yes, drape the world in paint cloths (absolutely ANYTING it could fall on)... get out the garden sprayer with distilled water and have at it!

They have a technique now that doesn't get dust all over -if you are having a professional workers. Yes, definitely have the ceilings cleaned. They have bad stuff so it must be done. Patsy, ASID

Definitely, lose the popcorn.

But before anybody touches it, have it tested for asbestos. If it comes up positive, have it removed by a certified professional.

After much worry and debate on the method (and testing for asbestos - it was negative) we removed it before we moved in to our place.

Removal wasn't that bad and after wetting and scraping we were left with a useable ceiling finish that took matte paint fine. As mentioned, spray to wet and then there is no dust. Cover and tape the room well and after a messy day you'll be so much happier.

Through the process I learned asbestos in it was banned in 1978 but potentially hung around in builders stock and could have been used as late as 1982, the year our house was finished. The test cost $100 and we had results in 3 days. Should be cheaper and quicker outside of rural Alaska.

Good luck!

Just noticed this thread was old. What did you do?