Post-renovations are exciting, but they are often followed by a mess that requires deep cleaning to put your home back in shape.
After weeks or months of construction work, dust, debris, and grime can settle in every nook and cranny of your home.
If you are facing the task of cleaning up after a renovation project, follow this ultimate checklist to ensure not a single detail is missed.
Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Before you get started, you will need to gather all the cleaning materials and tools you will need.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Heavy-duty garbage bags
- Microfiber cloths
- Dusting tools (extendable dusters, dusting mitts)
- Vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter
- Broom and dustpan
- Mops and buckets
- All-purpose cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Degreaser
- Floor cleaner
- Step ladder (for hard-to-reach areas)
Having all these supplies ready will make the task more efficient and enable you to move through the cleaning process smoothly.
Clear the Area of Debris
The first step in post-renovation cleaning is to clear the area of any large debris, such as wood, nails, or broken drywall.
Take a large garbage bag, walk through the space, and throw away any trash the renovation team brought.
If large furniture or appliances have been displaced, it is time to move them back into their places.
Dust Everything – From Top to Bottom
Renovation dust is notorious for settling in all the home’s corners. Start with the light fixtures, ceiling fans, and vents.
It is best to dust these items before moving on to other surfaces so that dust does not land on newly cleaned areas.
Also, clean the walls, window frames, and baseboards using an extendable duster or a microfiber cloth for a thorough finish.
Once you have dusted high surfaces, move on to furniture, shelves, and countertops.
Be thorough, renovation dust can linger for days if not properly removed.
Clean All Windows and Glass Surfaces
Windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces are often covered in fingerprints, streaks, and dust during a renovation.
Use a glass cleaner or a mix of white vinegar and water with a lint-free cloth to clean both sides of your windows.
Don’t forget the window sills and tracks, where dust and grime can accumulate.
Wipe Down All Surfaces
Once the dust is removed, move on to cleaning all surfaces, including countertops, shelves, and furniture.
Use a gentle cleaner that won’t damage the surfaces, especially if you’ve just put in new counters or cabinetry.
Pay particular attention to areas that are often missed, including the backs of the caches, the window ledges, and the trim.
If there are any greasy or sticky spots from paint or adhesive, use a degreaser to remove them.
A soft sponge or cloth should be enough to clean these areas without leaving any scratches.
Deep Clean Your Floors
Flooring is usually the dirtiest part of the house after a renovation, regardless of whether you have hardwood, tile, or carpet. It is essential to clean your floors thoroughly to get rid of dust and construction debris.
Hardwood floors: Sweep the floor to get rid of the dust and debris, then use a wood cleaner to sweep the floor. It is better not to over-wet the wood as this may damage it.
Tile floors: Remove debris by sweeping or vacuuming the floor, and follow up by mopping with a gentle tile cleaner to achieve a shiny look. Don’t forget to pay attention to the grout lines because dust tends to settle there.
Carpet: Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to sweep the carpet thoroughly. If the carpet is heavily soiled, then you may need to get in touch with a professional cleaning service to deep clean the carpet.
Sanitize the Kitchen and Bathroom
Both the kitchen and the bathroom are high-traffic areas that see a lot of action during renovations and are, therefore, more prone to having a lot of dirt and germs. It is important to clean and disinfect these spaces after the renovation work is complete:
Kitchen: Wipe down all the counters, appliances, and cabinets. Don’t forget to clean the inside of the cabinets if they are exposed to dust and debris. Clean the oven, stovetop, and refrigerator as well.
Bathroom: Clean and disinfect the sink, toilet, shower, and all surfaces. Pay particular attention to places where dust tends to accumulate, such as behind the toilet and under the sink.
Clean and Disinfect HVAC Vents
During the renovations, the HVAC vents tend to collect dust, dirt, and other debris. Remove dust from ducts and clean vents by using a vacuum with an attachment.
It may also be helpful to change your HVAC filters after a renovation to help prevent dust from circulating in the home.
Dispose of Trash and Recycle Materials
When you are finished cleaning, it is time to get rid of any leftover trash.
Take out the garbage and properly recycle materials such as cardboard, plastic, and glass.
It is better for your home and the environment to keep debris-free.
Final Touches and Air Freshening
After you have finished the deep cleaning, it is time for the finishing touches.
Open the windows to let in the fresh air and help remove any remaining dust or odor.
You can also use an air purifier or a cleaning product with a pleasant scent to give the space a nice aroma.
Adding plants or other decorative elements can also help brighten up your space and make it more inviting after renovation.
Consider Professional House Cleaning
If all the dusting, scrubbing, and sanitizing is too much for you, consider hiring a professional cleaning service.
A thorough post-renovation cleaning can be a lot of work, and professionals know how to handle the toughest messes.
They will ensure that every corner of your home is clean so you can enjoy your newly renovated space without hassle.
Conclusion
Post-renovation cleaning can be a big task, but your home will be spotless in no time with the right tools, a systematic approach, and a keen eye for detail.
This ultimate cleaning checklist will help ensure every surface is clean and ready to enjoy.
If you feel overwhelmed by the amount of work to do, do not hesitate to contact NW Maids for professional assistance!
Consider NW Maids
If you are looking for a house cleaning service, consider NW Maids.
Our skilled cleaners are trained to tackle even the most difficult post-renovation cleanups, leaving your home looking brand new.
Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a cleaning!
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- New Construction House Cleaning Checklist: From Dust to Shine
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- Walkthrough Tips for Accurate Post-Construction Cleaning Bids
- Post-Construction Cleaning Made Easy: DIY Guide
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