:
- If water beads up, they’re coated, safe for gentle wet cleaning.
- If water soaks in, stick to dry cleaning (water can cause tarnish or stains).
For Coated Tiles:
- Dust regularly with a microfiber duster
- Wipe gently with mild soapy water
- Avoid abrasive pads or scrubbing hard to protect patterns and finishes
For Uncoated Tiles:
- Use a rubber dry sponge or feather duster to clean dust and debris
- Avoid water to protect the finish
Pro Tip: A light coat of carnauba wax can help keep coated tin tiles shiny and protect them from fingerprints.
Did You Know? Decorative tin ceilings became popular in the 1800s as a budget-friendly alternative to ornate plasterwork. Many modern patterns are still based on those original Victorian designs.
MirroFlex Tiles
MirroFlex ceiling tiles are durable but need gentle care.
- Wipe with warm soapy water or a standard glass cleaner
- Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive pads, they can scratch the surface
- For added shine, apply a small amount of furniture wax occasionally
Pro Tip: Waxing these panels not only boosts their shine but also makes future cleaning easier since dust and dirt won’t stick as easily.
Bottom Line: Always identify your tile type first and test in a small area before cleaning. With the right approach, most tiles only take a few minutes to clean and maintain.
2. Touch-ups and Small Repairs
Even with regular care, ceiling tiles can get scratched, scuffed or chipped. You don’t always need to replace them, most small problems can be fixed.
Styrofoam Tiles
- Trim away any loose edges or foam bits
- Fill small chips or gouges with color-matched caulk
- Smooth it out so the texture blends in naturally
Did You Know? Most Styrofoam tiles can be painted with water-based paint, so you can change your ceiling’s look anytime without replacing your tiles.
Faux-Tin & PVC Tiles
- Clean the area first
- Touch up scratches with PVC-friendly paint
- Use clear or matching caulk for small gaps or seams
MirroFlex Tiles
- Wipe gently with a soft cloth
- A light coat of wax or polish can reduce the look of small scratches
- Never use abrasive cleaning pads, they’ll damage the finish
Pro Tip: Always keep a spare tile or two from your original order. If a scratch or chip is too noticeable, you can replace it easily without hunting for a perfect match later.
3. Replacing Stained, Broken or Damaged Tiles
Some tiles are beyond saving, especially if they’re deeply stained, cracked, chipped or broken. In these cases, replacement is the easiest and cleanest option.
When to replace a tile:
- It has deep water stains that won’t wash out
- It’s cracked, chipped or broken beyond a simple caulk or paint repair
- The tile is sagging (often from moisture or improper installation: read the following guide for more information: 10 Mistakes to avoid when installing Ceiling Tiles)
Drop-In Tiles
Drop ceiling tiles sit inside a suspended ceiling in a grid system (that can be very easily installed, the same goes for inserting or removing the tiles/panels).
Replacement is simple:
- Push the damaged tile up and tilt it to remove it from the grid
- Drop the new tile into place
No adhesive or caulk is needed, just make sure the tile sits flat and level.
Pro Tip: If a tile is near a vent or light, clean the grid and nearby tiles too. Replacing one can make the old ones look duller by comparison.
Glue-Up Tiles
Glue-up ceiling tiles, whether they’re lightweight Styrofoam, flexible PVC or Faux-Tin, are installed directly to the ceiling with adhesive. Replacing them is similar for all types:
- Fix the problem first, repair leaks or other issues before replacing
- Gently remove the damaged tile using a flat bar or putty knife
- Clean the ceiling surface, remove all old adhesive, dust and grease
- Apply a water-based adhesive, such as Instant Grab #310, across the back of the new tile
- Press and smooth the tile into place
- Seal seams with color-matched caulk and clean any excess before it dries
Pro Tip: Some stains don’t come out fully, they often leave a faint mark. Replacing the tile is usually the quickest way to restore a flawless ceiling.
Did You Know? Most Styrofoam or Faux Tin tiles are so lightweight that one person can replace a tile in under 10 minutes, no special tools required.
Nail-Up Metal Tiles
Found in direct-mount installations: nailed to plywood or furring strips.
To replace:
- Carefully remove nails from the damaged tile using a flat bar or putty knife
- Slide the tile out without bending nearby panels
- Align the new tile and secure it with matching nails
- Touch up any visible seams with matching caulk if needed
Pro Tip: Work slowly, metal tiles can bend easily so use a flat bar and gloves to avoid damaging adjacent panels.
MirroFlex Tiles
These are heavier and more rigid, so to replace:
- Use a heat gun or hair dryer to warm the tile slightly, this softens the adhesive
- Use a plastic scraper (never metal) to lift the tile without scratching neighboring panels
- Remove old adhesive completely, a little rubbing alcohol can help dissolve residue
- Reinstall using Spray Lock FRP Adhesive
- Press firmly and use light pressure until the bond sets
Pro Tip: Always wear gloves, heated tiles can get soft and tacky, and fingerprints or dents can transfer easily when handling warm panels.
4. Safety & Prep Tips
A little prep work makes cleaning and repairs smoother:
- Test your tile first to see if it’s coated before using liquids
- Protect your space with a drop cloth to catch drips or dust
- Wear gloves (fold the cuffs to keep cleaner from dripping down your arms)
- Use a stable ladder and avoid overreaching, it’s safer and cleaner
- Fix the cause first (leaks, ventilation issues, etc.) to prevent repeat damage
Pro Tip: Take a quick photo of your ceiling pattern before removing any tiles, this will help you align new tiles perfectly when reinstalling.
5. Quick Maintenance Checklist
- Monthly: Dust all tiles with a duster or vacuum brush.
- When Needed: Wipe down washable tiles (Styrofoam, PVC, coated metals). Dry-clean uncoated tiles with a rubber sponge or duster.
- Small Repairs: Caulk or paint scratches, wax plastic and metal tiles.
- Replacement: Swap out any tiles with deep stains, cracks or warping.
- Seams: Touch up caulking periodically to keep your ceiling seamless.
Wrapping Up
With the right cleaning methods, small repairs and smart replacements, your ceiling tiles can look stunning for decades.
Most maintenance only takes a few minutes, and keeping a couple of spare tiles, the right adhesive and color-matched caulk on hand will help you fix any issue quickly.
Here’s something to keep in mind: many modern ceiling tiles, even those designed to look like classic tin, are washable, paintable and easy to replace. That means your ceiling can always stay fresh, without the need for a professional.
Any questions? Contact our friendly team of experts - we’re here and ready to help you out in any way that we can!