How to Get Plaster Dust Out of Carpet

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Introduction

Many of the books on home repair instruct people to extract plaster dust off their carpet. But, what exactly is meant by plaster dust? Plaster dust is more of a powder than dust, which means that when you are extracting this substance from your carpet, you will need less water. Therefore, if you are looking for tips on how to get plaster dust out of carpet, there are only two things you can do: use less water or use more elbow grease on your extraction. This method involves using very little water and taking some time to work on the dirt. You also may want to consider bringing in professionals who have industrial-grade equipment that can extract deep down dirt without causing any damage.

A Detailed Stepwsie Guide on How to Get Plaster Dust Out of Carpet

*Warning: If you suspect that you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos, contact your doctor and seek medical attention immediately.

Step 1:

Gather the following supplies: hot steam iron, paper towels, cheesecloth, scissors, sealable plastic bag(s), and a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery tool attachment (a Shop-Vac will do in a pinch). Be sure to wear rubber gloves and goggles or glasses as this will get messy!

Step 2:

Using the scissors, cut the paper towel/cheesecloth into 8″ X 8″ squares; these will be used for dust control while stripping the carpet. Place one square on top of another and moisten with hot water, wringing out the cloths until damp.

Step 3:

Remove the carpet from the room and lay it face down on a tarp or drop cloth in an open, well-ventilated area, preferably outside. If you cannot remove the carpet, try hanging it as high as possible near an open window or door where the remaining plaster dust will fall to the floor after vacuuming.

Step 4:

Using your steam iron set on medium heat, hold it several inches above one of the paper towels/cheesecloth squares, moving it back and forth over this spot for 20 seconds with slow, firm pressure to “iron” any remaining bond between fibers in the pile of the carpet pad (fibers should separate easily by sliding a wire hanger underneath the dragged cloth). **CAUTION: Be sure to unplug and turn off your iron before beginning this step, as steam will escape every time you lift the iron.

Step 5:

Once you’ve “ironed” an area of no more than 12″ X 12″, place one damp paper towel/cheesecloth sheet on top of it and another on its backside so that you now have a double-layer barrier between your fingers and the dry carpet pad beneath. Using clean hands, begin sliding and rubbing away at the fibers until most or all of the plaster dust has collected in the wet layers (the more moist paper towels/cheesecloth sheets used, the less mess there will be dealt with later). When finished with this step, flip the carpet pad over to expose its dry side and repeat for this portion of the carpet.

Step 6:

Using your vacuum cleaner with upholstery tool attachment, suck up both sides of the carpet pad thoroughly, checking periodically that you are not stirring up more dust by sliding your fingers across the area(s) after vacuuming has been completed. If it’s still dusty, simply place another damp paper towel/cheesecloth sheet on top of it and brush or “iron” another small section at a time until no more dust is being collected. **CAUTION: Once again, be sure to unplug and turn off your vacuum before beginning this step, as the high-speed airflow also poses a risk for causing Asbestos fibers to go airborne.

Step 7:

When the entire carpet pad has been vacuumed, check all three sides of your carpet for any remaining plaster dust and work in small sections if needed. If you find dust along the edges or at the seams, use damp paper towels/cheesecloth sheets to remove it; be sure not to rub this area because doing so can cause fibers to fray and release more dusty particles into the air (use your fingers instead). Repeat vacuuming on these areas when finished.

Step 8:

Once you are confident that all remnants of plaster dust have been recovered from the carpet, cut open one side of each sealable plastic bag with scissors; set these bags down near where your carpet was initially stored (the three exterior walls where it’s hung should be good enough). Using your steam iron, press one side of the rug (dry side) against the plastic bag until “stuck” in place; this will keep dust from falling out while you take down and roll up your carpet. Stand on top of these bags to prevent further suctioning any remaining dust that may still be clinging onto the pile for a few minutes before doing anything else. **CAUTION: Be sure to unplug and turn off your iron before continuing because once again, steam can emerge unpredictably if you do not!

Step 9:

Once the majority of Asbestos-containing plaster has been removed from the room, vacuum all floor surfaces thoroughly with your main machine – paying close attention to the edges as well as behind and underneath any objects left in place. Also, be sure to vacuum thoroughly under and around where your carpet was stored (it’s still possible remaining dust has settled there too).

Step 10:

When finished, shake out any paper towels/cheesecloth bundles into a sealable plastic bag and tie them off tightly to prevent re-entering your home; these can now be taken outside and disposed of with standard garbage. Next, use duct tape to seal up all open areas along the baseboard, door frames, ceiling, etc… **CAUTION: Do NOT shove or force drywall or acoustic insulation inside cracks or holes because this might cause another microscopic asbestos fiber release! With that said, however, using a wet paper towel/cheesecloth sheet, moisten these areas first to help them stick better before placing tape across the top.

Step 11:

Next, wipe down the entire room with a damp twist of paper towels/cheesecloth to ensure all drywall dust particles have been collected; vacuum this away after it has completed soaking up the larger pieces. **CAUTION: If using cheesecloth for this step, be sure not to use anything but plain water because any vinegar-based cleaning solution will react with the twist of the paper towel you used earlier and create more dusty residue!

Step 12:

Finally, sweep or vacuum any leftover floor dust into a sealable plastic bag and tie it off tightly so that it does not escape into your home’s exterior environment; take it outside and dispose of it properly so that you do not track it back inside.

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Step 13:

When finished, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent any Asbestos dust from being absorbed into your skin. Finally, take a shower or immediately change out of your clothes if the dusty residue has contaminated them! NOTE: Be sure to use products specifically designed to remove asbestos fibers like those suggested earlier (ScotchBrite™ or others).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Plaster a Cement?

Plaster is a type of cement that has high water and air content. It also contains a large amount of lime which makes it highly reactive with water. Cement, on the other hand, is used to bind or hold materials together by filling in the pores between them.

Is It Cheaper to Drywall or Plaster?

Drywall is a type of plaster used to cover walls, ceilings, and floors. It’s typically made from gypsum and other sawdust, clay, sand, stone, or wood chips.

Plaster is a mixture of lime (calcium oxide) and water which can be applied in thin layers to walls or ceilings. This can then be smoothed over with a roller or trowel to create an even finish.

Drywall is cheaper than plaster because it’s faster to apply, but it requires more maintenance, such as drywalling compound. Plaster requires less maintenance, but it takes longer to dry, so it also costs more.

Should I Replace Plaster With Drywall?

Drywall is a more modern, durable, and cheaper option than plaster. It can be applied to various surfaces such as walls, ceilings, floors, and outdoor surfaces.

Plaster is an old technique that has been around for centuries. It is mainly used on interior walls, but it can also be used on exterior walls or other places.

What Are the Disadvantages of Using Plaster?

Plaster is a mixture of lime, sand, and water that can make molds for building. It is also used as a protective coating on structures.

The Disadvantages of Using Plaster Are :

It does not have many uses besides building or protecting buildings.
The quality of the material may vary depending on the type of plaster you use and your experience with it.
It has a low tensile strength, which will crack when pressure is applied.