3 Must-Have Tips (and Products!) to Keep Your Home Clean & Reduce DUST During a Kitchen Remodel
If you’ve ever dived headfirst into a kitchen remodel, then you already know the struggle of keeping your home organized & dust free – especially while it feels like a construction zone. Whether you’re having new countertops/floors installed or opting for a simpler, more cost-effective solution like cabinet refacing or cabinet resurfacing, we know that dust and allergens can quickly add up in your home.
Below, we will share the commercial grade products that we use for our business, as well as, links to affordable residential products that our clients have found very helpful in combating the dust, dirt & construction allergens when tackling any home remodeling project!
(Just a friendly heads-up: Some of the links in this article are Amazon affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase through them, we’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps keep our small, local business going strong, and we truly appreciate it!)
1. Use a High-Quality Air Purifier
Why You Need It:
Kitchen remodels inevitably kick up a surprising amount of dust, microscopic debris, and even chemical fumes from new paint/stain or adhesives. A high powered air purifier helps remove these unwanted airborne particles, making it easier to breathe and keeping dust from settling in every corner of your home.
What We Use (Commercial):
Vevor Air Scrubber with 3-Stage Filtration, Stackable Negative Air Machine 550 CFM
Our Product Pick (Residential):
LEVOIT Air Purifier 3-in-1 Filter Core300-P
This popular home model is known for its HEPA filtration system, which traps allergens, dust mites, and even odors. Plus, it’s compact enough to tuck into a corner of your kitchen or nearby living space without adding clutter.
Pro Tip:
Place your purifier in the room adjacent to the remodeling area as well as in the hallway leading to the rest of your home. This ensures maximum coverage and helps prevent dust migration.
2. Seal Off the Work Area with a Wall Dust Barrier
Why You Need It:
Even the best air purifiers can’t catch everything if dust is continuously escaping the work zone. Creating a physical barrier is ideal to keep other areas of your home from becoming a dust magnet. Think of it like closing the door—but in this case, it’s a plastic wall dust barrier that seals off doorways, hallways, or open-concept spaces without causing damage.
What We Use (Commercial):
ZIPWALL SLP4 12 Foot Spring Loaded Dust Barrier System
[Link: https://amzn.to/3Ph1nJL]
Our Product Pick (Residential):
Plastic Zipper Door Dust Protection Kit with Zipper Magnet
[Link: https://amzn.to/3VUnCbZ]
This kit comes with easy-to-install plastic sheeting and a magnet opening that lets you pass through as needed. It’s especially handy if you have an open floor plan or large archways where dust easily travels.
Pro Tip:
When setting up your dust barrier, remember to tape the edges snugly along the ceiling, floor, and walls. This attention to detail prevents dust from sneaking through any gaps.
3. Place Machine-Washable Dirt-Collecting Mats at Entryways
Why You Need It:
Once you have an air purifier going and the area sealed, the next battle is tracking dust and debris into the rest of the home. With contractors (and family members!) frequently moving in and out, floors can get dirty fast. A machine-washable dirt-collecting mat is a simple fix for capturing dust and debris right at the threshold.
What We Use (Commercial):
Ram Board Plus Heavy Duty 38 inch x 100 ft Construction Floor Protection
[Link: https://amzn.to/4gRg3Lk]
Our Product Pick (Residential):
Absorbent Microfiber Door Mat and Pet Rug Non-Slip Washable
[Link: https://amzn.to/41UkVv9]
This super-absorbent mat traps dust, dirt, and moisture, and it’s easy to toss in the washing machine whenever it needs a refresh.
Pro Tip:
Position these mats both inside and outside your makeshift remodel entrance(s). Encourage everyone to wipe their feet every time they pass through to prevent dust and debris from traveling.
Bonus Tips for a Cleaner Remodel
Vacuum and Wipe Down Frequently: A quick once-over with a vacuum or a damp cloth at the end of each workday goes a long way in preventing dust buildup.
Contained Area for Tools and Materials: Designate one area for tools and supplies, ideally behind the zip wall. This minimizes how much dust escapes when people move tools in and out.
Work with Quality Remodelers: If you’re stressing about the mess, consider hiring professionals who respect your home as much as you do—like Ackley Cabinet LLC in Bethel, CT. We specialize in kitchen remodeling, cabinet refacing and cabinet resurfacing, providing a beautiful transformation with minimal hassle.
Final Thoughts
A kitchen remodel can be exciting—and yes, a little stressful—especially when dust can invade adjacent areas in your home. But by investing in a high quality air purifier, installing a plastic wall dust barrier, and placing machine-washable dirt-collecting mats at all entrances, you’ll be well on your way to a cleaner, healthier, and more comfortable renovation experience.