Best Way To Clean Up Concrete Dust (3 Easy Methods)

Renovations and construction are exciting times. You can’t wait to unveil your new home, patio, or driveway.

However, cleaning up after a construction job is not quite as exciting. It can be difficult to get rid of persistent construction residue.

Concrete dust is one of the most persistent and annoying residues after a renovation or construction job.

It forms when someone grinds concrete, masonry, or other construction materials.

In addition to concrete, it usually contains tiny silicate particles, which can be annoying and hazardous to your health.

Below, you will find the Best Ways To Clean Up Concrete Dust.

Use these 3 easy methods that can help you remove concrete dust once and for all.

The Best Way to Clean Up Concrete Dust

Here are some of the best ways to clean cement dust that are tried-and-true methods and work quickly.

1. Air Purifiers

The trouble with concrete dust in the home is that it is so fine that it easily becomes airborne. Once it gets into the air, people can inhale it, which is dangerous to their health.

One of the best ways to get all concrete dust out of your home or construction site is with an air purifier.

An air purifier can suck all harmful particles, including concrete dust, out of the air.

However, not all air purifiers are created equal. When shopping for a purifier to clear out concrete dust, be sure that it has a HEPA filter.

A HEPA, or High-Efficiency Particulate Air, the filter removes all particles that are bigger than 0.3 microns in diameter, including concrete dust.

Interested in an air purifier for your home renovation project?

Then check out this detailed review on the best air scrubbers for construction dust. Air purifiers are popular and are effective when it come to cement dust removal.

2. Wiping

Sometimes, the simplest methods are the best ways to clean cement dust.

Wiping down your surfaces and floors will help scrape off the concrete dust residue.

Start with a dry cloth or towel to gather the loose deposits and scrape off any larger chunks of concrete dust. 

To get rid of stubborn residue, use a cleaning solution appropriate for that surface.

Some cleaners recommend making a solution that is one part vinegar and one part water.

However, be sure to check that this will not damage any tiles, particularly ones made of marble.

As you are wiping down concrete dust, work from top to bottom on your surfaces.

You don’t want to clean up the floor, only to shake more dust onto it from the walls and furniture!

You may need multiple cleanings to get all the concrete dust out.

3. Vacuum

Use a vacuum to clean up most of the concrete dust, just be sure to go over it later with a wet rag because liquid makes it easier for a cleaning material to absorb the dust.

Vacuums are particularly important for cleaning surfaces that can’t be cleaned with a rag, such as drapes, furniture, and carpets.

You can even use a vacuum attachment to prevent concrete dust from getting everywhere in the first place.

Special industrial vacuums have nozzles that you can place near a grinder to absorb concrete dust the moment you produce it. 

FAQ

Here are a few important questions that you may be asking about concrete dust removal.

Is it Dangerous to Inhale Cement Dust?

Prolonged exposure to cement dust is very dangerous.

People who breathe in cement dust particles often, such as construction workers, are at risk of silicosis.

Silicosis can cause inflammation of the lungs and scarring, eventually leading to lower lung capacity and even death.

While a small amount of cement dust probably won’t lead to silicosis, it can still cause irritation and difficulty breathing.

It is better to be safe than sorry. Protect yourself by wearing protective equipment such as masks and cleaning up concrete dust as soon as possible.

Can You Mop up Concrete Dust?

Using a wet cleaning solution is one of the best methods for cleaning up concrete dust. A mop in combination with detergent, floor cleaner, or vinegar solution is an excellent way to clean up concrete dust from the floor.

However, there is a strong possibility that the dust will then get stuck in your mop.

You may need to clean your mop or replace it as you don’t want to drag dust residue over your other surfaces.

How Do You Dispose of Concrete Dust?

You can’t just dump concrete dust in an ordinary garbage bag and then call it a day. These particles could hurt someone if they get loose, particularly if so many of them are together at once.

Gather all the dust you mop or vacuum up in a dust collection bag.

A dust collection bag is usually lined with fleece and multi-ply fabrics with a secure closure. These bags go directly into your vacuum.

Once you’re done vacuuming or cleaning, take out the dust collection bag and close it securely.

Make sure that it is no more than 80% full. When you take it to the dumpster or disposal site, be gentle with the bag and be sure not to place anything heavy on it. You want to avoid the bag breaking if at all possible.

How Long Does It Take Concrete Dust To Settle?

How long concrete dust takes to settle will depend on the particle size.

Larger particles can settle within one minute.

Particles that are smaller than one micrometer in diameter, which concrete dust particles tend to be, can take even longer than four hours to settle.

That means that if you clean up right after grinding, there could still be particle residue a few hours later once it has settled.

Final Thoughts

Concrete dust can be dangerous to humans and pets, particularly with prolonged exposure.

That is why it is important to clean it up as soon as possible.

While vacuums, mops, and wet rags can help you get most of the dust out of your floor and furniture, particles can remain suspended in the air for several hours.

An air purifier with a HEPA-grade filter is the best way to ensure every last dust particle is out of your workplace or home. I hope this post was helpful when it comes to how to get rid of concrete dust quickly.