How to Clean Up Sheetrock Mud Off of Concrete in a New Construction Home

Sheetrock mud, or joint compound, is a plaster-based product used to seal joints between sections of drywall. The thin consistency of the material makes it easy to drip while working, especially if you’re a beginner. The obvious solution is to use your drywall knife or trowel to scrape the compound off the ground immediately after it falls, but this approach has its disadvantages: stopping frequently will slow you down, and continually scraping concrete will damage your drywall tool. Saving the cleanup for the end is a more effective approach. An added advantage is that dried joint compound won’t smear and create a bigger mess.

Things You'll Need

• Wide, flat-bladed tool
• Vacuum or broom
• Warm water
• Cloth or sponge
• Mop and bucket (optional)

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Allow the joint compound to turn white, indicating it is dry. Ready-mixed joint compound -- the most commonly used type -- should dry within 24 hours. Setting-type joint compound dries within the time frame indicated on the packaging.

   • 2

     Scrape the joint compound with a wide, flat-bladed tool. An old drywall knife will do, but a flat-bladed shovel allows you to scrape from a standing position, which is easier on your back than crouching and scraping. Dig under the edge of the joint compound, using short, sharp strokes.

   • 3

     Vacuum or sweep up the debris.

   • 4

     Remove the dusty remnants with a warm, wet cloth or sponge. A mop and bucket are more effective for large areas.