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drywall dust in new appliances!

7 years ago

Our contractor installed all of the new appliances a month before our renovation was completed. So now there’s drywall dust (and probably granite dust) all over and inside the oven and microwave (including the fan blades, etc). How do we get it out?? I don’t want my child eating drywall dust for the next six months...

Comments (9)

  • 7 years ago

    Do you own a vacuum?

  • 7 years ago

    Yes, we do...and obviously that is the first thing we tried :) But it is everywhere inside and the end of the vacuum doesn’t fit inside the nooks and crannies in the back, vents, etc

  • 7 years ago

    Does the oven have a self cleaning feature? If so, run it. My microwave has a rear panel that comes off, so check your users manual.

  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    I fear that only an air gun connected to a competent compressor will direct air where needed. And the appliances need to have any areas covered with dust exposed to get the air gun nozzle to them. The vacuum cleaner will help capture some of the dust expelled, but expect that any approach short of moving the appliances outside will cause some dust redistribution into the house. How about your refrigerator condenser heat exchanger and the fan that blows air through it? What is the condition of your drawer slides? Your contractor failed to foresee something that he should have seen.

    There may be commercial companies that can deal with this while capturing the expelled dust.

  • 7 years ago

    They sell attachments for shop vacs. Buy a kit. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Shop-Vac-6-Piece-Tool-Kit/1084993 Use on the exhaust to blow first, then the vacuum side to capture.

  • 7 years ago

    Agree with GreenDesigns, I have those attachments and mine has fittings that allow it to attach to our shop vac and my canister vac.

    I wouldn't wish to blow it out though, that will make a larger mess IMO. I've cleaned lots of drywall dust (popcorn ceilings removed via power sander). It's doable. Just takes time and effort. I'm guessing your GC allowed cutting of drywall in the house? No-no.

    You should note that granite dust is a different animal, and can be problematic in some areas. It's rock... little bitty rocks may be mixed in with the dust. Use a vacuum where you can. On any glass or stainless or porcelain or polished surfaces (windows, cooktops, sinks, etc.) don't wipe them out/off until you've vacuumed with a soft brush, and then feel with your hand for grit before you wipe up. You may get scratching otherwise. It will also scratch hardwood floors. I cleaned up the drawers and sinks after all our faucet holes were drilled (had to be done in place), and got a minuscule gravel stuck in my knee under the skin. No big deal, it'll heal and it's minor compared to other remodel injuries, but it was painful the first day. Keep your kids away until you can clean properly.

  • 7 years ago

    Our vacuum repair guy warned very strongly against using a regular vacuum for drywall dust. Only use a shop vac. Something about the dust being so fine it gets thru filters and plays havoc on the motor.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    I have the same issue, I turned on my new stove for the first time last night and dust particles came flying up and out ofthe back thin vents. Seems sort of fan goes on when burners are on causing the drywall dust and tiny white pieces to come up all over my black stove top. How did you get the dust out? I'm grossed out and threw away the food I was cooking as it was a good 5 or 10 minutes before I realized what was going on. I have no idea how I will get the dust out and comfortably know when it's clean.