Once renovations are over, the work isn’t done. Of course, if you’re renovating with Houseace our team make sure everything is spic and span. But if you’re DIY there is a lot of cleaning up to do, and it can seem overwhelming if you don’t have a post renovation cleaning plan in mind.

What is post-construction cleaning?

Post-construction cleaning is done after remodelling, renovation, commercial construction or residential project to prepare the property for its new residents оr for further interior touches. Post-construction cleaning can be done for all kinds of buildings, such as restaurants, hotels, education, government and manufacturing facilities.

Post-construction cleaning is done by a team of professionals that carefully inspect the property and clear out anything left from the construction process. Here is a handy post-renovation cleaning checklist to help you sort through the mess and get your house looking great again.

Before you start your post-construction cleaning:

Before you start the post-construction cleaning there are a few things that you need to consider:

• Seal all rooms that have not been renovated to prevent dust and heavy particles from spreading.
• Protect your furniture. Use old sheets to protect your furniture and other belongings. If possible, move them to another room.
• If you’re renovating only part of the house, try to contain the dust in the work area. After that, gather as much dust as you can, before you move on to cleaning in detail.
• Block all vents and ventilation openings. Otherwise, dust will settle in there and spread around when the HVAC system is turned on
• When you’re using plastic sheets and tape to protect walls and other surfaces, use tape that will not damage the paint when removed.

Why is post-construction cleaning important?

Post-construction cleaning is done mostly for safety. Construction dust contains toxins and carcinogens that can be dangerous to the new residents of the building.

Also, there might be nails, sawdust and broken glass and other material leftovers waiting to poke someone’s feet.

If you’re not well equipped, if you lack the knowledge and the experience needed, better don’t try to tackle this job alone. Being unaware of the risk and hazards from a poorly-handled construction cleanup can be very dangerous.

The worst post-construction cleaning mistake

The main mistake with post-construction cleaning is that people usually don’t know what they’re doing. You might think that post-construction cleaning is like regular cleaning аnd the place is just a little dirtier.

However, it’s a different beast altogether. It’s not a deep clean, it’s not a maintenance clean. It is a standalone category of professional cleaning. That’s why it’s best to let the experts handle it.

Otherwise, you’ll find that post-construction cleaning can be a lot like cleaning after Christmas. A couple of months later you’re still finding the little bristles from the pine cones or the pine needles that have dropped.

You find one here and you find one there. With post-construction cleaning, there might dust and debris for months to come. Dust will likely be kicked up from turning on the air conditioning unit, for example. There’s dirt inside these air ducts that gets blown out only for you to find it in places that you thought were clean.

Not to mention that if the post-construction cleaning is handled poorly, it might be very dangerous. By using a professional cleaning company, you know the job will be done professionally and in a timely manner. Plus, quality is guaranteed to save you both time and nerves.

Room by Room: Tackling Your Post-Renovation Cleaning

For a systematic and efficient approach to your post-renovation cleaning, taking each room one at a time can be incredibly beneficial. This not only gives you a clear plan but also helps you see and measure progress as you move through the house. Now that you have a broad idea of what post-renovation cleaning entails, let’s go into the specifics of pursuing this task room by room.

Dining Room

Start by dusting off your dining table and chairs. Sweep up any loose debris and mop the floor to give it a fresh, clean look. If you have a rug, it may need deep cleaning to eliminate accumulated dust. Don’t forget to dust off any chandeliers or light fixtures hanging above the dining area.

Home Office

In your home office, thoroughly clean all the cabinets and shelves. Wipe the computer screen, keyboard, and other electronic equipment with electronics-friendly cleaning products. Lastly, don’t forget to vacuum the carpet and clean the windows.

Attic and Basement

These spaces can often be overlooked during post-construction cleaning. Start by removing larger debris and then work towards dusting shelves and other surfaces. Mop or vacuum the floors and make sure to clean the staircases leading to these spaces as well.

Garage

For garages, the cleaning process can be a bit more labor-intensive. Start by removing any debris and dust from the garage floor. Use a power washer if you have one. Also, ensure that the garage doors and any tools or equipment stored in the garage are dust-free.

Outdoors

Last but not least, don’t forget the outdoor areas of your home. Patios, decks, and gardens may require various cleaning techniques. From power washing hard surfaces to pruning and cleaning your garden, make sure your outdoors space is as fresh and clean as your indoors.

Remember, every home is unique, and the cleaning tasks required may vary from one room to another. Follow these room-by-room tips for a thorough and successful post-renovation cleanup.

Floor Cleaning: Strategies for Different Surfaces

Floor cleaning takes a front-row seat in post-renovation cleanup. Each type of flooring material requires a unique approach, and using the wrong cleaning strategy can damage your new floor. Therefore, it’s crucial to tailor your cleaning methods to suit the specific flooring type for optimal and lasting results.

Hardwood Floors: Gentle care is vital when cleaning hardwood floors. First, vacuum or sweep the surface to remove dust and debris. When damp-mopping, use a hardwood floor cleaner diluted in water. Avoid excess water as it can seep into the cracks and cause the wood to swell or warp.

