Lead Safe Cleaning

Cleaning Windows
Cleaning Table Tops
Cleaning Floors
HEPA Vacuums

Ordinary cleaning techniques are not sufficient to remove lead dust from your home. In fact, sweeping or using a regular vacuum can increase lead hazards by spreading lead dust. Even when your home is very clean, it can still contain dangerous amounts of lead dust. To help get rid of lead you should clean your home using specialized techniques.

• Keep children away from peeling or chipping paint and accessible or chewable surfaces painted with lead-based paint, especially windows, window sills and window wells.
• Wet mop and wet wipe hard surfaces.
• Do not vacuum hard surfaces with a regular vacuum (use a HEPA filtered vacuum) because this activity is believed to scatter dust. HEPA Vacuums are available for rental, loan or purchase. Please contact the Coalition at (800) 370-5323 for information.

WET CLEANING

1. Always use rubber gloves to protect your hands
2. Put hot water in TWO buckets. Add general all-purpose detergent to one bucket, following the directions given on the cleaner. Use the other bucket as your “rinse” bucket.
3. Thoroughly wipe down all window wells, sills and trim using a sponge and the hot detergent. Start at the top of the window and work your way towards the bottom. Rinse your sponge often in the rinse bucket and change this water frequently (once for each new room or window). Dispose of the rinse water in a place you DO NOT use for preparing food or bathing (preferably the toilet).
4. Use a mop and your hot water detergent solution to clean all wood, tile or linoleum floors. Rinse the mop often and change the water frequently. Throw away the mop head when done.

REMEMBER

Never pour the contaminated water down the sink where you prepare food or into the bathtub.  Always dispose of contaminated water in the toilet.  Rinse the sponge or mop often and do not use the sponge for dishes or other cleaning! Change your rinse water often. Change mop heads and sponges when they look worn or after you’ve used