The renovation is complete—now what? A comprehensive and thorough cleaning of the entire space is necessary to ensure it’s safe for people to return. There are several key questions to consider when planning how to tackle the cleanup after a renovation. These include the following: who is responsible for the cleaning—you or the contractor? What are the steps, or what should be cleaned? When should you consider calling a professional? This article will help answer these questions and provide a post-renovation cleaning checklist.
What are the Steps for Cleaning Interior Spaces?
Once the crew completing the renovation has left and removed all debris from the space, the process of cleaning the interior can begin. Here are steps that will ensure your space is safe for people to return:
- Dust and vacuum. Begin by dusting all surfaces. This should include walls, ceilings, floors , and all other surfaces (furniture or counters). Vacuum the floors and any upholstered furniture .
Clean surfaces. Wipe down all surfaces with a sanitizing cleanser. Make sure to open all cabinets and drawers to wipe the insides as well.
Dust all air vents and ducts, blinds, ceiling fans, and lighting fixtures.
Clean the carpets. Vacuum all carpets thoroughly, using a HEPA filtered vacuum if possible. Then, using a carpet cleaner, clean the carpets to rid them of dirt, dust, and possible debris.
Use an air scrubber with a HEPA filter.
One of the biggest concerns post-renovation or construction is dust. Dust is an inevitable by-product of any construction or renovation project ; this doesn’t mean it isn’t a potential health hazard. According to the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety, there are three main types of construction dust :
- Silica dust (from concrete, mortar, and sandstone).
Wood dust.
Lower toxicity dusts (from marble or drywall).
Tips for Removing Construction Dust from a Space
Dust is common in most households or businesses, but construction dust is typically more dangerous in comparison . Prolonged exposure to construction dust can cause potential health effects. Clearing a space of dust particles, particularly silica dust, is a crucial part of post-renovation cleanup. Per the CDC, silica dust is made up of small particles that become airborne during activities like cutting, drilling, sanding, and grinding materials like concrete, sandstone, or mortar. To ensure that these particles are removed from the air and surfaces, use a HEPA air filter and a vacuum with a HEPA filter. According to the EPA, high efficiency particulate air filters can remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria.
What are the Steps for Cleaning Exterior Spaces?
Deep cleaning after renovation doesn’t just apply to interiors! Here is a step-by-step plan to ensure the outside of your home or business is a clean and safe space:
- Remove debris or garbage from the area that was left behind by the crew. Make sure to pay special attention to clearing all walkways and driveways of screws and nails.
Wash all exterior surfaces—walls, decks, patios, and fencing. Tools like pressure washers are especially helpful for this step.
Clean windows, using a glass cleaner to clean them. Ensure the windowsills and frames are clean as well. Construction dust often settles on these surfaces.
When should you call a professional?
- You are unable to complete the cleanup yourself due to time constraints.
You do not have the proper tools like HEPA air scrubbers and vacuums to ensure that all dust, dirt, and debris are removed from your home or business.
You need to have your space sanitized before settling back in.
You want to ensure the property meets local regulations or standards.
For more information, visit our FAQ and Glossary .
Sources:
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/what-hepa-filter
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/silica/default.html
https://www.realtor.com/advice/move/what-is-broom-clean-condition/
https://www.danthermgroup.com/en-gb/master/how-to-get-dust-out-of-the-air-after-construction-work
https://www.ccohs.ca/newsletters/hsreport/issues/2016/03/ezine.html