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How to Clean Drywall Dust and Joint Compound Dust

Marc McCollough

By Marc McCollough
Updated August 8, 2025

Dust from drywall and joint compound is a part of any drywall installation. It might seem like the dust gets everywhere, but you can get rid of it with the right steps. Learn how to clean up drywall dust, including steps for cleaning the drywall panels and cleaning drywall dust from your floors.

Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Note

Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.

How to Clean Drywall and Floors of Drywall Dust

While cutting drywall generates dust, much of the drywall dust comes from sanding the joint compound that seals the panels together. Beyond the general mess the dust creates:

  • Drywall and joint compound dust contain particles like gypsum, silica and mica, which can irritate your eyes, nose, throat and respiratory system.
  • You need to know how to clean drywall before painting, so the primer and paint adhere properly.
  • You need to know how to clean drywall dust from your floors, so you don’t track the material throughout your house.

Tip

Reduce dust and cleanup time on your next drywall project by investing in a drywall sander with dust management. While these take some practice to use effectively, they can make the work easier.

While every drywall cleanup is different, there are common steps:

  1. Protect yourself from the particles.
  2. Brush or vacuum dust from the walls.
  3. Sweep the floors.
  4. Check the area for remaining dust.
  5. Clean remaining residue from the floor.
  6. Dispose of the debris.
  7. Replace your air filters.

We give you the details of each step below.

Tip

Consider turning off your heating or cooling system while you work to reduce buildup on filters and prevent circulating the dust.

Step 1: Put on Safety Gear and Provide Ventilation

Protect yourself from drywall dust and cleaning products:

Finally, open windows in the room and set up fans to direct air outside.

Step 2: Remove Loose Drywall Dust From the Walls

Starting at the top, use a soft-bristle brush or dry microfiber cloth to brush the dust from the walls, and ceiling, if necessary. Apply light pressure only. Too much pressure damages the wall surfaces and joint compound. Pay special attention to areas like corners and window ledges where dust accumulates. Shake out the brush outside or get a clean cloth as necessary.

As an alternative to brushing the dust away, you can vacuum the walls using a shop vacuum with a HEPA filter and a soft brush attachment. Shop vacuum collection bags make emptying your vacuum easier.

After brushing or vacuuming the walls and ceiling, wipe them down with a slightly damp microfiber cloth. Don’t get the drywall wet. The cloth should be just damp enough to pick up any remaining dust.

Step 3: Sweep Loose Dust From the Floor

Sweep the edges and corners of the floor with an upright broom. Use a push broom on the rest of the floor, pushing the dust into the center of the room. Collect it in a dustpan and dispose of it in a lidded trash can or vacuum it up with the shop vacuum. If necessary, vacuum the floor.

Step 4: Clean the Remaining Loose Dust

Inspect the area and wipe, brush or vacuum up any loose drywall dust that remains. Check:

  • Windows
  • Window and door frames
  • Light fixtures
  • Ceiling fan blades

Step 5: Clean Drywall Dust Residue From the Floor

While you can clean a subfloor simply by sweeping and vacuuming, if you’ve got a finished floor, you might notice a haze of drywall dust on the surface. Clean up this residue to keep your floor looking its best and to avoid tracking the material to other parts of the house.

Cleaning methods vary by floor type and manufacturer. The best way to thoroughly clean drywall dust residue from any type of flooring is to follow the flooring manufacturer’s care instructions. If you don’t have them handy, check the product website. In general:

  • Use floor cleaners and cleaning tools designed for your floor.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive tools.
  • Avoid do-it-yourself cleaners, such as vinegar solutions, unless recommended by the flooring manufacturer.
  • Clean textured surfaces with microfiber cloths and mops.
  • Use soft brush attachments when vacuuming hard floors.
  • Use a soft-bristle brush for spot cleaning.
  • Let the floor dry completely before allowing any foot traffic.

We have instructions for cleaning several common types of flooring:

Step 6: Dispose of the Drywall Dust and Debris

Collect the drywall dust and any other drywall or joint compound debris in heavy-duty garbage bags and seal the bags tightly. Dispose of the material properly. Your municipality or waste collection company might have specific instructions for this type of construction debris and waste. Follow the instructions for your area.

Step 7: Replace Your Air Filters

Drywall dust can clog your home’s furnace and air conditioning filters. Replace the air filters after you finish cleanup and check them periodically to ensure they’re clear of the dust and working efficiently.

Getting Rid of Drywall Dust

Drywall dust makes painting more difficult and creates a mess you can track throughout your home. The particles can also irritate your eyes, nose and throat. While it takes some time, you can clean up drywall dust with the right tools and steps.

  1. Protect yourself with goggles, an N95 respirator and gloves.
  2. Clean the walls using a microfiber cloth, soft brush or a shop vacuum with a HEPA filter. Wipe the walls down with a slightly damp microfiber cloth.
  3. Sweep the floor and collect remaining dust with a dustpan or your shop vacuum.
  4. Check the area and wipe, sweep or vacuum up any dust that remains.
  5. If the dust creates a haze on your floor, use the cleaning steps and materials for your flooring to get rid of the residue.
  6. Dispose of the debris according to the regulations for your area.
  7. Finally, replace your air filters.

Shop Lowes.com for the safety gear, tools and materials you need to clean drywall dust from your walls and floors. Or visit your local Lowe’s, where a Red Vest associate can help you find everything you need to clean up after your drywall project and give you tips for getting rid of the drywall dust.

FAQ on Cleaning Up Drywall Dust

Use the answers to these questions on cleaning drywall dust from walls and floors to plan your cleanup.

How Do I Clean Drywall Dust From the Floor?

Start by putting on safety goggles, an N95 respirator and gloves. Clean up as much dust as possible using a broom and dustpan. Then, vacuum the floor using a shop vacuum with a HEPA filter and a brush attachment. If the dust leaves a haze on the floor, follow the flooring manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to remove the drywall dust residue.

How Do I Clean Drywall After Sanding?

Wear safety goggles, an N95 respirator and gloves. Brush the walls down with a microfiber cloth or soft brush. As an alternative, you can use a shop vacuum with a HEPA filter and brush attachment. Use light pressure only to avoid damaging the drywall and joint compound. Wipe down the walls with a slightly damp cloth to remove any remaining dust. Don’t saturate the walls with water.

How Do I Clean Drywall Dust Before Painting?

Put on safety goggles, an N95 respirator and gloves. Brush down the walls or vacuum them using a shop vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter. Avoid damaging the wall or joint compound by using light pressure only. Wipe the walls down with a slightly damp cloth to remove the remaining loose dust, but don’t saturate the walls. Allow the walls to dry completely before applying primer and paint or a paint-and-primer-in-one product.