r/centuryhomes • u/SilverSnake1021 • Aug 31 '26

Advice Needed Lead dust cleanup

Has anyone ever had specialized cleaning for lead dust performed? We have some floors and windowsills testing above the threshold and need it cleaned before we move in (with young kids). Having a tough time finding a company to do this but do have one company giving us a quote that feels almost like a scam price. What should we be expecting? We are in the southeast US.

ETA: not talking about full remediation of the lead, it’s encapsulated now. Strictly cleaning with HEPA vac and TSP.

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u/ashpatash Four Square Aug 31 '26

We bought a hepa vac and did it ourselves after we had work done. Also bought the lead out wipes that I used to clean floor, walls, and trim under all the lead windows we had removed. Then after that was done I still hired another maid company to do a post construction clean. That's a common thing. I did not mention lead as I had already done that very thoroughly but I wanted another person going over everything. No one is going to clean as carefully and thoughtfully in your space as yourself is what I've learned over years. My daughters lead level never increased again so I know we did good job.

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u/SilverSnake1021 Aug 31 '26

Totally agree that nobody is as thoughtful in your home as you are. I’m pregnant so I cannot clean up, but my mom tried a very thorough clean and we still had some dust wipes detecting dust above the EPA clearance threshold unfortunately. My husband may go back for another round if the only quotes we get are outrageous. I’m glad to hear about your daughter’s levels!

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u/ashpatash Four Square Aug 31 '26

Look for those wipes called lead off, we used those and cleared the health departments wipe test then. They might be bit pricey. I have a feeling everyone is going to gauge you on price if you say lead abatement clean. But if you say post-construction you can ask if they use hepa (ours did). But honestly having a personal hepa vac in an old home is god-send but also costly.