How to Clean Up Drywall Dust

I think you’ll agree that cleaning drywall dust is problematic. It is really hard to clean up airborne dust because it seems to be everywhere – on surfaces, in crevices, in the very air.

Where does drywall dust come from? Drywall dust is the result of sanding drywall mud used to erect interior walls made of drywall, also known as plasterboard.

In order to prepare drywall for painting, it’s necessary to sand it down, and that is what creates the irritating cloud of fine dust that keeps swirling around, the more you try to contain it.

If you have never worked with drywall before, don’t attempt it before you’ve read this article.

Why It’s Crucial to Clean Drywall Dust Properly

The fine airborne dust from sanding drywall and joint tape contains various compounds, including gypsum and crystalline silica, which can cause upper respiratory problems. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates drywall dust, especially when it contains respirable crystalline silica. Prolonged exposure to this fine dust can lead to lung damage, respiratory irritation, or serious conditions like silicosis.

To reduce the risk of exposure to drywall dust, it’s crucial to find a way to control fine drywall dust and get rid of it efficiently.

The health risk from drywall dust can continue after the building work is concluded if it gets sucked into the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system. When drywall dust coats the inside of the system, it can contaminate indoor air quality, posing potential health risks.

The final reason drywall dust removal is poor paint bonding and finish quality. Any drywall dust left on the wall surface will prevent paint from bonding to the wall, leading to the paint peeling and costly repairs down the line. Any dust left on the surface will spoil the paint finish.

Proper drywall dust removal prevents these issues and ensures an optimal surface for painting, contributing to an aesthetically pleasing end result.

Gather the Tools and Materials You’ll Need

When you are cleaning drywall dust, wear a dust mask, safety goggles, and gloves to protect your eyes, lungs, and skin. In addition to protective gear, you will need the following tools and materials:

Plastic sheeting: To cover and protect floors and help with dust removal

Zippered plastic dust doors: For areas that can’t be sealed off.

Portable dust walls: To create closed-off areas.

Microfiber cloths: Ideal for trapping dust particles.

Soft-bristle brush: For dislodging dust in crevices.

Soft-bristled broom: For sweeping walls.

HEPA Vacuum: A vacuum designed to filter out very fine particles like drywall dust, or a commercial vacuum cleaner with a dust extractor.

Mop: For cleaning floors.

Spray bottle: For misting of airborne dust.

Trash bags: For collecting and removing dust.

Containing the Dust Before It Spreads

Handling drywall dust begins with the tools you choose for the sanding. Use an orbital drywall sander with a dust extraction system to reduce the amount of airborne dust created when sanding drywall.

To contain the remaining dust take the following steps:

• Cover the floors with drop cloths made from heavy-duty plastic sheeting.
• Use zippered plastic dust doors for frequently used entryways, if available.
• Portable dust walls to create temporary closed-off areas or seal off the work area with plastic sheeting and painter’s tape over doorways and vents.
• Remove or cover furniture and electronic devices. Tape coverings down.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Drywall Dust

Step 1: Let the Dust Settle

Wait 15–30 minutes after sanding for dust particles to drop to surfaces and the floor. Avoid walking in the area so you don’t disturb the air.

Step 2: Ventilate the Area

Proper ventilation is necessary when cleaning up drywall dust. To prevent drywall dust from spreading to other parts of your home, create negative air pressure in the work area. Doing this pulls clean air into the room while pushing dusty air outside, keeping dust contained.

To do this, mount a box fan in a window, facing outward. Seal the space around the fan with plastic sheeting and painter’s tape, forcing the air to exit through the fan. This method contains the dust in the work area, preventing it from spreading throughout the house.

Don’t be tempted to turn on the HVAC system. Doing that is bound to spread dust throughout the building, clogging filters, and possibly damaging the HVAC system.

Step 3: Clean from Top to Bottom

Start with walls and higher surfaces, then move to joints, and lastly clean floors and baseboards.

Clean the walls

• Start with the walls. Use a broom or soft-bristled brush to brush off most of the dust. Work slowly from top to bottom.
• Next, use a vacuum with a brush attachment to capture stubborn dust particles. In all these actions, don’t use a lot of pressure to avoid damaging the surface.
• Wipe down walls with a damp microfiber cloth. Rinse and wring the cloth frequently, making sure it’s not too wet – you just want to trap the dust on the cloth; you’re not washing the drywall.
• Watch out for areas with stubborn dust particles. Use a tack cloth to clean these areas.

Cleaning drywall dust using the methods above may require several rounds to be fully effective. If you prefer an easier approach, consider using a paint sprayer filled with clean water to lightly mist the walls, helping to settle and remove the dust. The trick is to spray enough water that the walls get wet, but not saturated. The drywall compound absorbs the water, traps the dust, and dries within minutes.

