I've tried to vacuum but it's so heavy of a powder it's just filling the filter and shutting down my vacuum. I also tried sweeping compound. The entire crawlspace is concrete. You have to use a ladder to get to it because the opening is about 4ft from the basement floor. Would using a wet sponge help or just add to the problem?
2007-01-01 14:32:52 · 9 answers · asked by yakgal 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Every one has said get a shop vac but I will go a step further and make sue you get a wet/dry shop vac.
Run a hose pipe in there and get you a stiff brush like a block masons brush.
Step one::: Spray it down real good, brush it good, vacuum the water up and dump the vacuum.
Step Two:::Spray it down real good, brush it good, vacuum the water up, and dump the water.
Step Three:Spray it down real good, brush it good, vacuum the water up, and dump the water.
Repeat steps One, Two, and three as needed or until you are too sore to continue and say it is clean enough and the heck with it. .
I am not trying to be a smart ***, because I like getting best answers points, but that is the best way to get it clean.
Spray enough water and scrub it good enough so that it gets dissolved and vacuum it up.
You may want to make one pass a day. It isn't easy work, but if you want it clean, you gotta do it.
2007-01-01 20:40:31 · answer #1 · answered by dennis_phillips7 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I feel for you! I went through a similar situation a couple of years ago when I had two windows replaced. I think still until this day I am cleaning up after it!
It's too late now, but in the future, unless you already did this, buy big sheets of plastic and cover everything in it's path!
I still think the vacuum might be the way to go. I understand the filter problem, but at least it's picking it up at a relatively fast rate. Use a shop vac that you don't intend to use in the house, unless you clean the filter and inside compartment really well after. You may also want to wear a small mask to cover you nose and mouth if you are sensitive to dust, especially of that magnitude. A broom will just kick it up and spread it everywhere. Did you ask the construction crew for a suggestion?
I wish I had a better solution for you. I do wish you the best with the problem.
2007-01-01 14:51:12 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Shop vac shop vac shop vac. I am telling you this is an investment you will not regret. My husband has a wood shop in the basement and it takes care of sawdust great plus drywall dust is extra fine wear a mask and go to town with a shop vac. Trust me all contruction is messy it's just part of it but I promise if you buy one to clean this mess you will find lots of other uses for it over the years to come. Get a wet dry version. And do not get dry wall dust wet to clean it up, you will have a mess because you will make mud and think you have it all cleaned up then once it dries if it doesn't mold or mildew you will have dust agian.
2007-01-01 15:40:16 · answer #3 · answered by Ann D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best thing to do would be to buy a decent sized shop vac, most of your hardware store variety's are all the same. You could find a fairly inexpensive one 12 amps is best. The most important thing to so is make sure it uses a paper like filter that wraps around a foam filter, and simply change the paper filter when the machine looses suction (change the foam one when the job is done) the paper filters are inexpensive and make sure you purchase extras when you get the machines, some companies don't support there products.
2007-01-01 19:30:16 · answer #4 · answered by Angry Andy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know what type of vacuum you are using, but I do know for a fact that a shop-vac WILL pick up the debris you are battling. I am a construction professional, just sweep up what you can then use a shop-vac for the rest. A household vacuum WILL NOT WORK. Just personal experience. One other thing everybody should know is that CONSTRUCTION IS MESSY, AND THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT. Don't use anything wet or moist to clean it up, it'll just turn to MUD.
2007-01-01 15:09:25 · answer #5 · answered by uncle bob 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
listen to uncle bob. somebody in the neighborhood must have a shop vac that you can borrow. dust mask, knee pads if you'll have to be crawling around to clean, a push broom, hat or bandanna, and your oldest clothes and shoes. plastic garbage bags, and a big dust pan. easy, enjoy, been there too, good luck. happy new year!!!
2007-01-01 15:30:29 · answer #6 · answered by car dude 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why clean it? Its a craw space. Do You store stuff there? Then ok. Or are you just cleaning to clean? Any way, be sure to wear a dust mast as you clean.
2007-01-01 14:53:25 · answer #7 · answered by rlbendele1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Use a real ostrich feather duster. Flylady.com has them in the FlyShop. I love mine and they pick up more dust than I would have ever believed. I have seen testimony that they do a great job with sheet rock dust.
2007-01-01 14:36:52 · answer #8 · answered by Elizabeth 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
u almost got it forget dry sweeping it use a damp broom for piles and yes a industrial mop wet then keep damp wiping until dry and clean i usually put the mop and swish around till its really water on it then the damp mop over until clean
2007-01-01 14:38:10 · answer #9 · answered by sunshine 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