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Renovating your home? Experts reveal 7 simple cleaning tips to protect your space, your peace and save money during the chaos
Adobe
- Experts warn that common renovation “hacks” like using bed sheets to cover furniture can actually fail to stop fine plaster dust spreading
- Creating a dedicated “zero-dust” sanctuary room is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress and maintain comfort during disruptive renovations
Home renovations can truly transform a property, but the process itself is much less glamorous than the end result. With persistent dust and constant disruption, many homeowners underestimate just how messy a project can become.
That’s why industry experts are sharing practical, easy-to-follow advice to help homeowners protect their property and peace of mind whilst work is underway.
Lucie Levesley, director and staircase expert at Jackson Woodturners, and Georgina Shepherd, Cleaning Expert at Housekeep, have outlined seven essential tips for home renovators.
Lucie Levesley
Georgina Shepherd
1. Ditch bed sheets for proper dust barriers instead
Georgina Shepherd, Cleaning Expert at Housekeep and advisor to Jackson Woodturners said,
“A common mistake renovators make is throwing old bed sheets over furniture and assuming that this will be enough to protect against dust. However, fine particles like plaster dust can pass straight through this fabric and settle underneath. This leaves very little protection for your belongings and fixtures underneath them.
“Instead, use heavy-duty dust sheets or plastic sheeting, which create a true barrier. For best results, you should tape plastic sheeting down and around door frames to stop dust travelling between rooms.
“Don’t forget the gap at the bottom of the door too. Dust escapes easily, so block it with tape or even a rolled up towel. If people are moving in and out frequently, create an ‘overlap flap’ so you’re not constantly releasing dust into other areas.”
2. Line trays and tools to prevent stains and speed up cleaning
Lucie Levesley, director and staircase expert at Jackson Woodturners said,
“Buckets, paint trays and tool containers can quickly become coated in stubborn residue during renovation work, requiring painstaking cleaning at the end of a long day.
“To speed up the cleaning process, line them with plastic or disposable inserts before you fill them. This helps prevent staining, saving both time and effort, allowing you to put your feet up sooner after a hard day’s work.
“If you are going to be re-using paint trays or brushes in a short time period try wrapping trays in a plastic bag and popping cling film round brushes to stop them drying out.”
3. Protect floors with layered coverage
Georgina said,
“High-traffic areas like hallways and staircases are often vulnerable during renovations, as people, materials and tools are constantly moving through them.
“The most effective approach to protect flooring is layering protection. Use plastic or protective film as a base, then add cardboard or a more durable covering on top. This helps guard against dirt, dust and spills, as well as damage from impact from items being put down or dropped.
“It is equally important to secure these coverings properly. Loose protection can easily slip, leaving parts of your flooring exposed or creating trip hazards. Though it may seem obvious, always avoid dragging tools or materials along the floor too, as small bits of grit can easily scratch wood flooring or stair treads.
4. Create one “zero-dust” room
Georgina adds,
“Renovations can feel relentless at times, which is why experts recommend keeping one room completely dust-free. Having a calm, clean space to retreat to can make a huge difference.
“Implement some house rules for this ‘zero dust’, sanctuary room, like keeping the door closed, blocking any gaps with a towel or draft excluder, and always removing shoes before entering.
“A quick daily vacuum and wipe-down will help maintain it and it is much easier to maintain one clean room than to deep clean the entire house at the end.”
5. Use microfibre cloths for delicate surfaces
Lucie said,
“For quick, effective cleaning, especially on wood features like bannisters and stair parts, then microfibre cloths are ideal. They trap fine dust without spreading it, helping preserve finishes and keep surfaces looking their best.
“A clean damp cloth with just water is a great way to remove any fine dust or dirt. Be sure to wipe down afterwards with a lint free cloth”
6. Vacuum before (as well as after) sanding and drilling
Georgina said,
“Most people will clean up after sanding or drilling, but vacuuming beforehand is just as important. Vacuuming before, to remove existing dust and debris first prevents it from being disturbed and spread further around the home.
“Cleaning between stages also protects surfaces like wood flooring, stairs and newly installed features from scratches. Dust resettles incredibly quickly, so keeping a vacuum or dustpan nearby makes it easier to clean little and often, which keeps things under control.”
7. Do a 10 minute daily reset
Georgina said,
“One of the simplest yet most effective habits is a quick clean at the end of each day. Not a deep clean, but a quick reset so that dust doesn’t build up overnight and get spread around the next morning. Dust and grit left overnight can get ground into flooring or stair treads, which is where scratches happen.
“Focus on three main jobs: vacuuming high-traffic areas like hallways and stairs; wiping visible dust from surfaces, especially woodwork; and clearing debris and offcuts away.
“Always work from the furthest point of the renovation area back towards the exit, this will help prevent re-spreading dust around.
Lucie adds,
“Renovations can be physically and mentally demanding, particularly when your home feels like it’s constantly in disarray. Keeping on top of dust and maintaining some level of order will not only protect your investment, but your stress levels too.
“Having clean, usable spaces to retreat to, during both small projects and major work, can make the whole process feel far more manageable and less overwhelming.”
For more expert advice visit www.jacksonwoodturners.co.uk.
