How to Get Construction Dust Out of House

Why Standard Cleaning Makes Construction Dust Worse

When you vacuum construction dust with a standard vacuum, 30-40% of fine particles pass through the filter and recirculate into the air. You're breathing the silica you thought you removed. According to OSHA's crystalline silica standards, respirable silica exposure is a serious occupational hazard requiring specific controls.

Wiping surfaces with a damp cloth captures visible dust but pushes microscopic silica into pores, grout lines, and crevices. It looks clean. It isn't.

The 3-Phase Protocol for Silica Removal

Phase 1: Air Scrubbing (Hours 0-24)

Before touching any surface, run HEPA air scrubbers to capture airborne particles. This prevents recontamination during surface cleaning. The EPA's indoor air quality guidelines emphasize proper ventilation and filtration for particle removal.

• Position air scrubbers to create negative pressure
• Run for minimum 4 air changes (calculate based on room volume)
• Keep HVAC off to prevent duct contamination

Phase 2: HEPA Extraction (Hours 24-48)

Using true HEPA vacuums (not "HEPA-style"), extract settled dust from all surfaces. Work top-to-bottom, far-to-near.

• Ceilings and crown molding first
• Walls, light fixtures, window frames
• Furniture (including undersides)
• Floors last (dust falls downward)

Phase 3: Surface Decontamination (Hours 48-72)

With bulk dust removed, decontaminate surfaces using appropriate methods:

• Hard surfaces: Damp microfiber with pH-neutral cleaner
• Grout and textured surfaces: 275°F steam penetration
• Soft furnishings: HEPA upholstery attachment or professional cleaning
• HVAC: Replace filters, clean registers, consider duct cleaning

For homes with multiple renovated rooms, consider our comprehensive post-renovation cleaning services which combine all three phases into a single visit.

DIY vs. Professional Silica Remediation

For minor renovations (single room, short duration), DIY with proper equipment can work. For major projects, the equipment cost often exceeds professional service cost. Our deep cleaning services include the same HEPA protocols used in post-construction work.

Equipment That Actually Works

"HEPA" is an unregulated marketing term. True HEPA filters capture 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns. Silica dust ranges from 0.1-100 microns—you need the real thing.

• Vacuum: True HEPA with sealed system (Miele, Nilfisk, commercial units)
• Air scrubber: Minimum 500 CFM with HEPA filtration
• Steam: 275°F+ dry steam (not carpet steamers)
• PPE: N95 minimum, P100 preferred for heavy silica (see OSHA silica safety standards)

Timeline: When to Start Cleaning

The biggest mistake? Cleaning the day construction ends. Dust continues settling for days.

• Day 0: Construction complete—start air scrubbing only
• Day 1-2: Continue air scrubbing, begin HEPA extraction on settled surfaces
• Day 2-3: Surface decontamination, steam sanitization
• Day 3-4: Final inspection, HVAC filter replacement, air quality check