Home renovations allow you to breathe new life into your living space, modify your home to fit your needs, or prepare your house for sale. Whatever your goals, renovations can be both exciting and stressful. Once the dust settles, literally, it is time to clean up the leftover mess. Keep reading to learn about cleaning after renovations, including post-construction cleaning services.
Your Checklist for Cleaning Post-Construction
Renovations are already stressful, but the work is not done when the construction is finished. If you’ve hired a construction crew, some cleanup may be on their to-do list. However, they are not likely to clean to your standards. If you completed a DIY project, the cleanup is all on you.
Having a checklist will make post-construction cleanup easier and more efficient. Follow the 10 steps below to ensure all post-renovation cleanup tasks are done properly:
1. Remove Large Debris
Your first step is to remove any large debris, tools, and materials left over from construction. Be sure to properly dispose of all materials and recycle as needed. This stage is called a rough clean because you are cleaning up the larger items without focusing on the detail work. This is also a great stage to call in some reinforcements for help.
2. Dust Ceilings and Fans
Once the large debris and leftover materials are out of the way, you can get started on the cleaning process. It is best to start at the top, dusting ceilings, fans, shelves, and cabinet tops. Starting from the top ensures any stray dust or dirt falls to the floor, so you can clean it up at a later stage.
3. Clean Upholstery
Dust from construction and renovation projects can quickly settle into your fabrics and furniture. Thoroughly vacuum all upholstery post-construction, using the right fabric cleaners and vacuum attachments. If you are not sure which cleaners to use, reference the manufacturer’s instructions. Also consider carpet shampooing services.
Be sure to tackle couches, chairs, curtains, and fabric décor.
4. Clean Walls and Baseboards
Construction residue can be found everywhere, even sticking to your walls and baseboard. Move all furniture away from the walls before using a microfiber cloth or duster to dry dust the baseboards and walls. From there, you can use a mixture of dishwashing liquid and warm water to wipe down the surfaces.
5. Clean Windows and Windowsills
You can use a similar method to clean windows and windowsills. Start by dry dusting the surfaces with a duster or microfiber cloth before wiping the surfaces down with dishwashing liquid and warm water. You can even use a vacuum cleaner with the attachment to remove dirt, dust, and cobwebs before wiping the areas down.
6. Dust Every Surface
Post-construction cleaning is mainly focused on getting the dust and dirt out of the nooks and crannies of your home. This may seem like an impossible task, but it really just takes some time and focus. Be sure to move the furniture and pick up decorative items to clean up hidden pockets of dust.
7. Clean Hard-to-Reach Areas
Post-renovation cleaning can involve stretching for those hard-to-reach spots. Again, moving the furniture is a necessity to clean up all the dirt left over from construction. Tools like an extended cleaning wand, duster, or vacuum attachment can make the job easier.
8. Clean Vents or Grates
Grates and vents are often overlooked when it comes to post-construction cleaning. However, dust can easily settle on top of or inside vents. It is also a good idea to change your air filter after construction. Duct cleaning is also suggested if significant dust has been generated from the renovation project.
9. Clean Cabinets
Cabinets and closets are also often overlooked. Dirt and debris can get trapped inside during renovations, leaving an unpleasant surprise for when you get settled back in your space. Use a wet microfibre cloth and work your way from high to low cabinet spaces.
10. Clean All Flooring
The last item on your post-renovation cleaning checklist should be to clean your floors. Vacuum carpets, mop hardwood, and clean the grout of tile flooring. Even if you tarped the floors during construction, there is a good chance you dislodged dirt and debris when cleaning other areas of the space.
Tips for Cleaning After Renovations
Post-construction cleaning does not have to be an impossible task. Keep the following tips in mind to make the process easier.
- Seal off the area that is under construction before you start work to help contain the mess.
- When cleaning, don’t just focus on the area that was renovated. Dust and dirt can quickly spread to other areas of your home.
- Only start cleaning up after all work has been done, including touch ups like paint.
- Wear a face mask or protective gear when removing debris and construction materials to protect your health.
Hire Professional Post-Construction Cleaning Services
If construction has left you wiped out, you can trust the professionals to handle all post-renovation cleanup. Hellamaid offers post-construction cleaning services to ensure your home is ready for you to return or prepared for new tenants. Book post-construction cleaning services through our convenient online booking system and enjoy your newly renovated home.