This method works best on walls that are mostly covered in joint compound. It may not be effective on taped walls with most of the drywall paper visible.

Clean Joints

When working with wet joint compound, you can minimize the mess by working fast, scraping wet compound away as you work. Take special care when installing the drywall sheets so a minimum amount of joint compound will be enough to cover the seams.

While the compound is still semi-wet, wipe it with a damp cloth before it hardens.

Once the compound has dried, spray the area with water, using a paint sprayer. Spray enough water so the drywall compound gets wet, but not soaked. The drywall compound will absorb the water and dry within minutes, leaving it completely free of dust.

Clean Floors

When you’re finished with the walls, a lot of dust will have collected on the sheeting. Carefully fold it up, collecting the settled dust and drywall compound, and discard it in heavy-duty trash bags.

Sweep up any loose dust using a soft broom and dustpan. Don’t sweep too vigorously as it will just stir up the dust again. Scoop the dust up in a dust pan and discard. To finish off the job, use a HEPA-filtered shop vacuum or commercial vacuum cleaner with a dust extractor to thoroughly clean drywall dust from floors, edges, and baseboards. Vacuuming drywall dust from the floor might leave a few dust particles, which you can clean up by using a wet microfiber mop and a mild cleaning solution.

Tips to Prevent a Dust Disaster

Preventing dust from spreading in the first place makes cleaning up much easier:

• Use an orbital sander with a dust extraction connection to minimize dust when sanding drywall.
• Use wet-sanding techniques when possible to keep dust to a minimum.
• Don’t allow the dust to become overwhelming – vacuum and wipe in stages during the sanding process to prevent drywall dust everywhere.
• Leave containment measures, such as plastic sheeting and dust doors in place until all clean-up is completed.
• Work carefully when hanging the walls so the seams require minimal mud and therefore minimal sanding.
• As far as possible, remove furniture and electronic devices before starting the drywall project.
• Use plastic sheeting and tape, or plastic dust walls to contain the dust within the work area.
• Close air vents to stop dust from entering the HVAC system.

Additional Precautions for Vulnerable Populations

When working with drywall dust around vulnerable individual, such as babies, asthma sufferers, the elderly, and pregnant women, extra precautions are essential to safeguard their lungs and breathing. Implement the following measures as soon as drywalls are hung and the sanding process starts.

• Don’t expose them to drywall dust by keeping them away from the work area. Ideally, they should not be in the building at all. If that’s not possible, have them stay in a different part of the house, the furthest away from the work area.
• Under no circumstances use the HVAC systems while the work is in progress. Turn off central air conditioning or heating systems to prevent drywall dust from circulating through ducts.
• Take special care when sealing off the work area. Use heavy plastic sheeting (6-mil) to seal off doorways, vents, and other openings. Use painter’s tape to securely attach edges around openings.
• Clean up drywall dust properly when the work is done by following the steps set out in this guide, including ventilating the area and working with HEPA-filtered vacuums.

FAQs

Is drywall dust harmful?

Yes, drywall dust contains compounds that pose health risks when inhaled.

How do I protect myself from drywall dust?

Use protective gear, such as a dust mask, safety goggles, and gloves to protect your eyes, lungs, and skin.

Can I use my regular vacuum to clean up drywall dust?

A regular vacuum is not the best way to clean up drywall dust. The fine dust can clog the inside of the appliance and damage it. It’s best to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter or a commercial vacuum with a dust extractor to remove dust particles.

How do I know if my walls are ready for priming?

You will know your walls are dust-free, when shining a bright light on the surface, you see no dust, and you don’t feel any grit under your hands. Looking at the light, you shouldn’t see any dust particles dancing in the air.

Conclusion

Thorough drywall dust removal is essential for achieving a smooth surface ready for priming and painting. It is also crucial that no dust remains in the air as it poses a health hazard.

Drywall dust clean-up is challenging because, being airborne, it gets in everywhere. However, with the right tools and a systematic approach, you can minimize it and remove it thoroughly. Allow dust to settle, ventilate the area, and clean top to bottom using a soft-bristled brush, a HEPA or industrial vacuum, and damp cloths to clean the walls and floors. A light mist of water can trap dust particles on dry mud, which you can wipe off.

A bit of care during both sanding and drywall dust clean-up will go a long way in ensuring a dust-free space.

If you are planning to hang drywall, power tools such as an orbital drywall sander and an industrial vacuum will expedite your task considerably. MaxXT is one of the world’s leading power tool manufacturers for consumers and distributors. Contact our sales team today about the best power tools for your DIY projects.