Carpeted Floors: Start by vacuuming, paying special attention to corners and edges. Make sure the vacuum cleaner has a clean filter. Carpet cleaners or shampoo machines come in handy for deep cleaning, especially for stain removal. Allow the carpet to dry out thoroughly before walking on it.

Tile Floors: Begin by sweeping or vacuuming to remove loose dirt and grime. Then, using a mild detergent mixed in warm water, mop your tiled floor. For stubborn stains, a soft scrub brush can be helpful. Remember to clean the grout lines as well since grime tends to accumulate there.

Concrete Floors: These are durable but porous, so use a broom or vacuum to get rid of debris, followed by mopping with a mild detergent. For tougher stains, consider scrubbing with a stiff brush.

No matter the type of floor, always start your cleaning from the farthest point in the room and work your way towards the exit. This strategy allows you to finish cleaning without stepping on the previously cleaned area, ensuring the floor dries uniformly, and you leave behind a spotlessly clean surface.

Cleaning Techniques for Newly Renovated Bathrooms

After a renovation project, a thorough post-construction cleaning is essential. The bathroom, particularly, requires detailed attention. Here are some sound techniques to effectively clean your newly renovated bathroom.

Tackling Shower Walls and Glass Doors

These components often accumulate builder’s dust and grime, both of which can be stubborn to remove. A mixture of vinegar and warm water can prove to be a potent solution for this situation. Don your rubber gloves, dip a cloth in your mixture, and give your shower walls and glass doors a solid wipe-down. Remember to rinse thoroughly and use a squeegee or a dry cloth to prevent water spots.

Cleaning The Sink

The sink often gets overlooked in the cleaning process, but not anymore. First, remove debris or larger pieces of construction materials. Then, use a disinfectant cleanser and a non-abrasive scrub pad. Pay attention to the drain and faucet areas, these places harbor most germs. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a towel to prevent water spots.

Sanitizing The Toilet

Post-renovation, your toilet could be a breeding ground for germs. Start by dusting outside and inside the bowl with a long-handled duster to catch any construction leftovers. Next, use a toilet bowl cleaner; let it sit for a while before scrubbing. Don’t forget to disinfect the toilet handle as well. For the outer areas, using disinfecting wipes can be helpful.

Floor Vacuuming and Washing

Bathroom floors, especially in the corners, can quickly collect dust and debris post-renovation. Start by vacuuming, being mindful to reach all corners and grooves. Then, mop with a mild cleaning solution and warm water for a final gleaming touch.

What does professional post-construction cleaning include

Usually, post-construction cleaning is done on three levels. Thus, professional companies ensure the best results.

• Rough interior cleaning
  This stage includes the removal of larger pieces of debris, construction material leftovers, and tools left by the builders. It is usually done after the building systems – mechanical, electrical, plumbing are installed.
• Room-by-room cleaning
  Deep cleaning of all the rooms is included in this stage. Kitchens and bathrooms are the most important and must be thoroughly cleaned. Freshly-installed windows, fixtures and cabinets are dusted and after that disinfected. Finally, special attention must be paid to the floors.
• Touch-up cleaning
  The final cleaning is done before the inspection. It ensures that everything is cleaned up to the highest standard. Details are most important here – deep cleaning of carpets and rugs, pressure cleaning and window cleaning.

Detailed post-construction cleaning checklist

Kitchen

Kitchen renovations are very common, and you want to keep your kitchen super sanitised, so make sure you do a thorough clean. You’ll know if any appliances (large or small) need to be cleaned out from the inside after the work is done, so don’t forget that part of the cleaning process, if it is necessary.

• Wipe down all appliances
• Sweep under all appliances
• Wipe down the cabinets
• Clean sink and faucets
• Clean under the sink
• Clean the windows
• Wash the curtains
• Get rid of the trash
• Vacuum, sweep and/or mop the floor
• Clean windowsills and window tracks
• Clean inside new appliances
• Clean out cabinets
• Clean doorknobs and light switches
• Dust top of shelves and counters
• Clean inside of cabinets and drawers
• Dust walls, mop floors, and vacuum carpets

Bathroom

The bathroom may be small, but there is often a lot of cleaning to do, as every surface in such a small room is likely to have particles on it. You’ll need to do a thorough job in the bathroom since you want to keep this area clean and comfortable for future use. Take your time, go over the checklist a few times and ensure that you didn’t miss anything:

• Dust the counters
• Dust light fixtures and cabinets
• Dust walls, vacuum and mop floors
• Sweep the floors
• Wipe down the walls
• Clean the mirrors
• Clean under any cabinets and the edge of the vanity
• Clean out under the sink
• Rinse off the shower curtain
• Clean shower track
• Wipe down all light switches, doorknobs and windows
• Clean windowsills and window tracks
• Clean shower, tub and tiles
• Sanitize toilet, both inside and out
• Remove trash

Living room

Your living room, dining room, common room, mudroom, laundry room and other areas will need to be cleaned after a renovation as well. They will be similar to the bedrooms, with some small variations as to what needs to be cleaned.

