A Weekly Cleaning Routine to Cut Lead Dust in a Pre-1978 Home

In a home built before 1978, EPA advises cleaning weekly to minimize dust, which may contain lead. The method matters as much as the schedule: damp cloths and wet mops, not dry sweeping or beating rugs. As of October 2026, this is the guidance EPA publishes for homes that know or suspect they contain lead-based paint.

1. Why dust is the target

In 1978 the federal government banned the sale of lead-based paint for use in homes and childcare facilities. EPA says homes built before then are more likely to have it, and that about three-quarters of U.S. homes built before 1978 still contain some lead-based paint.

Paint in good shape is usually not a problem. EPA's concern is old or worn paint, especially on surfaces with constant friction such as doors and window sills, which can produce chips and dust. The main worry is young children who crawl, play on floors and put fingers, toys and objects in their mouths. EPA's Learn About Lead page adds that no safe level of lead in children has been identified, and that lead is especially dangerous to children six years old and younger. EPA also notes that settled lead dust can re-enter the air when a home is vacuumed or swept or when people walk through it. That is why dry methods are the wrong choice.

EPA's reassurance is worth keeping in view: children can live safely in homes with lead-based paint as long as the paint and surfaces are in good condition and surfaces are kept clean.

2. The weekly routine

Hard surfaces. Wipe countertops, window sills and door jambs with a damp sponge, cloth or paper towel. EPA says not to use steel wool, scouring pads or abrasive cleaners such as solvent cleaners that may dissolve paint, and not to rub spots excessively.

Floors. Wet mop floors and hard surfaces. Do not mop with a scrubber strip attached, and do not use power buffers, polishing machines or vacuums with beater bars, since they can wear away painted surfaces.

Carpets and rugs. The right tool depends on what you see:

• No visible dust or debris from chipping or flaking paint: a standard vacuum cleaner is fine.
• Visible dust or debris from chipping or flaking paint: use only a vacuum with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter, and do not dry sweep.
• Never shake or beat carpets and rugs. For stains, wet scrub or use steam cleaning.

3. The weekly walk-through

Cleaning is also a good time to look. EPA recommends inspecting and maintaining painted surfaces to guard against chipping, peeling or deterioration. Check the places where painted parts rub together or get heavy wear, such as windows, doors and stairways.

If you notice peeling, chipping, chalking or cracking paint:

1. Clean the area right away with a wet cloth, wipe or sponge.
2. Remove paint chips and dust carefully with a damp paper towel and put them in the trash.
3. Wipe the surface with a clean wet paper towel.

For small damaged areas under 6 square feet, EPA says to fix them as soon as possible without sanding. If you must sand, wet the area first, sand the minimum needed and clean up thoroughly.

4. Keep soil out of the house

EPA lists soil as another source, because lead in soil can be tracked in on shoes, clothes and other objects. Higher levels are typically found near roadways and around the perimeter of buildings that used lead-based paint. Its entryway advice:

• Put doormats outside and inside every entry.
• Remove shoes before coming in.
• Wipe pets' fur and paws after they have been outside, especially if muddy.
• Leave soiled tools and clothes outside, or wash them thoroughly first, and wash clothes that touched soil or dust separately.

For work and hobby exposure (renovating old homes, refinishing old furniture, auto repair, certain hobbies), EPA says to change clothes and shoes before entering the car or home, wash those clothes separately, and shower after shooting guns or working on cars before spending time at home.

5. What this routine does not cover

This is maintenance, not renovation. EPA advises hiring a certified inspector or risk assessor to find out whether a pre-1978 home has lead-based paint, or assuming it does, and hiring a lead-safe certified contractor for projects that disturb paint. It also says to avoid do-it-yourself removal of lead-based paint. Renters in pre-1978 homes can learn their rights on EPA's renter page.

Water is a separate source. EPA says you cannot see, taste or smell lead in water, and testing is the only way to know. Contact your water utility to have your water tested.

6. Sample weekly checklist

• Damp-wipe sills, door jambs and counters.
• Wet mop hard floors.
• Vacuum rugs (HEPA if there are visible paint chips).
• Check windows, doors and stairs for chipping paint.
• Wash doormats rather than beating or shaking them out.

7. Key takeaways

• Pre-1978 homes may have lead-based paint; EPA advises weekly cleaning to minimize dust.
• Use damp cloths and wet mops. Avoid dry sweeping, scouring pads, beater-bar vacuums and beating rugs.
• Use a HEPA vacuum only when there is visible paint debris; otherwise a standard vacuum works.
• Clean peeling paint up right away and do not sand dry.
• Keep soil out with doormats and shoes off, and hire a certified contractor for renovation.