How to prepare for a renovation to minimize the cleaning? 

When preparing for a renovation, focus on finding a good contractor. Other items on the to-do list include selecting materials and estimating renovation costs. 

With such a lengthy list of tasks, it’s easy to overlook plans for preparation, protecting the space, and minimizing post-renovation cleaning, which can be tedious and troublesome even after thorough cleaning by the contractor. This is especially important for homeowners and occupants who are sensitive to dust. 

However, this task can be accomplished with the right equipment and preparation. It’s advisable to follow a cleaning plan after the renovation. This will ensure that all areas are covered, priorities are set, and you can enjoy your new, beautiful space. 

Preparing for a renovation  – important steps and strategies 

Contractors do collaborate on protecting the space during renovations. However, their primary focus is usually on preventing damage rather than minimizing the creation of dirt. This means that floors shouldn’t be scratched or dented but may still end up dusty, smudged, or sticky.

When preparing for a renovation, consider the following steps:

  • organize the space – start by ensuring you have enough storage space for furniture, equipment, and other items from the room undergoing renovation. Arrange storage for tools and renovation materials to keep them easily accessible and organized.
  • pre-clean before the renovation – thoroughly clean the room before starting the renovation. Remove dust, cobwebs, dirt, and other debris. Make sure the surfaces are clean and ready for work. This will help ensure better quality during the renovation.
  • protect belongings – if you cannot remove furniture from the room, protect them from dust, paint, and other contaminants using protective sheets or covers. Safeguard items such as lamps, artwork, or electronics to prevent damage during the renovation.
  • prepare cleaning tools – gather the necessary cleaning tools and supplies, including a vacuum cleaner, mops, brushes, cleaning agents, trash bags, etc. Make sure you have everything you’ll need for post-renovation cleaning to restore order.
  • cover openings and fixtures – protect openings (e.g., ventilation ducts, electrical sockets) and fixtures from contamination if you plan to paint or work with dust. You can use painter’s tape and protective plastic sheets to shield these areas.
  • shield the space from dust – to minimize the spread of dust, close the doors to the room being renovated. You can use protective curtains to separate the construction zone from the rest of the house and minimize dust penetration.
  • organize waste disposal – plan and organize the disposal of waste, debris, and environmentally harmful substances generated during the renovation. Consult local authorities or waste management companies for specific regulations and services available in your area.
  • create a schedule – develop a renovation schedule, allowing for unexpected delays. Seek assistance from an architect or specialist to help you create a plan. Having a well-defined schedule will help avoid frustration and stress.
  • establish cleaning priorities – determine cleaning priorities before starting the renovation. Focus on areas that require the most effort and establish the necessary cleaning tasks to be performed before the renovation commences. 
  • consider professional cleaning services – if you feel that pre-renovation cleaning may be too demanding or you don’t have sufficient time, consider hiring professional cleaning services. They can take care of thorough cleaning and preparation before the renovation.

Remember that every renovation may have its unique cleaning requirements, so adapt these guidelines to your specific situation. 

Essential equipment during renovation – cleaning materials and tools 

During a renovation, a wide variety of materials may be needed. For cleaning during the renovation, the following items may be required:

  • a high-powered vacuum cleaner suitable for both wet and dry cleaning
  • a broom or dust brush with a long handle
  • mops and buckets
  • microfiber cloths
  • plastic sheets
  • painter’s tape and protective films
  • dustpans and brushes
  • rags and sponges

Materials for floor protection may also be necessary:

  • plastic drop cloths – resistant to water contact but prone to tearing.
  • painter’s cardboard – durable against mechanical damage but not waterproof.
  • protective felt – the most durable and reusable option, albeit the most expensive. Equipped with a non-slip film.

The selection of cleaning agents will also be required, depending on the type of surface, as well as disinfectants, particularly in bathrooms and kitchens.

We encourage you to read Spring is coming – get ready for spring cleaning

Materials for waste and debris collection, as well as for transporting tools and materials, along with protective equipment, include:

  • trash bags
  • protective gloves
  • trolleys or waste containers
  • additional lighting such as lamps or flashlights

Remember that the required equipment may vary depending on the type of renovation and specific needs. Therefore, it is always worth adjusting the list to your own requirements and situation.

Tools and techniques for protecting furniture and surfaces from dirt during renovation 

Before the renovation, it’s essential to properly prepare the entire apartment for the presence of dust, debris, plaster fragments, and other materials used during the renovation. While it’s difficult to avoid contact with dirt, it’s important to remember that the more dirt is captured by the protective materials prepared beforehand, the less will end up on the surfaces.

Protective materials also prevent the formation of scratches, dents, and other surface damage. The easiest way to protect furniture and appliances is to temporarily move them to other rooms, but it’s not always possible. Therefore, it’s worth securing them in other ways. Here are a few effective methods to protect furniture before renovation:

  • cover furniture with protective plastic wrap – cover furniture with protective plastic wrap to prevent damage, scratches, and dirt during the renovation.
  • corner protection – furniture corners are particularly susceptible to damage during renovations. You can use corner guards or special protectors to minimize the risk of scratches.
  • furniture tape protection – apply painter’s tape to furniture to protect it from accidental scratches or damage during renovation work.

