December 26, 2023
27 Tips: Post Construction Cleaning Checklist
Construction is finished and it’s time for a cleaning
Post-construction cleaning can be a daunting process, but if you have a good plan before you get started, this big job can become a breeze. Our post-construction cleaning checklist provides a roadmap to help you through the process. We’ve rounded up 27 tips to guide you.
1. Gather Your Cleaning Tools and Supplies
Before you start cleaning, make a list of all the different tools and cleaning supplies you might need. Collecting your supplies before you clean will ensure you can get right to work and not lose the “flow” of cleaning by having to run to the store for a cleaner or tool. After you make your list, check around your house or apartment to see what you already have. Here’s a sample list of some common cleaning tools and supplies you may need:
- Trash bags
- Broom
- Respirator or face mask
- Water bucket
- Cotton and/or rubber gloves
- Scrub pad
- Strip washer
- Detergents
- Rinses
- All-purpose cleaning solution
- Spray bottles
2. Empty Recycling Bins and Trash Cans
Recycling bins and trash cans can fill up fast during the cleaning process. Before you begin, take out the recycling and trash that’s already accumulated in your bins. Starting with some empty bins allows you plenty of room to toss the junk around the construction site.
3. Remove the Trash and Leftovers
It’s not uncommon to find trash like plastic bags, coffee cups, tea bags, empty spray paint cans, or construction parts around the construction site. Before you can really start cleaning the space, take the time to get rid of the various trash and dispose of it accordingly. If you’re dealing with paint or electronics, you may need to dispose of them separately from the rest of your trash.
4. Discard All Packaging Boxes, Bags, Tape, and Plastic
Construction sites are often littered with leftover packaging, coverings, and other materials from new furniture or appliances that have been delivered. Gather these materials and toss them out. If you need to keep any instruction manuals, round them up and keep them in a central location.
5. Remove Extra Paint
You might find that leftover paint gets left behind at the construction site, so you’ll want to remove it and dispose of it. You can also take a look around and see if there are paint splatters on floors or surfaces that shouldn’t be painted; when workers get in a rush, they may not take the time to clean up spills or splatters. Check around and behind surfaces that have been painted and wash off any excess paint.
6. Clean Dust from Ceiling Fans
Many people don’t think about how dusty their ceiling fans can get, particularly because it’s tough to see the tops of the fan blades. But taking care of your ceiling and ceiling fans is key to a clean home or office. The easiest way to clean the ceiling fan is to wrap a pillow case around each fan blade and slowly wipe the dust from the surface. You can use this same cleaning method for the body of the fan as well. Cleaning your ceiling fans first will allow the dust to fall on the already dirty floor, so you don’t have to sweep and mop twice.
7. Vacuum the Floor
Nearly any construction site will be dusty when the job is done. After your ceilings are clean, take the time to vacuum your floors or carpets. If you covered your carpets before construction, a simple vacuuming should take care of any debris. If your carpets weren’t covered or you had a particularly big construction job, you may consider bringing in a professional carpet cleaning crew.
8. Mop Hard Floors
If there are hard floors in your space, they’ll need to be mopped. This extra step ensures all dirt and debris from the construction crew is picked up, leaving your space tidy and clean.
9. Clean Counters and Surfaces
After construction is finished, you may find that your countertops, tables, and other flat surfaces are covered in grime and dust. Use a damp cloth or sponge to clean these surfaces, then finish off with a dry microfiber cloth to leave your surfaces shiny and streak-free.
10. Wipe Mirrors
When your mirrors are dirty, they’re nearly impossible to ignore. Mirrors are the focal points of nearly any room, so dirt and dust will stick out immediately. You can care for your mirrors with a special glass cleaner, working in small sections to avoid streaks. Wipe the mirrors clean with a dry microfiber cloth.
11. Clean Windows
Dirty windows prevent sunlight from entering your space, and just like your mirrors, windows are focal points. When your windows aren’t clean, your whole home or office can look sad and grimy. Clean your windows in the same way you cleaned your mirrors: use a special glass cleaner, work in small sections, and wipe dry with a clean microfiber cloth.
12. Don’t Forget the Windowsills
The style of your windowsills will impact how much dirt and dust they accumulate, but regardless of the style, all windowsills will need attention at this point. Pay special attention to the corners, as dust can easily collect there and later transfer to its surroundings.
13. Clean Banisters and Handrails
If you have stairs, you shouldn’t forget to clean them, too. Carefully clean your banister and each support pole beneath using an all-purpose cleaner and microfiber cloth. Take care not to fall during this process! If your stairs are covered with carpet, take a moment to vacuum them, too.
14. Clean Exterior Lights and Garden Décor
In addition to grime and dust from the construction, outside fixtures and décor tend to accumulate dirt from the world in general, particularly if the weather has been nasty or if you live or work on a busy New York City street. Take care to clean your lights, furniture, and décor pieces while you’re in the midst of post-construction cleanup.
