Building Materials, Construction Consultant, House Renovation, Interior Design

Moving into a newly constructed home is exciting. However, the energy might go a little low when considering where to start cleaning.

Post-construction cleaning is no easy task, but it can be enjoyed. You can also get help from professionals if you don’t want to stress about it. It involves removing stubborn dust particles, cleaning walls, and painting residue, and it may be challenging when you have allergies.

Let’s look at 7 step-by-step procedures for cleaning your post-construction home.

1. Remove Debris and Dust: First, you should remove dust and debris from your newly constructed home. You should remove large items such as construction materials and fine dust particles left behind. Use equipment such as a broom, vacuum, dusting tools, etc., to clean the area.
2. Clean Walls, Ceilings and Baseboards: During construction, areas such as walls, ceilings, and baseboards can accumulate dust, dirt, and grime, often overlooked during cleaning. To address this, you can use a mild cleaning solution and a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down these surfaces and remove any stains or residue.
3. Wipe Windows and Glass Surfaces: wipe these areas as they can accumulate smudges and fingerprints during construction. For a spotless finish, cleaning the windows and glass surfaces with a glass cleaner or vinegar and water solution is recommended. You can use a squeegee or a lint-free cloth to ensure no streaks are left behind.
4. Deep Clean Floors: Post-construction, floors can be covered in dust and debris. Begin by sweeping or vacuuming the floors to eliminate loose dirt. For a thorough cleaning, consider mopping or steam cleaning, depending on the type of flooring. Using suitable cleaning solutions and tools based on the flooring material is recommended to achieve the best possible results.
5. Disinfect Surfaces and Fixtures: After the primary cleaning, it’s crucial to disinfect all surfaces and fixtures to eliminate germs or bacteria. Use disinfectant cleaners to wipe down frequently touched surfaces such as countertops, cabinets, doorknobs, light switches, and others. Pay extra attention to high-touch areas to promote a clean and healthy environment.
6. Clean HVAC Systems and Vents: One important step in post-construction cleaning is to ensure that your HVAC systems and vents are clean. Dust and debris can accumulate in these systems during construction, leading to poor air quality and circulation. To address this, you should clean or replace air filters and consider seeking professional help cleaning the HVAC ducts. This will help ensure that your new home’s air is clean and healthy.
7. Detail Cleaning and Final Touches: Before wrapping up, tend to the final cleaning tasks and give attention to detail. This involves cleaning fixtures like light and bathroom accessories, polishing surfaces, and ensuring that every corner is dust-free. Inspecting the space carefully is important to ensure that no cleaning task remains unaddressed.

PPE For Post-Construction Cleaning

Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) when cleaning a post-construction home is crucial, as you may come into contact with harmful materials such as paint-released fumes, dirt, and debris. To minimise the risk of injury, you should wear the following items, which can be purchased from your local hardware store:

– Dust masks

– Eye protection

– Rubber gloves

– Rubber-soled shoes

– Long and durable pants and sleeves

If post-construction cleanup was not included in your construction agreement, the contractors may have left broken glass, nails, wood chips, and other sharp objects behind. To clean these items safely, always wear thick gloves and closed-toe shoes. Do not touch anything with your bare hands, as it could cause serious injury.

Keep the windows open during cleaning to ensure proper ventilation, and wear dust masks to protect your lungs from fumes or dust.

Cleaning your newly constructed home may seem daunting, but with the right approach and tools, it can be a manageable and even enjoyable task. By following the 7-step procedures outlined above, you can ensure that your home is clean, safe, and ready for you to move in and start enjoying. Remember to prioritise safety by wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, such as dust masks, eye protection, and gloves, especially when dealing with potentially hazardous materials. With careful attention to detail and thorough cleaning, you can create a clean and welcoming environment in your new home for you and your family to enjoy for years to come.