• Sweep, mop and/or vacuum the floors
• Get rid of the trash
• Wipe down the baseboards
• Clean all light switches, light fixtures, doorknobs, and electrical sockets
• Clean under any tables, couches or chairs
• Wipe down all wood furniture
• Dust any upholstered furniture
• Clean windows
• Clean out windowsills and window tracks
• Clean inside cabinets and closets
• Clean glass surfaces
• Dust and polish all surfaces
• Dust shelves, clean drawers inside and ou
• Dust walls, vacuum carpets, mop floors

Bedroom

The biggest issue with the bedroom is to make sure that you get under all of the furniture. You may not be inclined to move the furniture, but it’s necessary if you don’t want to keep finding debris in your bedroom months later.

• Wash the linens
• Clean the curtains
• Sweep, vacuum and/or mop the floor
• Clean out the windowsills and window tracks
• Wipe down the windows
• Wipe down all dressers, cabinets and nightstands
• Clean under all furniture, especially the bed
• Wipe down the ceiling fan
• Clean all doorknobs, light switches and light fixtures
• Clean mirrors
• Dust baseboards and shelves
• Clean closets and drawers inside and out
• Then dust walls, vacuum carpets, mop floors
• Finally, remove trash

Post-construction cleaning tips

We already told you how time-consuming and dangerous can be cleaning after renovation for non-professionals.

However, if you still want to do the post-construction cleaning on your own, you’ll need some help. Here are our best tips:

Use the Right Tools

You might be inclined to just use whatever tools you have on hand, but if you don’t have a suitable duster, vacuum attachments or window cleaner, then it’s best to spend a little money and buy them.

Don’t try to just make do with what’s available in your home, since you will probably regret the poor results later on. Using the right cleaners for every surface is important because you want to not just clean the surface of dirt and grime, but you want to protect your property. You can’t be using the same cleaner on the tiles that you do on your upholstery. Using the right tools as you do your post-renovation cleanup will save you a lot of headaches later on.

To begin, make sure you have on hand all the cleaning supplies that you’re going to need. Here’s what the professionals at Fantastic Cleaners point out as a basic list:

• Dust mask
• Dustpans
• Shop vacuum 
• Brooms 
• Mop, mop heads, mop buckets
• Scrub brushes
• Trash bags
• Rubber gloves
• Step ladder
• Supplies for washing windows
• Carpet cleaning supplies
• Other necessary chemicals 

Contractor leftovers

By now your place must look like a mess. The first step of the post-construction cleaning is to get rid of the trash. Lumber, drywall, plastic tapes, nails, screws, bolts, drop cloths are laying all around the house. Collect and dispose of all that. Be prepared to pick up a lot of trash and debris. After construction work, your flooring looks like a total disaster. Don’t worry it can be cleaned. However, it’s very important to inspect them carefully. If you see any wood damage, get back with the contractor and demand to be repaired at no additional cost. Other than that, mopping, waxing, polishing and buffing should do the job.

Carpets

Carpet fibres can easily trap the fine wooden splinters and all of the dust. To clean properly your carpets you’re going to need an industrial shop vacuum. As well as that, shampooing will be in order. If you don’t have the necessary equipment, it would be better to book a professional steam cleaning.

Windows and mirrors

Dirty windows can ruin the look of every building. Especially, after construction, when all the dust has stuck to them. To restore window glass and mirror shine, use circular motions and always start from the top down. Repeat the procedure a few times to achieve the best results.

Cabinets, drawers and closets

Cleaning the inside of your drawers and closets is easy to overlook since they are closed most of the time. However, whenever you decide to store something in, you’ll find out that the dust has settled in there, too. Inspect your closets, drawers and cabinets and use a soft cloth to clean them.

Walls and baseboards

Start by checking for damages. Construction crews don’t want to ruin your property,  but they have heavy tools and equipment and sometimes the damage is unavoidable. It will need to be patched and repainted. Only after that, you can continue with the cleaning. Dishwasher detergent and water mixture works best.

Lighting

To bring back the shine, all you need to use is a dry soft cloth. Although simple, this step is essential, because if the dust stays it will reduce efficiency and produce an unpleasant smell.

Sidewalks and driveways

If you want to make a good first impression, one of the most important things is to take care of your driveway and sidewalks. After the construction dirt and sand have accumulated. Sweep your sidewalks and get rid of any leftover building materials. Also, powerwash the driveway and walkways.

Everything else

Time for final touches. Dust window frames and switches, polish everything, light some candles and arrange some flowers.

Take Your Time

There is a temptation to rush through the work just to get your house back to order, but don’t give in to it. You may want to get some help from other family members as you clean up, and that will make the work go faster. They can also spot some things you might not have noticed and help you do a more thorough job.

Be sure to get everything, as you don’t want to keep finding bits of debris and particles in your home weeks later. We put this post-renovation cleaning checklist together for you so that won’t happen.

You’re ready to enjoy your freshly renovated property now!