What Is Construction Dust and How Can You Eliminate It?

Going through construction is often a necessary process, but one that leaves behind dust and many other household dangers. Construction dust is a common issue after projects but can be difficult to clean.

Do you want to learn more about how to eliminate construction dust, what is construction debris, and more? Keep reading our guide to learn how to get rid of construction dust and more!

What Is Construction Dust & Where Does It Come From?

There are many things that are considered construction dust. This type of dust is man-made and usually comes from the materials used in construction projects. There are three types of construction dust. First, there is silica dust. This is a type of dust that is commonly found in concrete and mortar. When these materials are sanded, drilled into, or ground down, the silica dust comes from the material and into the air.

Another type of construction dust is non-silica dust. This often comes from cutting bricks! While it is less dangerous than silica dust, it is still bad for your health. This is why it is important to properly clean any construction dust leftover from projects. Finally, the last type of construction dust is wood dust. This comes from woodworking, sanding floors, and more.

How to Stay Safe From Construction Dust

Because construction dust is bad for your lungs and overall health, it is vital that you take precautions when you are working with the materials listed above. First, it is important to wear a construction mask when you are going to be exposed to construction dust. This will prevent you from inhaling the dangerous particles and will keep you healthier! Second, it is vital to clean up your construction site after you have finished your project. If you don’t take the steps to clean construction dust, it can remain in your home for a long time and will constantly expose you to harmful contaminants.

The Danger Of Dealing With Dust In The Workplace, provided by DuroVac, an organization offering their very own portable industrial vacuum

Steps to Clean Post-Construction Dust and Debris

When you need to clean up post-construction dust and debris, you need to make sure you clean it properly. Cleaning up this dust is harder than you may think. Here are a few steps you can take to keep your home clean after a construction project.

1. Thoroughly Vacuum

First, it is important to vacuum everything in the contaminated area. This includes carpets, upholstery, and more. This step is especially important in areas with lots of fabric. Because dust particles are so tiny, it is easy for them to get embedded into your furniture, carpet, and even your drapes! If you don’t properly vacuum after a construction project, you will find this dirt and dust in your home for months to come. When you vacuum, make sure you pay attention to the details and get every inch of the room! It may even be helpful to vacuum the areas multiple times to ensure that they are free of dust.

2. Wipe Down Everything

Second, you want to make sure you wipe down any surface in your home that was near the construction zone. The best way to do this is to start at the top of the room and work your way down. This will prevent you from getting more dust on the areas you have already cleaned. While you may think you only have to wipe down flat areas, like chairs and the floor, you should really wipe down any surface in your home. This includes the walls, ceilings, and any piece of furniture! When you are wiping down these surfaces, you want to be sure you don’t use anything that could damage your walls, paint, or anything else. Generally, you can use a soft cloth that is damp with water. Using a microfiber cloth also is a great way to pick up stubborn dust!

3. Clean Vents and Filters

While your home may appear clean after wiping down all of the dusty areas, there are still a couple of steps you should take. This includes properly cleaning all the air vents and air filters! Because your vents connect all throughout your home, any construction dust in your vents may travel to the other areas of your house. It is also important to clean or replace air filters. This will keep you from breathing in the dust. When you breathe in dust, it can cause or worsen many respiratory issues. These issues include asthma, coughing, allergies, and even the swelling of lung tissues. By replacing your air filters, you can prevent many of these issues!

4. Check the Details

Before you finish your post-construction cleaning, it is vital that you double-check the small details! Make sure there is no remaining dust on your light fixtures, fan blades, or any other hard-to-reach areas.

5. Call in the Professionals

If these steps haven’t worked for you, it may be time to call in professional post-construction cleaning services. Post-construction cleaning can be difficult and time-consuming, so it may be a better option to find someone to help!

Get Help Cleaning Today!

During a construction project, it may feel like you will never be able to have a dust-free home again! However, there are many steps you can take to clean up construction dust and debris. Whether you follow the steps listed above or you hire a professional cleaning service, you can restore your home to a clean environment! If this cleaning guide was helpful, check out the other blogs on our website to learn more about construction, home improvement projects, and more!