How to Clean Construction Dust After a Renovation

No matter what sort of construction job you encounter, it will undoubtedly require a clean-up process. In-house projects will see an accumulation of dust, while larger projects will see a litany of scattered debris. Regardless, you should get rid of the construction dust safely and efficiently.

Say, for instance, you are working in a labour-intensive construction project. After each day in the process, you must clean up the surrounding area. If you're working with commercial construction companies, make sure their contractors clean up at the end of each day. The goal is to keep the premises as clean and tidy as possible without a speck of dust.

With the proper discipline, you'll be able to clean up the construction dust thoroughly. Here is a guide on how you can clean up the construction dust to keep your space relatively tidy:

Cleaning Materials

When it comes to cleaning up after a construction project, the proper supplies will be necessary. Before you start the cleaning process, ensure you have the basic necessities on hand. The proper face mask, microfiber cloths, and a wet/dry vacuum will be your best friends for the ensuing job.

Since fine dust can sneak into your lungs relatively easy, a face mask will outright protect you from this occurring. Dust can also be hard to clean in other areas, so the right cloth and vacuum will suffice.

How to Start Cleaning

Most construction cleaning jobs are hard to pinpoint. This is because every area seems to be littered with dust, which may cause some initial feelings of confusion. To remedy this issue, your best bet is to start from the farthest point from your area's door. By working your way from this point and going back, you can clean with safety in mind.

Dust and debris can travel quite easily, which only hampers your job. You don't want grime being pushed into a new area, as it only makes the process much more difficult. Get yourself a soft-bristled broom, and do an initial sweep from your chosen starting point. Always try to be technical with this part of the process.

Fine Dust

Even though your wet/dry vacuum or broom can take care of most dust issues, they may not work everywhere. Coarser bits of dust can occupy certain areas, which makes the cleaning process harder. This is where your microfiber cloth will come in handy.

Using your hands, wipe down surfaces that have fine dust on them. Ensure that you are wearing your face mask to prevent inhalation of the material. Your cloth should be a little damp, but it does not need to be overly wet. You don't want the dust to stick to the cloth because it's too soaked!

Drywall

Although fine dust may require some more introspection on your part, it isn't the most challenging issue. After a construction job has been completed, dust may accumulate on the surrounding drywall. If left to fester, it may cause internal damage to the surface over time. As such, you'll want to act quickly.

The best solution to use in this scenario is a basic cleaning solution. Grab a bucket of warm water, and fill it with about two cups of white vinegar. Then, use a sponge mop to clean the targeted area and immediately dry it with a clean towel. Having a secondary bucket of clean water is recommended so that you don't contaminate your cleaning solution.

Tile Surfaces

If tiles have recently been installed in your immediate area, dust will gather on this surface. The problem here is that if the material dries, it can be difficult to remove. To get rid of it, you'll need to employ the use of a putty knife. A proper blade can scrape off the material in a somewhat simplified way.

After you have eliminated all traces of the substance, grab a damp sponge and wipe down the surface. One important note to remember is the surface you are cleaning. Don't scrape too hard with your putty knife; you may end up permanently scratching the tile in question!

Wooden Surfaces

Cleaning up a wooden surface can be tricky to navigate due to its vulnerability to water. Getting rid of dust can be easy, just as long as you minimize the amount of liquid being used. To begin the process, wipe off visible dust with a clean, damp cloth.

If the dust is being a bit more challenging to remove, use your vinegar cleaning solution. However, make sure it is used sparingly, so that the wooden surface isn't irreparably harmed. This will allow all remaining traces of dust and residue to dissipate for good.

With the proper precautions taken beforehand, the post-construction cleaning process can be streamlined. However, patience is your best friend in this light. You don't want to rush the process, or else you risk harming the surrounding surfaces. Remain methodical with your approach, and you'll be better prepared for the next workday!