[sanjuro]

Did a job today and the carpet had lots of plaster on it which i said i wouldnt be able to remove with what i had in the van does anyone who does builders cleans have any tips in case i get any more plaster jobs ?

[Doctor Carpet (Ret'd)]

You would have to consider the cost of removal against the cost of a new carpet. Unless it's the very odd blob of made up plaster then it's not going to be cost effective.

I've been in your situation (generally-and I do mean very generally) where this type of situation is likely to present itself you will find that they are very cheap carpets and so it's not cost effective for you to attempt.

Best advice is to walk.

[Jim_77]

I've cleaned up after a clumsy plasterer quite a few times.  If it's still wet it's easy, when dried takes more time.

Chemicals/machines are of lesser importance, all you need to be able to do is rinse it really really well... if dried then AFTER you do the important bit - you have to break up the plaster first!

The way I've done it in the past is with a handi-groomer, stiff brush and even a flat screwdriver down the gulley of the carpet next to the skirting.  You just have to agitate agitate when the plaster is dry, to break it up.  A good cylinder vacuum is essential to suck up the dust as you go.

After you've got no more loose debris there that you can agitate and vac away, then is the time to soak it really well, agitate and finally rinse like hell.  I'd only ever use a hand tool or stair tool on a bit bigger area, because you need to recover all that water very efficiently.

Saying that I've never done a plaster spill with my new TM yet so don't know how much easier that would make it!

Polyprop should be as good as 100% results, wool varies according to different factors

[Neil Williams]

I carry various tools etc incase of breakdowns or the need for quick repairs, so that will include screw drivers and hammer.
If the plaster has dried then cover with a thin material and bash it into tiny bits / dust with the hammer. Then a constant supply of hot water and extract will do the job.

[sanjuro]

Thanks guys the bash it to bits trick sounds good to me im gonna ask to try it ill report how it went