hat can be a real pain. there are a few ways. depending on ceiling height you'll need a ladder. first i would use a swiffer. a NEW one tho. with the yellow handle and no solution. you want it clean in dry. gently press the swiffer on the dust build up. if that doesn't take care of it take a vacuum and use the soft brush head and attach it to the end of the hose. don't worry too much about the textured ceiling if a few pieces fall oh well it wont be noticeable and easy to clean, just don't scrub with the swiffer or brush head, just be gentile and it should work. I'm an interior designer and ceilings are tedious to clean, especially if your going to paint. good luck it may take a while

A blow dryer set on cool. Use an extension cord, and a tall ladder. Wear a tool belt, and use it for the blow dryer when climbing, and moving the ladder. Wear a hat! Happy Mothers Day...congradulations on your new home. When you paint it, throw a little diamond glitter on it. Makes it look a little more interesting. Especially over any flaws in the ceiling.

Just moved into older home, after sitting empty for a year no one cleaned. Ceilings are filthy and covered in webs. Can't paint til webs are gone. Popcorn ceiling, so not easy to remove.