Drywall offers a speedy way to construct soundproof walls, but it comes with challenges, notably the stubborn, fine dust produced when sanding cured joint compound. Additionally, joint compound can be quite challenging to clean, whether it’s in its wet or dry form.
However, you can employ a few techniques to simplify the task and reduce the mess when cleaning drywall dust on the ground or on drywall surfaces. Furthermore, there are methods for cleaning joint compound at different stages of drying: when it’s freshly wet, half-set, or completely dried and hardened.
How to Clean Drywall Dust on the Ground
Dealing with fine drywall dust on the ground requires careful handling to prevent stirring it up and spreading it throughout your home.
If the drywall dust is on plastic sheeting, gently fold the sheeting’s edges inwards, then transport it outside to either shake it out or dispose of it.
For drywall dust on the floor, use a soft-bristled broom to sweep large sections of dust, ensuring not to sweep vigorously. Carefully collect the dust into a dustpan and dispose of it outside.
If you prefer vacuuming drywall dust, consider placing the vacuum outdoors, if possible, and run the hose indoors. You can find shop vacuum hose extensions available in 10- and 15-foot increments.
How to Clean Drywall Dust on Drywall
During a home remodeling project, drywall tends to accumulate dust, particularly on unprimed, unpainted surfaces. This dust is a mix of sawdust, drywall dust, and other debris.
Since paper is used to face drywall, cleaning it with water is not advisable. This is a critical issue when cleaning the outer surface of drywall, as applying water to drywall dust causes it to harden.
Therefore, begin with dry-cleaning techniques before moving on to damp methods:
1. With a dust mask on, gently brush the dust off the walls using a soft broom or hand brush, working from top to bottom. Sweep the dust from the floor after this step.
2. While wearing a dust mask, use the wide nozzle and/or brush nozzle on your shop vacuum to clean the drywall, starting at the top and working downward. Avoid applying too much pressure to prevent dust from embedding into the paper’s porous surface.
3. For smaller areas, use a tack cloth to lightly wipe off debris. Be careful not to press too hard, as pressing too firmly can embed wax in the drywall paper, making it difficult to remove.
4. Dampen a drywall sponge and squeeze it out until it feels almost dry. Start at the top of the drywall and pull the sponge down with gentle pressure, rinsing it out and changing the water as needed.
How to Clean Wet or Semi-Wet Joint Compound
If the joint compound is still wet or beginning to harden, you can clean it using water. However, once it has fully hardened, water will not be effective, and you’ll need to resort to sanding or scraping.
Here are some tips for cleaning up wet drywall mud:
- Keep a paper towel or cloth rag handy to quickly clean up any dropped drywall compound; don’t let it sit for more than a few seconds.
- Use warm water for goopy or semi-wet drywall mud, as this provides a grace period for cleaning. Once the joint compound hardens, water’s effectiveness decreases.
- Soak tools in hot water for about 10 minutes, as all-purpose joint compound is water-soluble. You may need to use a brush to help remove the mud.
- Lightly rub off the mud with a warm, damp cloth.
How to Clean Dried Drywall Joint Compound
Cleaning fully dried drywall joint compound is a tough task, as it’s intended to be a long-lasting material. Drywall mud is designed to secure seams and cover them for many years, making it resistant to soaking.
If the drywall compound has fully dried, sanding or scraping is the only option. You can use another drywall tool or a putty knife as a scraper, or gently tap the dried mud with a cloth-wrapped hammer or rubber mallet to break it up, then scrape it from the side with a plastic tool if you’re working on a delicate surface.
3 Tips for Avoiding Drywall Joint Compound Mess
1. Use a Drywall Mud Pan:
Minimize drywall mud mess by using a mud pan, specifically designed for drywall knives, to keep your workspace clean and organized.
2. Scoop Less Mud:
Avoid over-applying drywall joint compound, as excessive mud requires more sanding later. If the drywall sheets are properly installed with narrow seams, you won’t need a large amount of mud.
3. Cover Surfaces:
When working with drywall mud, protect surfaces by using a canvas drop cloth, especially for the area in front of the wall where mud may be deposited.
tag: # How to Clean Drywall Dust and Joint Compound