Remember that each piece of furniture may require a different approach to protection. It’s always important to adapt the methods to specific needs and the materials from which the furniture is made.

To protect surfaces during renovation and shield them from damage and dirt, several effective tools can be used:

  • protective films – utilize special protective films that can be applied to surfaces such as floors, stairs, railings, etc. These films are easy to apply and remove, providing protection against dirt, scratches, and damage.
  • painter’s tape – before painting walls, ceilings, or finishing elements, use painter’s tape to protect areas that shouldn’t be painted. Painter’s tape protects surfaces, ensures clean lines, and minimizes the risk of accidental paint application to unwanted areas.
  • tarps and covers – for larger surfaces like outdoor furniture or construction equipment, use protective tarps or covers. They will safeguard against dust, paint, moisture, and mechanical damage.
  • cardboard – if you’re planning to work on the floor, such as laying tiles or painting, you can use cardboard. Spread it on the surface to prevent damage and dirt.
  • transparent protective mats – if you want to maintain visibility of the surface during renovation while still protecting it, use transparent protective mats.
  • corner protectors – apply corner protectors to safeguard wall corners or furniture from impacts and mechanical damage.

Remember that every renovation may require a different approach to surface protection. It’s always worth assessing specific needs and adapting protection methods to the particular surfaces and materials involved.

We encourage you to read Getting ready for spring meetings 

During renovation, there are various ways to protect walls from dirt. Here are a few effective methods:

  • painter’s tape – before starting to paint other elements in the room, such as the ceiling, use painter’s tape to properly protect wall edges and corners. Painter’s tape acts as a barrier, preventing accidental paint application on the walls.
  • protective films – if there will be work in the room generating a lot of dust, such as sanding or cutting materials, you can apply protective films to the walls. Stick them on the walls to protect against dust, dirt, and accidental damage.
  • corner protectors – wall corners are particularly susceptible to damage during renovation. You can use special corner protectors that will shield them from impacts and mechanical damage.
  • painters’ canvas – if you know that the renovation work will generate a lot of dirt, you can cover the walls with painters’ canvas. This large canvas can be easily spread on the walls to protect them from stains and dirt.
  • regularly clean the walls – during the renovation, it’s worth regularly cleaning the walls, removing dust, dirt, and any potential stains. This can be done with a soft brush, a vacuum cleaner with a soft attachment, or a damp cloth.

Remember that every renovation is different, so the choice of suitable methods to protect walls depends on the type of work being carried out. It’s important to carefully assess the needs and adapt the protection methods to the specific walls and renovation conditions. 

Cleaning up after renovation  – how to plan and conduct thorough tidying up 

It is important to plan the cleaning after the renovation before the renovation process begins. Here are some things to consider:

  • plan – prior to starting the renovation, carefully plan the entire process. Determine the sequence of tasks, specify which rooms will be renovated, and identify the materials needed. This will allow you to focus on properly protecting and cleaning those areas.
  • surface protection – before commencing the renovation, thoroughly protect all surfaces that may be vulnerable to damage or dirt. Apply painter’s tape to the edges of walls, doors, windows, and other elements that won’t be renovated. Use protective film to cover furniture, floors, and other items that won’t be used during the renovation. This will help minimize the risk of damage and facilitate the cleaning process once the work is completed.
  • trash bags – renovations generate a lot of waste, such as paint chips, plaster, styrofoam, and many other materials. Before starting the work, ensure you have large-capacity trash bags. Dispose of all renovation-generated waste in these bags. This will make it easier for you to collect and dispose of them once the work is finished.
  • cleaning tools – before beginning the renovation, gather all the necessary cleaning tools. Make sure you have a broom, brush, mop, vacuum cleaner, cleaning agents, trash bags, and other tools that will facilitate the cleaning process once the work is completed. It is also advisable to have protective gloves and a mask to safeguard yourself from dust and other pollutants.
  • clean as you go – during the renovation, try to maintain order and clean up as you go. Remove dust, waste, and other debris as they accumulate. Regular cleaning will help prevent a larger mess from building up and make the final cleaning easier.
  • follow the cleaning plan – after completing the renovation, carry out the cleaning according to the previously prepared plan. Start from the highest points, such as ceilings and lighting fixtures, and then work your way down to the walls, windows, furniture, and floors. Use appropriate cleaning agents to remove stains and remember to thoroughly vacuum and mop the floors.
  • thoroughly inspect each room – after cleaning, carefully examine each room to ensure that no trash, dirt, or damages remain. Pay attention to details and make sure everything is in the best possible condition.

Prior to starting the renovation, it is important to focus on surface protection, having the right equipment, and maintaining cleanliness during and after the work. This will make the cleaning process much easier and more efficient.

Using the help of a cleaning company – Mistcont offer 

Renovation can take up a lot of time, energy, and can evoke conflicting emotions. If you need assistance with cleaning before or after a renovation, you can rely on the help of a professional cleaning company.

Our company ensures effectiveness and experienced staff, time-saving solutions, professional equipment and cleaning agents, customization to individual needs, and alleviation of the stress associated with renovation cleaning.

In our offer, you will find:

  • house cleaning – one-time and cyclical
  • cleaning before moving in and after moving out
  • commercial cleaning
  • disinfection 

We provide cleaning services in: 

Contact us with Mistcont.