Simpson
Is post-renovation cleanup hard? Definitely. If this isn’t your first time renovating, you know exactly what you’re in for. If it is, then you have your work cut out for you. Renovation is messy work, and unless you work out some pricey cleanup terms with the contractors, it’s going to be very messy when they’re done.
They will mostly get rid of the large debris for you, but the rest, inevitably, is in your hands. Use our quick guide to make cleaning up easier before you crumble to pieces and make the mess worse. Here’s how you can properly clean your house after a renovation project.
Prep Work
Before you start sweeping and shining, you have some preparation to do. You’re going to need protective equipment like protective eyewear (goggles), dust masks, soled rubber shoes, and rubber gloves. In the beginning, you might need more heavy-duty gloves, depending on the debris left behind.
Once you’ve got those, secure your HVAC system by sealing vents and openings with plastic sheeting. Now, it’s time to gather supplies and equipment.
You’re going to need:
- Power washer
- Carpet cleaner
- Wet/dry vacuum
- High-powered vacuum cleaner
Also:
- Putty knife
- Brush (stiff-bristled)
- Broom (soft-bristled)
- Handheld brush and dustpan
- Mop and bucket
- Squeegee
- Cleaning rags
- Microfiber cloths
- Dusters
- Large sponges
For Sealing:
- Plastic sheeting
- Masking or painter’s tape
Chemicals / Cleaners:
- Warm and cold water
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Dish soap or all-purpose cleaner
- White vinegar
- Window cleaning solution
For reaching high places:
- Stepladder
Taking the Right Approach
Cleaning up properly is all about the approach. The method you follow determines how much mess you clean up or how much more gets made. You’re going to be cleaning in three stages: rough cleaning, deep cleaning, and touch up.
Rough Cleaning
Our targets here are leftover debris and large deposits of dirt. The majority of your post-construction cleaning happens here as you’ll also be dealing with stains and spots caused by adhesive glue, paint, and caulker splashes.
This is where vinegar (mixed with water) and the all-purpose cleaner come in. You can use this same mixture to wipe down windows, glass doors, and remove stickers from appliances. Next is to wash the walls, baseboards, and door frames before sweeping and vacuuming.
Deep Cleaning
You should start at the furthest point from the front door and work your way back. This way the dirt is being spread where you already cleaned and is just moving towards the front. You’re doing more of the same before, but this time you’re paying more attention to sensitive places.
You’ll also be using more precise tools that clean smoother. So, you would use the squeegee this time to clean glass doors, windows, and showers. Dust fixtures with a soft dry cloth, vacuum vents, and filters, clean the floors, and wash the carpets.
Touch Up
This will be your final pass through the entire house. It’s usually done a few days after deep cleaning. You’ll find that fine dust, that was lingering in the air, has settled on flat surfaces.
Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down all flat surfaces to remove fine dust and smudges. You can also give these guys another once over:
- Light fixtures
- Lampshades
- Ceiling fans
- Decor
- Electronics
Cleaning after a renovation is never easy. It requires diligence, hard work, and planning. By following the steps in this article, you should be able to give your house the thorough cleaning it needs. It will feel like home again in no time.
