How do you get drywall dust off walls?

Published On : November 15, 2020

How do you get drywall dust off walls?

The dust isn't poisonous, but it does create a respiratory hazard, so letting it circulate throughout the house isn't an option. Every drywall installation and repair job bring with it clouds of fine. You don't want to wet it down, because it turns into a goopy mess that settles into every crack and crevice in the room. Although vacuuming is a good way to control it, the fine particles quickly clog the vacuum filter. 

Things You Will Need

• Vacuum with brush attachment
• Two Microfiber cloths (for wet and dry)
• Water
• 2 buckets
• Dish soap
• Sponges
• Black cotton 

Steps to Remove Drywall Dust Before Painting

If you have just finished a building or remodeling project and are ready to paint, you must remove this dust beforehand. Otherwise, the dust, as super fine and chalky as it is, will show through the paint. Keep in mind that removing drywall dust can be a somewhat recursive process so get ready to give drywall dust a knockout punch.

How do you do it?

Regular household dust may be a worthy opponent, but fewer elements can be as stubborn to fight as drywall dust. So, step one, put on a dust mask. You may not be able to see the dust, but it is bound to be there. Open the windows, make sure the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system is off and block the air vents with plastic sheeting. Vacuum the wall with a brush attachment. Work from top to bottom, left to right, and move slowly, as drywall dust tends to cling to walls. Do not skip any sections of the wall. 

Second, put a fan in the window and point it toward the outside. Go through the room once more and sweep, but do it vigorously, and direct the dust toward the fan as you do. If you can open two or three windows, clearing the dust in this way will be even more efficient. Even if you don't have that many fans, the opening windows will create a helpful cross-draft. 

Third, wipe down the wall with a microfiber cloth, again working from top to bottom and not skipping any sections of the wall. Collect the sweepings in a pail or garbage bag. These workhorse cloths are superb at trapping dust. Sweep the bulk of the drywall dust into a pile on the floor with a broom. 

Fourth, combine mild dish soap and cool water in one bucket. Use the cloth to wipe dust from rough surfaces such as tile grout or masonry. The cloth will easily pick up what's left. Fill another bucket with cool water only. Wipe the floor and all the woodwork down with a damp cloth to remove the dust residue. Change the water in either bucket once it gets dirty or begins to change color from the influence of the drywall dust. When using cloths, you do not have to worry about turning back into mud the produced dust. Rinse the wall with a sponge from the bucket filled with only clean water. 

Wash the walls in a methodical manner. Fill a sponge with soapy water and wring it out well before washing the wall, working in small sections. Continue in this manner, using the bucket with soapy water to spread soap on the wall and the other bucket with water only to remove it. 

Lastly, let the wall dry thoroughly before performing the painter black test. That is through, rubbing a black rag or old T-shirt against the wall. And if it shows any traces of white drywall dust, repeat the steps, starting with the vacuum, to conquer your unworthy opponent and totally remove those tiny, pesky dusts.

Tips to consider

• You won't have to go through the same cleanup procedure if you remember to cover the floor and furnishings with canvas or paper drop cloths before you sand the drywall. 
• Apply water to the wall sparingly, especially if it is unpainted. Drywall tends to soak up water and split as it dries.
• As you vacuum the wall and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth, you may push piles of dust onto the floor. So, make sure it be careful before doing so.
• Be sure to vacuum dust before you begin to paint; otherwise, it could become airborne and ruin your smoothly painted wall.
• Carefully roll up the drop cloths when you've completed all the sanding and have brushed off the walls prior to painting. Take the drop cloths outside, shake them out and put them back in place for painting.