15. Gather Trash from Outside
You’ve already disposed of the trash inside the construction site, but there still may be leftover materials outside the site. Take a quick walk around the building and check for garbage, then gather and dispose of it accordingly. Don’t forget to take special care of leftover paints or batteries.
16. Clean the Bathroom
No one enjoys cleaning the bathroom, particularly after a big construction project. However, it’s important to take care of this space, since it’s likely to be quite dirty after being shared by the construction team. Cleaning your bathroom properly is critical for the safety and hygiene of your friends, family, and/or coworkers.
17. Clean the Doors
The doors in your space represent the space itself, so don’t neglect them. Different materials require different cleaning approaches. If your doors are wooden, you can use furniture wax to make them shiny. Glass doors can be cleaned with a mixture of vinegar and water, while painted doors can be cleaned with soapy water. Be sure to work in small sections to avoid streaky glass doors or miscolored paint on painted doors.
18. Clean the Driveway and Porch.
When was the last time you really washed your porch or sprayed down your driveway? After your construction project, these areas will need some special attention. Use a power washer to remove stubborn dirt from your driveway and front walkway. If you don’t have your own power washer, see if you can borrow one from a friend or rent one from a local business.
19. Clean Cabinets
The cabinets in your kitchen will need to be wiped down, even if the construction wasn’t focused on the kitchen. Dirt and dust can easily travel throughout your space, and cabinets with patterns and curves can get dirty quickly. For wooden cabinets, wax cleaner and a dry cloth can work wonders. Plastic cabinets can be cleaned with a mixture of water and lime juice.
Also check out our article on How to Organize Kitchen Cabinets & Drawers
20. Dust Grates and Vents
You probably don’t think much about cleaning your grates or vents, but these areas should not be neglected. Dust and grime can easily gather there, and if the vents aren’t clean, that dust will be blown around the entire home or office. It doesn’t take long to wipe down your grates and vents, and your lungs will thank you for it.
21. Clean Closets
During a construction job, workers will use nearly every room in the space. Often, workers use closets to hold various construction materials or trash and keep them out of the way of their work. However, closets may not get cleared out when the construction job is done. Check all the closets in the space, discard any trash or unneeded materials, and dust the closet in full. Pay special attention to corners or shelves to ensure any clothing or food kept in the space has a clean place to live.
22. Clean Appliances
Most of the appliances in your space are likely in the kitchen. While you’re cleaning the kitchen, take the time to individually tend to your microwave, refrigerator, toaster, stove, and coffee machine. You’ll also want to clean your washing machine and dryer, whether they’re in the kitchen or a separate space. Use a mix of hot water and soap on a clean cloth to wipe down the interior and exterior of your appliances. Be sure to keep appliances turned off while cleaning and avoid the appliances’ heating elements.
23. Clean Interior Masonry
Masonry cleaning is arguably one of the most important points on our post-construction cleaning checklist. If you have marble, brick, or rock in your space, these areas will easily collect dust and dirt. Wipe them down with water and a soft cloth to trap dust and prevent it from spreading around your home or office.
24. Wipe Down Tables and Chairs
Even if you covered your chairs and tables before the construction process, it’s still a good idea to wipe them down. Dust can get underneath your coverings, so you’ll want to clean the tops and bottoms of your tables and chairs. Wipe down your table with a mixture of hot water, soap, and lime juice.
25. Ventilate All Rooms
After construction, you should ventilate every room to get rid of the unpleasant post-construction smell. Open windows in different rooms to get air flowing throughout your home or office. Depending on the weather, keep your windows open for 20-40 minutes for the best effect.
26. Use Air Fresheners and Aroma Oils
Whether you prefer air freshener sprays, plug-ins, or aroma oils, now is the time to get some pleasant scents flowing through your space. Using an air purifier and essential oils is a quick, easy, and safe way to improve the smell of the space, particularly if ventilation didn’t completely get rid of the odors
27. Place a Welcome Mat
At this point, your space should be fully clean and smelling good. Now for the finishing touch: a welcome mat! This simple step adds a cozy element to your home or office, making the space more friendly and inviting for guests. Plus, a welcome mat provides the added bonus of collecting dirt from the outside and keeping your floors cleaner. Just don’t forget to wipe your shoes before you come inside.
Read also: What To Do When Moving Into a New Home
Summary of Post-Construction Cleaning Checklist
This post-construction cleaning checklist should guide you through your entire space, helping you restore your home or office to a welcoming and functional area you’re proud to use. This type of cleaning can be time-consuming and physically taxing, especially if you’re going at it alone. Consider working with White Glove Cleaner! We serve customers throughout New York City and can help you save time, money, and energy. Contact us today for a free quote.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in January 2022, and has been updated for comprehensiveness