Hey everyone! My dad's a hobbyist woodworker, and his workshop in the basement has seen barely any cleaning in about ten years. Whenever he does clean, it's just a quick vacuum of the floor and a damp wipe of the workbench. I was recently digging through his scrap wood pile and the air was so thick with dust that I had to wear a mask. After some basic cleaning, I noticed a fresh layer of dust settled by the next day. It's becoming a health hazard! I'm looking for advice on how to deep-clean this mess without just kicking up more dust, and once it's clean, how can I prevent it from getting this bad again?
3 Answers
Consider getting a dust extractor that can vent outside. It really helps reduce the dust you kick up during cleaning. You can also use floor sweeping compound to manage the fine dust, and a leaf blower is great for getting dust out of hard-to-reach spots. Don't try to clean with laundry hanging out to dry — that could make the dust airborne! Just be sure you're masked up and patient; this might take some time but it'll definitely be worth it!
One step at a time! It's a big job, so approach it slowly — start at the top of the room and work your way down. Vacuuming is better than sweeping since it won’t just stir up dust. Installing a good air filtration system would really help too. For future prevention, make sure to set up some kind of dust collection system for your tools. Trust me, a shop vac with a cyclone separator will make a world of difference compared to nothing!
First off, you need to protect yourself! A P100 respirator is a must while you clean. Focus on getting as much dust out as possible using a shop vac, and make sure to open any windows or doors for airflow. It'll be an uphill battle, but managing dust during operations is key — think about getting some dust collection for your tools. Air purifiers can also help to keep the air cleaner. You might even consider using a leaf blower to push dust out of corners if you're feeling adventurous!
Exactly! I've used a cyclone separator before and it really cuts down on the mess. Cleaning doesn't have to be overwhelming; just take it slow and stay on top of it.