I come from a long-line of do-it-yourselfers and among the bevy of home improvement experiments we’ve refined with practice is floor refinishing. From experience, I can tell you that there are preparations and considerations that can make the task more effective. No matter your motivation, it’s always beneficial to tackle refinishing floors with health in mind.

Refinishing floors will kick up pollutants so first you want to prevent particles from becoming a permanent problem. I’ve had the pleasure of working with one of the most diligent contractors, Scott Kriscenski of SBK Unlimited in Boston. A highly skilled and knowledgeable vintage home specialist, Scott’s approach to dust containment is inspiring.

But you don’t have to be an expert to implement some common sense strategies that can keep you healthy during and after your floor refinishing project. Still, Scott’s priority, dust containment, should also be one of yours.

Plan to cease use of HVAC systems while working on the floors. Take the time to seal all exposed ducts that are near areas you are sanding. You should also seal doorways that lead in and out of the area. You can do this with lightweight plastic films if the job is small. For longer projects opt for a more durable plastic with Velcro or snap closures to allow for passage during the project.

These small steps keep dust and particles contained within your work area and, especially important, minimal in your air ducts. Dust that settles in ducts will be released when the HVAC is turned back on sending it into the air and your respiratory system.

Don’t underestimate the benefit of choosing equipment that vacuums dust while it sands. This element will help keep clean up down and lower the possibility of dust finding its way into places that are hard to clean.

Also, don’t be timid about using the best personal protection while sanding. You might feel like Darth Vader and curse the indents that a top notch respirator leaves on your face but you’ll be grateful when you emerge with dust free lungs.

After you’ve sanded your floors, vacuum them thoroughly. I use the same techniques when preparing wood floors as I do for tile floor substrates because dust and particles are the enemy in both cases. Dust on a substrate for tile causes failure; dust on sanded floors shows up in the finish. Both situations should be eliminated by vacuuming and then giving a light wipe down with a mop or sponge. This process picks up fine particles that you may not even see.

When you’re getting down to finishes keep in mind that chemicals can be emitted from finishes even after they are dry. Opt for natural oil stains to keep indoor air quality healthy both during and after refinishing. Earth based pigments are often more aesthetically appealing than their toxic counterparts allowing you to enhance the floor’s natural beauty.

The same principles should be applied when choosing sealers. There are plenty of low-toxicity alternatives to conventional, chemically laden products. Look for formaldehyde-free and low or no VOC products. Choose water-based or natural oil finishes.

Even if you’ve chosen the least toxic finishes, stay aware of indoor air quality while you work. Enclosed spaces become oxygen depleted under normal circumstances but this is especially true when refinishing floors. Be sure to ventilate the workspace as much as is feasibly possible without ruining your finish.

Hopefully you’ll have little leftover materials when you’re finished but if you end up with half used products be sure to store or dispose of them properly. Improperly stored solvents can pollute indoor air. Improperly disposed solvents can pollute waterways. Consider donating unused materials to a non-profit, like Habitat for Humanity or Boston Materials Resource Center, to give them a second life.