White powder in all the cupboards and the baseboards?

Question

We just bought a foreclosed home, which sat empty for a while. Upon moving in I noticed this white powder abundantley poured in all the corners of the cupboards and all along the baseboards. I am assuming it is some sort of pesticide, as we saw a lot of dead ants and roaches. Since the home was bank owned, no one seems to know anything about it. What I want to know is, what is the safest way to clean it up? I have 2 kids and 2 dogs. I have been vaccuming it out of the rug (even had the rugs cleaned). I have been using gloves and a bucket of lysol water in the cupboards. Is this alright?

Answer 1

This sounds like a health hazzard for sure.  Can you find out who the last inhabitants were?  They may be able to lend information about what types of issues there were with the house.  Or, you can always call the health department.

Answer 2

That's what I would use.

Congrats on your new home. Good luck

Answer 3

It could be something as simple as drywall dust from sanding newly installed walls.

I'd just vacuum it up and use S & Span to wash.

Did you, by any chance, have a home inspection BEFORE you purchased it?

Answer 4

could be baking soda or pesticide

Answer 5

I wish I could give you expert advice, but the best I can do is say that I would try my very best to avoid stirring up the dust as things like that tend to be especially dangerous when inhaled.

It sounds like you are taking a really good approach with the gloves and Lysol.

Congratulations on your new home!