Patching drywall is not particularly difficult, but it can be really messy because once the joint compound dries you have to sand it with sandpaper — and that creates a lot of really super-fine dust that’s virtually impossible to collect.

Rather than use sandpaper to smooth the joint compound, try using a scouring sponge. This is much faster and it doesn’t create any dust.

Get the sponge, dip it into a bucket of warm water, and squeeze out the excess.

Next, use the scouring side of the sponge to smooth out the joint. Watch how quickly and easily it starts to dissolve the joint compound.

This is perfect when you’re patching a hole in drywall made by a doorknob or something like that; you wouldn’t want to do an entire wall with it, but it’s great for small patches.

After a few seconds, all the excess joint compound disappears and comes out perfectly smooth — with no dust!

Watch the video above to see Joe’s Simple Solution.

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Joe Truini

Joe Truini

Radio Show Co-Host

Joe Truini is a contractor, author, and the host of “Simple Solutions” on Today’s Homeowner TV and the weekly Today’s Homeowner radio show. He has worked on both large commercial projects and residential remodeling, and has written for national publications such as This Old House and Popular Mechanics. He has also written eight books, including three best-selling shed-building books. Joe lives in Connecticut with his family and enjoys hiking, traveling, and baseball in his spare time.

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