How to Handle Drywall Dust

Drywall installer

Drywall itself doesn't produce dust, but the joint compound used to fill and smooth the seams creates a lot of dust during the sanding process. Drywall dust is nontoxic, but it can irritate the lungs if inhaled and skin for some people. Dust also travels quickly and will cover all surfaces in the immediate and sometimes remote areas. Containment and protection are paramount during installation, and cleanup should come immediately after the project is finished.

Things You'll Need

• Drop cloths
• Plastic sheeting
• Dust mask
• Dust-free sander attachment
• Shop vacuum
• Vacuum pole attachment
• Vacuum brush attachment
• Broom
• Dustpan
• Garbage can

Instructions

1. Lay drop cloths over the entire floor of the room that is to be sanded. Hang plastic sheeting on the interior of each doorway in the room. Keep the plastic sheeting closed throughout the sanding process, and wear a dust mask at all times to prevent dust inhalation.

2. Attach a dust-free pole sander to the hose of a vacuum cleaner, and use it to sand the joint compound. The vacuum will suck up much of the dust, allowing for easier cleanup at the end of the project.

3. Fit a shop vacuum with a pole and brush attachment, and run the brush over the surface of each wall.

4. Roll the drop cloths carefully, and take them outside. Shake the dust out of the drop cloths, or dispose of the cloths appropriately.

5. Sweep any remaining dust with a broom into a dustpan, and transfer it into a garbage can. Remove the plastic sheeting from each doorway, and dispose of it.

6. Run the vacuum brush attachment over the floors and walls once more, if necessary.

References

• "Drywall: Professional Techniques for Walls & Ceilings"; Myron R. Ferguson; 1996