I'm getting ready to sand down some areas in my house where we previously had shelves attached to the wall, and I've got an orbital sander that I'll be using. I've already decided to get a vacuum attachment for it, but I'm wondering what other tips people might have to keep the drywall dust to a minimum? I've also got an air purifier ready to run full blast during the process to help. Any advice would be appreciated!
3 Answers
One great tip is to create a completely sealed area with plastic drop cloths. You can even tape it to the ceiling to make a bubble where you're working. And definitely use a mask since dust tends to linger in that bubble. Also, consider turning off your HVAC system so the dust doesn't spread throughout the house. Using a HEPA filter that's rated for drywall dust will really help, too. They're much better for catching those fine particles than standard filters!
Consider using a pole sander with a shop vac hose taped to it. This has worked for me when I was sanding in my garage. It helps keep dust down significantly. Another trick is to create negative pressure by placing a box fan in a window, blowing outside. That way, the dust is less likely to escape the sanding area! If you need to do a lot of sanding, renting a proper dust extractor can be a game changer since it’s more efficient at capturing fine drywall dust than regular vacuums.
If you're open to it, wet sanding can help control dust, but it’s typically more for finishing touches and usually done by hand. If you’re looking for less mess overall, setting up proper containment with plastic sheeting and maybe checking out products like reusable zippers for easy access could really help!