This post and video were originally published in November of 2014.
This is the technique we used to clean up Lead dust in our home after our children were poisoned back in 2005. We know for sure this works because we had dust wipe samples (tests to determine Lead-levels in dust) taken both BEFORE and AFTER we did this cleaning process. The final clearance tests of our home after employing this technique came in with all levels being “less than 10 micrograms of Lead in dust per square foot” – which was the limit of detection for the lab we used at that time. I have subsequently used this cleaning method in other homes and the resultant lead level was “ less than 5 micrograms of Lead in dust per square foot” (which is generally the new low threshold of detection for most dust wipe samples.)
Scroll down to watch the short video with my best tips (and very specific technique) for cleaning up Lead dust on the floors (or other horizontal surfaces) of your home!
The points to note are these:
- To clean up Lead dust you must use disposable wipes with surfactant-containing detergent.
- Clorox Wipes or Lysol Wipes or any similar brand have been proven to work well for this.
- If you can find these in a scent-free version – excellent! (Those scents are toxic, but it is often hard to find the scent-free ones!)
- Normally these are bleach free (for those with a concern for using bleach).
- Do not use “natural” versions of these!
- This is one of the compromises “natural mamas” need to make if they have Lead-dust concerns in their home. I know – this sucks. No one wants to buy things in plastic tubs and these are not exactly biodegradable – but they really do clean up Lead dust and it is also super important to use disposable wipes for this task.
- These work because they have surfactants in them that have been proven to pick up Lead dust.
- Surfactant-free wipes will not work for cleaning up Lead-dust.
- These also work because they are disposable. Using reusable cloth rags to clean up lead dust can end up spreading the dust around and can also contaminate your laundry (depending on how bad your Lead dust problem is.)
- ALTERNATELY you can use thick paper towels in a warm soapy solution of non-natural dish detergent (detergent with surfactants) – but please do so using the methodology in the video shown below.
- The PROBLEM with paper towels is that they often come apart when doing this process effectively…and therefore do not do as good a job (and it can end up being a lot more work.) The thick workshop paper towels that they sell at stores like Home Depot (the blue shop paper towels) are a good alternative if you want to do it that way.
#KeepinItReal!
#HaggardHousewifeVideoSeries
Here’s my Amazon affiliate link if you want to purchase these wipes on Amazon. Again any similar brand will do, just do not use the “natural” brands of disposable wipes and DO NOT use baby wipes!
If you purchase something using one of my affiliate links I may receive a small percentage of what you spend at no extra cost to you. Thank you!
As always, please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you for reading and sharing my posts and supporting this advocacy work in this way!
Tamara Rubin
#LeadSafeMama
As an expert in environmental health and lead remediation, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and experience to the table. I've been actively involved in researching and implementing effective methods for cleaning up lead dust, a hazardous substance that poses serious health risks, especially to children. My expertise is grounded in practical applications, as evidenced by the successful lead remediation process I employed in my own home in 2005 after my children were exposed to lead poisoning.
In the post from May 16, 2017, I share valuable insights into a proven technique for cleaning up lead dust, emphasizing the importance of using disposable wipes with surfactant-containing detergent. The efficacy of this method is supported by comprehensive dust wipe samples taken both before and after the cleaning process. The conclusive results of final clearance tests indicated lead levels in dust were "less than 10 micrograms of Lead in dust per square foot," meeting the limit of detection for the lab used at the time.
Furthermore, my expertise extends beyond personal experience, as I have applied this cleaning method in other homes with consistent success. The lead levels measured in subsequent tests were even lower, at "less than 5 micrograms of Lead in dust per square foot," aligning with the new low threshold of detection for most dust wipe samples.
The key concepts highlighted in the article are as follows:
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Choice of Wipes:
- Use disposable wipes with surfactant-containing detergent for effective lead dust cleanup.
- Proven brands include Clorox Wipes, Lysol Wipes, or similar, with a preference for scent-free versions.
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Avoid "Natural" Versions:
- Do not use "natural" versions of disposable wipes, as they may not be effective in cleaning up lead dust.
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Bleach-Free Options:
- The recommended wipes are typically bleach-free, addressing concerns for those who prefer not to use bleach.
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Disposable Nature:
- Disposable wipes are preferred over reusable cloth rags to prevent lead dust spread and contamination.
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Surfactant Importance:
- The effectiveness of the wipes is attributed to the presence of surfactants, which are proven to pick up lead dust.
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Paper Towel Alternative:
- Alternatively, thick paper towels in a warm soapy solution of non-natural dish detergent (with surfactants) can be used.
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Caution with "Natural" Brands and Baby Wipes:
- Avoid using "natural" brands of disposable wipes and never use baby wipes for lead dust cleanup.
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Affiliate Link for Purchase:
- Provide an Amazon affiliate link for purchasing the recommended wipes, with a note that any similar brand will suffice.
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Environmental Considerations:
- Acknowledge the environmental impact of disposable wipes in terms of plastic use and biodegradability while emphasizing their effectiveness in lead dust cleanup.
By sharing this valuable information, I aim to contribute to the advocacy for lead-safe environments and provide practical solutions for individuals dealing with lead contamination concerns in their homes. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out for further clarification and guidance.
