Published on 10 November 2025
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At Floor Sanders Hire London, we often hear one question first: “How dusty is floor sanding going to be?” Those worn, scratched floors have been calling out for restoration, but there’s one nagging concern holding you back: the dust. Perhaps you’ve heard horror stories from neighbours about clouds of fine particles settling on every surface, or maybe you’re worried about your family’s health, particularly if someone suffers from allergies or asthma. These concerns are entirely valid, and you deserve honest answers.
A typical floor sanding project on a standard UK semi-detached home can produce between 40 to 50 kilograms of dust. Yes, you read that correctly. The particles are incredibly small, many measuring less than 2.5 micrometres, which means they can remain airborne for hours and easily bypass your lungs’ natural filters. Older floor sanding methods relied on simple canvas dust collection bags attached to sanders. Whilst better than nothing, these systems were woefully inadequate, capturing perhaps 60 to 70% of dust at best.
For many of our customers, the idea of sanding their wooden floors brings up uncomfortable images: clouds of fine dust coating every surface, sand sprinkling in your hair, and lingering airborne particles that settle on your furniture long after the job is done. That is not just an aesthetic worry — it is also a health concern. People with allergies, hay fever, or asthma often hesitate to go ahead with sanding because they fear the irritation that wood dust can cause. On top of that, there is the stress of having to clean up afterwards, potentially shutting down spaces, covering furniture, and dealing with ventilation issues. We understand these frustrations deeply.
Sanding, by its nature, creates dust: the abrasive action of the sander scrapes off old finish, small bits of wood and coating, and these particles become airborne. But how much dust depends on several factors:
In a traditional, non-optimised sanding job, noticeable dust can indeed settle on floors, skirting boards, furniture, and even nearby rooms. But modern professional services, like ours, dramatically reduce this.
Yes, it is possible to approach dust-free sanding, thanks to advancements in technology and equipment. For example:
We also combine the mechanical extraction with proper containment protocols to limit dust spread. While “100 per cent” dust-free is a high bar, our systems can deliver near-complete dust control, leaving your rooms much cleaner.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies wood dust as a Group 1 carcinogen (especially certain hardwoods). It’s also a common cause of occupational asthma.
Exposure during floor sanding can lead to the following health issues:
| Health Concern | Description | Key Risk Factors & Notes |
| Respiratory Problems | Inhaling fine particles irritates the lungs, causing coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. The smallest particles can cause inflammation and reduce lung function. | Acute asthma attacks are a risk for those with pre-existing conditions. |
| Allergic Reactions | Sensitivity to specific woods (e.g., oak, walnut, beech) can develop gradually. Symptoms include sneezing, watery eyes, skin rashes, and respiratory distress. | Once sensitised, even minimal exposure can trigger a reaction. |
| Eye & Skin Irritation | Dust settling on skin causes itching, rashes, and contact dermatitis. In the eyes, it causes redness, tearing, and discomfort. | Intensified for contact lens wearers (particles trapped beneath lenses). |
| Long-Term Risks | Prolonged or repeated exposure is linked to increased risks of nasal cancer and chronic respiratory conditions. | While a single project poses minimal long-term risk, proper control is vital, especially for young children, the elderly, or those with compromised respiratory health. |
At Floor Sanders Hire London, controlling dust is one of our top priorities. Here is how we approach every job to keep dust to the bare minimum:
Once the sanding work is done, cleaning up thoroughly is essential to get rid of fine dust and prepare for the finish. Here’s how we manage it:
Even with the best systems, a tiny amount of ultra-fine dust may remain suspended in the air or settle after the job is done. Here’s what to expect:
Your safety and ours are a top priority. We follow strict protocols:
Empty dust containers daily: We remove and seal off bags or bins at the end of each workday to avoid dust escape.
If you or someone in your home has allergies, asthma, or respiratory sensitivity, you should strongly consider hiring a dust-control professional service like ours. Here is why:
For anyone worried about the mess, the health implications, or the quality of finish, using a reputable service is not just about convenience — it is about peace of mind.
At Floor Sanders Hire London, we understand that the fear of dust is one of the biggest barriers for customers thinking about floor sanding. It is not just about the mess — it is about your health, convenience, and peace of mind. That is why we use advanced dust-control systems, meticulous containment protocols, and a professional clean-up process, all to minimise airborne particles and settle what little dust remains.
If you are ready to restore your wooden floors with a clean, safe, and efficient sanding job, get in touch with us for a free quote today. Let us show you how sanding your floors does not have to mean living in dust.
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