If you have just finished a home remodel or improvement project, you likely know all about the mess that gets left behind. Indeed, the construction side of things can be challenging enough, but when you also have to handle a big post construction cleaning job afterward, let’s just say those stress levels can get dangerously high.
Allow Clean Heart Maids to guide you through the process by outlining the typical cleaning steps needed for post-construction cleaning and tips on getting a newly constructed or renovated house clean in preparation for the move-in date. Additionally, we will recommend the supplies to invest in and the cleaning processes that will be necessary.
Typical Steps Involved In Post Construction Cleaning
Of course, the steps required will depend to a significant degree on the type of construction project. However, in general, many of the following steps will apply:
- All dust, dirt, and scuffs removed from the walls. (Please note to make sure the wall paint is washable. Remember, flat paint is not washable, and therefore, you must use a gentle sponge or cloth to remove any dust, dirt, and scuffs. If plain water does not get the job done, try adding vinegar.)
- All surfaces, fixtures, and woodwork dusted
- All door frames, window frames, and baseboards clean trimmed
- All stickers removed from windows and any glass present
- All window blinds and cabinets cleaned, including the interior.
To break down the cleaning into more detailed steps and to provide tips as we go along, the example below will be helpful:
Detailed Steps And Post Construction Cleaning Tips
Step 1
Ensure that appropriate clothing and protection is worn
TIP: Remember, there will be a lot of dust around, so wear the proper attire, and make sure that you keep a dust mask on at all times.
Step 2
Start with the ceilings and wipe all the ceiling surfaces with a damp sponge.
Step 3
Move on to the windows next. Remove all stickers and labels from each window.
Step 4
Use a vacuum to get rid of dust and debris on all window tracks
Step 5
Clean all the house windows, inside and out.
TIP: You could save a lot of time and energy by hiring your usual window cleaning company to care for this step. Just make sure that you book them well in advance.
Step 6
Use the vacuum to clean all drawers and cupboards.
TIP: Don’t rush this step as you will be putting your belongings in these places very soon. Take your time and ensure that you eliminate all dust from each drawer or cupboard.
Step 7
Wipe down all surfaces in the house
TIP: It is easy to overlook places when carrying out this step so being methodical is the key. Ensure that all drawers, shelves, doors (don’t forget the door tops), window sills, and baseboards get a thorough clean before you move on to the next room. You will need a bucket filled with cleaning solutions and more cloths than you could imagine. However many cloths you have prepared for this step, our biggest tip is to get even more in advance.
Step 8
It’s bathroom time. For many homeowners, this is the post construction cleaning step they dread the most! All surfaces need to be cleaned down with a cleaning solution and then polished with a clean cloth.
TIP: Use a window solution for the mirrors to have them gleaming for your move-in date. Don’t forget to mop all the floors in the bathrooms as the last step.
Step 9
Sorry, but there is still plenty to go! Next, move on to the kitchen and clean and polish all surfaces and kitchen appliances.
TIP: Many kitchens feature stainless steel appliances and fixtures, Be extra careful with these and choose the right cleaning solution. Ammonia-based products will not be your friend for these surfaces. Additionally, as you clean, remember to always clean the appliances in the direction of the grain.
Step 10
Use the vacuum to clean the heating and cooling ducts as far as you can reach.
TIP: Take the hose off the vacuum so that you can reach further into the ducts and remove the maximum amount of dust possible.
Step 11
Now move on to light fixtures and fittings. Dust can settle quickly on these, and you may be surprised at just how much dust you remove.
TIP: If some of the light fittings are chrome, you will find that a touch of rubbing alcohol will bring them to gleaming.
Step 12
Finally, mop the kitchen floor thoroughly.
TIP: You will get a much better finish if you back out of the room as you mop so that you are not walking over your freshly cleaned but still damp floor.
Necessary Supplies For A Post Construction Clean
You are going to need various supplies to start the big clean-up. The following list is a good start for a post-construction cleaning checklist and will help get you started:
- A good vacuum
- Various brooms
- Dust masks
- Trash Bags
- Mop buckets
- Hoses
- Rubber gloves
- Scrub pads
- Cleaning bins
- Step ladders
- Extension ladders
- Hard hats
- Cleaning solutions
- Carpet cleaning supplies
- Spray bottles
- Stainless steel cleaner
- Metal cleaner
- Wood cleaner
- Stone cleaner
Indeed, when it comes to carrying out a thorough post-construction clean-up before you move into your home, there is a lot to do and a lot to buy!
Should You Consider Hiring a Post Construction Cleaning Service?
Of course, the other option available is to hire the services of an expert team in post-construction cleaning. While this will certainly be an expense that you will need to budget for, you may very well find that the benefits far outweigh that cost. Some of the services are as follows:
- The clean-up will be much quicker since a team is present to complete each part.
- The team brings all necessary supplies and will usually take all trash away with them.
- Frees up your time to get ready for your move and let the excitement take over from the stress.
The Bottom Line On Post Construction Clean-Ups
Indeed, moving into a newly constructed home or having significant improvements made to your existing home can be an exciting time in life. Still, it can also generate a lot of worry and stress. If carrying out the clean-up before you move in is proving to be a source of unnecessary stress to you and your family, then enlisting the services of a team of experts like Clean Heart Maids could undoubtedly be the way to go. For more post-construction cleaning advice and other cleaning tips, visit our website or give us a call!