Test the ceiling for asbestos before disturbing it if the home was built before 1980
Turn off HVAC and cover vents, floors, walls, and furniture with plastic sheeting
Wear a respirator, goggles, gloves, and protective clothing
Mist a small section of the ceiling with water
Scrape the softened texture off with a wide putty knife or ceiling scraper
Work in small sections and keep the surface damp
Repair any damaged drywall with joint compound
Sand the ceiling smooth after it dries
Prime the ceiling with a stain-blocking primer
Paint the ceiling with flat ceiling paint
If the texture is asbestos-containing or you want to avoid scraping, cover it with new drywall or ceiling panels
Hire a licensed asbestos abatement professional if asbestos is present