How to Clean a Home After a Renovation or Construction Project

A renovation can transform your home, but construction often leaves behind a serious cleaning challenge. Fine dust can accumulate on floors, walls, cabinets, fixtures, vents, furniture, and more. There may be small particles trapped in corners, etc.

So post-construction cleaning cannot be simple vacuuming. You must have a process that will remove dust, debris, residue, and construction mess without spreading it around.

Thorough cleaning is recommended after renovations by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It advises on HEPA vacuuming, wet wiping, wet mopping, and re-checking surfaces after cleaning.

Why Post-Renovation Cleaning Needs Extra Care

There are numerous types of debris generated during construction. These can be small particles, packaging, adhesive residue, paint residue, sawdust, drywall dust, etc. Fine dust can be carried off-site from the main working area. It can also find places at first sight as clean to settle in on surfaces and vents.

Common issues following renovation are:

• Dust mites in furniture are a common problem.
• Sweep up any drywall residue on floors. 
• Spray paint on surfaces
• Dust inside corners
• Debris around cabinets
• Windows and tracks are dirty
• Dust around vents
• Construction waste and packaging.

Also, dry dusting can be done vigorously, which can move dust into the air. HEPA vacuuming and wet cleaning are recommended by EPA for renovation dust control.

Step 1: Remove Construction Debris First

Large debris should be removed prior to detailed cleaning. Use cardboard, plastic, wood, construction waste, and other materials. Dispose of appropriate garbage in strong bags or containers.

But don’t take unknown materials for granted. Hazardous materials are sometimes found in renovation waste. Use qualified individuals for projects involving lead paint, asbestos, mold, or other hazardous materials. Treat hazardous contamination as if it were normal household dust.

Start With These Tasks:

• Remove loose construction materials
• Collect larger debris
• Separate recyclable materials
• Properly tie and store proper waste in bags.
• Clear walking paths
• Carefully remove protective coverings

EPA recommends controlling renovation waste and checking applicable disposal requirements.

Step 2: Start Cleaning From High to Low

After debris has been removed, clean high surfaces. This way, you avoid dirtying surfaces you’ve already scrubbed with dust that has fallen onto other surfaces.

Do the following tasks in the following order:

Ceilings → Walls → Fixtures → Cabinets → Furniture → Baseboards → Floors

EPA guidance also suggests that surfaces be cleaned before surfaces in the lower areas of the house during the renovation cleanup. Also, try to work towards the exit. This will minimize any extra traffic in clean spaces.

Step 3: Fine dust using a HEPA Vacuum

The dust control provided by a standard vacuum may not be the same as the dust control provided by a HEPA-equipped vacuum.

A high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum can trap small particles when performing a detailed cleanup during renovation. It is EPA’s specific recommendation to use HEPA vacuuming during renovation-related cleaning.

Carefully vacuum these areas:

• Walls and ceilings
• Windowsills
• Baseboards
• Cabinet surfaces
• Shelving
• Furniture
• Floors
• Door frames
• Accessible vents

Don’t rush this step. It may take a few passes to achieve a fine dust finish.

Step 4: Wipe Surfaces With Appropriate Materials

Wipe surfaces after vacuuming; use appropriate damp cloth. This step will help to collect any dust that is not captured in the other steps instead of just shifting it around.

Apply suitable materials using suitable products. For instance, it may be necessary to clean in a variety of different ways depending on the surface type, such as finished wood, natural stone, glass, stainless steel, and painted surfaces. 

In addition, use cleaning chemicals according to manufacturers’ guidelines. EPA guidance calls for wet wiping and wet mopping after HEPA vacuuming when cleaning up during renovation.

Step 5: Deep Clean Floors

Construction dust can accumulate in the most noticeable spots, such as on floors. First, vacuum thoroughly. Next, clean with the correct mop and posfloor cleaner on the floor surface.

Make sure to watch for:

• Floor edges
• Corners
• Areas beneath cabinets
• Doorways
• Transition strips
• Grout lines
• Areas around appliances

Multiple cleaning passes might be necessary for hard floors. Carpets might also require special vacuuming. But remember not to use too much moisture on materials that can absorb moisture.

Step 6: Clean Kitchens and Bathrooms Carefully

Older kitchens and bathrooms may have left behind residual waste. Dust can be found inside and out of the cabinets. Fine particles can also be found in countertops that are located close to construction sites.

In bathrooms, check:

• Tiles
• Grout
• Sinks
• Faucets
• Shower surfaces
• Mirrors
• Cabinets
• Floors
• Exhaust areas

Similarly, wipe down kitchen counters, cabinet fronts, appliance surfaces, backsplashes, and floors.

Step 7: Do Not Forget Windows and Vents

Construction dust tends to build up around frames and tracks in windows. Thoroughly clean glass, frames, sills, and accessible tracks.

Vents also need to be considered, as they can allow dust to build up around them. Renovation projects can impact indoor air quality; OSHA states that dust from construction and renovations can be a reason for indoor air-quality concerns.

But do not take apart HVAC parts if you don’t know how to do it safely. If construction dust has infiltrated the system, think about professional cleaning of the HVAC system.

Step 8: Inspect the Home and Clean Again

An inspection should be done at the end of post-construction cleaning. Take a stroll through each room with good lighting. Scan over walls, floors, windows, cabinets, and fixtures.

Check for:

• Remaining dust
• Paint spots
• Adhesive residue
• Debris
• Smudges
• Construction marks
• Missed corners

If there is residue, clean the area again. When there is still dust or debris left, EPA guidance suggests further cleaning and visual inspection.

When to Call in the Professionals?

When large renovation work is being carried out, large amounts of dust and residue can be generated. So, once construction is finished, professional cleaning can save lots of time.

Think about professional post-construction cleaning for:

• Several rooms were renovated.
• Multiple rooms underwent renovation
• Drywall work created heavy dust
• Construction affected flooring
• Cabinets require detailed cleaning
• Windows have construction residue
• You have limited time
• Fine dust has spread throughout the home

A systematic cleaning sequence can also be generated by professionals. This can help minimize no-go areas and rework.

Safety Matters After Renovation

Not all renovation cleanings are appropriate for DIY cleaning. Lead-based paint may be found in older homes. Renovations in pre-1978 homes can generate lead dust hazards, the EPA states. Certain repairs could necessitate using lead-safe materials and processes and hiring certified contractors. So, assess risk prior to cleaning up. Ensure that children and pets are not in contaminated work areas. Also, adhere to the local disposal rules!

Summity Cleaning Services can restore your home to its former glory through a post-construction and remodeling cleanup job that will be performed in a thorough and professional manner.

Frequently Asked Questions