Tools and Materials

• Begin by securing a number of tools and materials. You will need a 1 gallon bucket for mixing cleaning solutions, soap (washing powders or dish soap), a scrub brush, a plastic putty knife, and blue painters tape. You may also use a 5 gallon bucket for bigger projects. Rent or purchase a hand-held steamer--also called a wallpaper steamer--from a tool rental store.
  
  

Soap Removal

• Mix a solution of soap and hot water in a bucket. Remember to use rubber gloves and eye goggles when cleaning. The soap solution is mild, however, it can be painful if it gets onto your hands or in your eyes. The scrub brush will also send particles of textured Sheetrock flying into the air, which could get in your eyes. Gently scrub the tile with the scrub brush and soap solution, and allow the solution to soak into the textured Sheetrock. Add more solution to the tile after five minutes and gently remove the textured Sheetrock with a plastic putty knife. Never use a metal putty knife; it will leave silver marks on the tile that can't be removed. The metal knife will also scratch the tile.
  
  

Steam

• For any excess textured Sheetrock that is left behind, use a wallpaper steamer to soften the textured Sheetrock. You will need to allow the steamer to heat up before use. The tool rental clerk will help you understand how to use the wallpaper steamer. Once the steamer has heated up, apply steam to the tile. Don't use the metal tip that is attached to the wallpaper steamer--use the plastic putty knife to gently scrape the tile.