Renovating your home involves a lot of different considerations, including the budget, the colour and material choices, how long the project will take, and so on. However, the one thing we often fail to prepare for is the mess that it creates… Paint drips, accumulation of dust and debris, super glue mishaps and more – want it or not, you will have to deal with some mess during and after your renovation. However, we have some simple tips to make clean-ups during renovations easier, so it can remain a fun experience. Let’s have a look at them!
Preparing your space
A lot of the common messes during renovations can be avoided with enough preparation beforehand. This will not only protect your home from unnecessary damages, but also save you a whole lot of time and hassle trying to clean it up after. Here are some best preparation practices to consider before you start your renovations:
Remove all valuable items
Anything that can potentially be moved from the area of renovation should be removed, particularly any valuable or delicate items. Even if you think it’s safe in the other side of the room, unforeseen damages can always happen. Things may fall, sharp objects are used, dust is flying everywhere, etc… It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Cover up furniture and fixtures
The objects that can’t be removed, such as furniture and fixtures, should be thoroughly covered up to shield them from dust or spills. For this, you may use readily available plastic sheets and some tape, to make sure that all coverings are staying up. Additionally, you could also utilise old sheets or blankets – this is a great sustainable alternative, as those can be washed and re-used in future renovations.
Always remember to tape around any fixtures or banisters when painting your walls. This does not only protect them from any accidental spilling, but also allows you to achieve a smooth and sharp finish.
Floor protection
Your flooring is one of the most important things to protect, as it can receive scratching, spillage, stains, and other kinds of damage that is difficult to reverse. Ideally, you would use some soft panelling or sheets to cover the floors. However, even old newspapers and magazines will be better than nothing.
Wearing protective gear
As you protect your home from any damage, make sure you also equip yourself with the appropriate gear for the work you are doing. You should always wear gloves to shield your hands from harsh chemicals and abrasive materials. Safety goggles are essential to protect your eyes from dust and debris, preventing irritations and more serious injuries. Don’t overlook the necessity for a face mask, which can shield you from inhaling potentially harmful substances that often come to the surface during renovations. Lastly, sturdy footwear can be a real game-changer, protecting your feet from falling objects and preventing accidents caused by slipping or tripping.
Post-renovation clean-up tips
Even with the best of preparations, sometimes the mess is simply unavoidable and, as long as it’s nothing too harmful or damaging, there are ways you can fix it too. Here are a few of our top clean-up tips:
Removing glue
If you are using glue, particularly super glue, during your renovations, you know how difficult it can be to remove it once it dries up. If you spilled glue on furniture or floors, your best bet would be purchasing a special glue remover, that will get rid of it without any damage.
However, if it’s on your hands or nails, a warm soap bath is very effective for removing super glue. Simply fill a bowl with warm water and a bit of soap, soak your hands in it for a few minutes, and the glue should come off easily. You can also try using acetone, or nail polish remover, to get rid of any glue on your nails.
Removing paint
Paint stains on your clothing is almost inevitable in home re-decoration, which is why you should not wear your favourite clothes for this! However, if you want to salvage any ruined garments or even items, you can do so using a few different methods.
For water-based paint, your best bet is using some warm water and detergent. Try to wash the affected area immediately, before it fully dries. If you are using oil-based paint, you may need to get some paint thinner for this. Before applying this to any fabrics, though, do a small patch test to make sure it doesn’t leave a stain.
Getting rid of dust and debris
Small particles of dust can be a nightmare to clean, as they find their way into the most awkward of spaces. If your project will be taking longer than a day, try to do regular dusting of walls and surfaces, as that will prevent it building up. A slightly damp microfiber cloth will often do a better job than regular dusters.
Additionally, don’t forget to clean the air vents. This is where a lot of dust and debris tends to accumulate, and it can lead to poor air quality in your home.
Final word
In conclusion, preparation is key in home renovation. Whether it’s shielding your furniture from damage or having some paint thinner on-hand, you can easily avoid a lot of the mess associated with home renovations!
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