Household appliances for repair: what will come in handy during and after

These devices help to remove old wallpaper easily. There is a specialized device for this task — a wallpaper steamer, for example, the Wagner Steam Force /2410385/ model. It has a power of 2000 W, a steam consumption of 45 g / min and a tank capacity of 4 liters, and also steams vertically.

Finding a wallpaper steamer for sale can be difficult, and purchasing one just to clean one or two rooms may not be cost-effective. However, if you already have a steam cleaner, steam generator, or steamer with similar features, they will work just fine for this task. Plus, purchasing one for other purposes will be more worthwhile, as it will be useful for more than just removing wallpaper.

Interestingly, clothes steamers, even the smallest and most low-power ones, can be found on marketplaces under the name «wallpaper steamer». This name is often used to attract buyers, but a device with a 300-600 ml tank is a regular travel steamer or a handheld steam cleaner that will only cope with wallpaper on a very small area.

In addition, steam can help remove stubborn stains in places where solvents cannot be used, as well as remove masking tape after painting if it is stuck tightly.

Pressure from 3-3.5 bar, steam supply rate from 35 g/minute, possibility of adding water directly during operation, tank volume from 1.5-2 liters, the larger the better.

This type of vacuum cleaner is indispensable after renovation to remove fine construction dust that regular vacuum cleaners cannot handle due to limitations in the dust collector and filtration system. Construction dust is difficult to remove because it contains binding components, so it is important to first remove as much dry dust as possible, leaving washing and steaming the surfaces for last. A construction vacuum cleaner is also useful during renovation, especially if you use compatible dust-free drilling attachments. They help keep the work area clean, reducing the amount of subsequent cleaning and preventing dust inhalation.

Usually, such attachments are sold separately, and it is important to check what brands and models of vacuum cleaners they are suitable for. The main parameters for selection are the diameter of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe, the nozzle tube and the drill size. In the search, you can find them under the names «dust collecting attachment for drilling» or «dust collector attachment for drilling».

Some craftsmen adapt spray guns to blow-out vacuum cleaners to apply paint or remove old wallpaper. Most often, these are either old Soviet-made spray guns (since many old vacuum cleaners worked on blowing) or special spray gun attachments for vacuum cleaners, such as for Kirby.

If you need to connect a construction vacuum cleaner to a power tool (a hammer drill, a grinder, etc.), you can use an adapter attachment or an adapter for a vacuum cleaner. The adapter usually has several divisions of different diameters that can be cut to the desired size. Some models of construction vacuum cleaners already include such an adapter in the kit, but often one adapter is not enough.

• The capacity of the waste container can vary from 15 to 30 liters or more.
• Tank material: metal is more durable, while plastic is lighter and less noisy. However, in models without a brand, the strength of the plastic may be questionable, especially when construction waste gets in under pressure.
• Ease of movement depends on the presence of large wheels and handles.
• The package is also important: make sure that the kit includes basic attachments for hard-to-reach places.

• The ability to collect liquid and wet waste in a tank, and dry waste in a bag, simplifies the process of cleaning the tank

• Pay attention to the possibility of using the tank as an aquafilter for dry cleaning. One filter suitable for both types of cleaning (dry and wet) is more convenient than several replaceable ones.
• Check whether the vacuum cleaner is suitable for cleaning up building debris and shavings. The blowing function is also important, which helps remove debris from hard-to-reach places, such as joints, seams and radiators.
• The presence of a socket for connecting power tools allows the synchronous operation of the vacuum cleaner and the tool, keeping the workplace clean. This is convenient, for example, in models such as Karcher WD 3.

• For handling highly hazardous dust, such as chipboard dust, microorganisms, mold, or asbestos, a vacuum cleaner should be labeled «Dust Class H.» Classes L and M are for less hazardous dust, with L being the safest.
• It's also important to know whether the vacuum cleaner is corded or battery-powered. The cordless option is convenient because it doesn't tie you to a power outlet.

A heat gun will help dry out the room and reduce the humidity level, which is critical for painting and other repair work. Maintaining the right temperature speeds up the removal of moisture from fresh plaster and concrete screed, and also ensures uniform drying of wallpaper and flooring.

For an apartment or a private house, it is better to choose an electric heat gun. Despite the fact that diesel fuel and gas may be cheaper than electricity, the safety of electric guns is much higher. It is recommended to work with gas and diesel guns only in large, well-ventilated rooms, such as hangars or halls, and with maximum precautions.

Electric heat guns have a number of advantages: they are quickly ready for use, operate quietly, are protected from overheating, do not emit combustion products and can be used in unventilated areas.

When choosing, consider:

• Power and type of connection to the network. For a standard apartment, a gun with a power of up to 2000 W with a single-phase connection, which can be connected to a regular 220 V outlet, is sufficient. If a three-phase connection is required, it is necessary to use appropriate sockets and extension cords.

When choosing an electric heat gun, consider:

• Heating area: an average of 100 W per 1 square meter of area is required for calculation.
• Gun shape: square guns disperse heat evenly, while round ones create a directed flow and dry faster.
• Ability to change the angle of the body: this allows you to direct the heat flow to the desired location.
• Heater type: for use in residential premises, choose the least fire hazardous options, such as tubular heating elements or metal-ceramic heaters (the latter are the safest).

• Look for a built-in thermostat that allows you to maintain the desired temperature in the room.

Remote control, although it can be convenient, is not critical, since the heat gun should not be left unattended.

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Of course, many may argue that the most important household appliance during renovation is, for example, a kettle. We agree with this, but the equipment we choose will help make some processes less labor-intensive and speed them up, which will give you more time to enjoy a cup of tea.