Whether you’ve been undertaking a DIY project or professional house renovation, even beautifully completed spaces can feel like building zones. Cleaning up after the work is a huge task. Everything from windows and walls to carpets and leather upholstery needs cleaning. Until then, it can feel like your home is still a construction site with dust on every surface.
While the clean-up can seem daunting, we have 5 pro tips to get your home back to sparkling order.
How to clean a house after building work?
Effective after-build cleaning needs more than just a simple sweep up to leave your spaces sparkling once again. Due to the nature of building mess, this task demands systematic planning, professional cleaning methods and attention to detail. That’s why we offer an expert after builders cleaning service.
Should builders clean up after themselves?
After any type of building work, a good builder will ensure the space is left clean and tidy. However, they most likely won’t do an in-depth clean on a top-to-bottom scale. The importance of after-builder cleaning can’t be underestimated. It goes beyond just tidying up the space, ensuring all the minute dirt, dust and debris produced is removed, so it’s no longer harmful to health or bringing down the look of your property.
TIP 1: Make cleaning a priority
If your home has undergone a renovation, the last thing you want is for the place to feel dirty when you want to enjoy your spaces.
BEFORE THE BUILD: Always plan ahead before building work begins at your home. You can discuss cleaning requirements with your builders, especially if you’re still living at your property while work takes place. For example, they may be able to vacuum daily or seal off areas with plastic sheeting to limit the spread of dust, reducing the scale of the final clean-up.
AFTER THE BUILD: After building work, cleaning should be at the top of your to-do list. The sooner the cleaning can begin after the project ends, the better. The debris left behind can get into every nook and cranny, so tackle it once dust protectors are removed but before you return hidden items to their homes. This will stop dust from embedding in carpets, upholstery and walls. If you delay cleaning, it can even lead to stains forming as debris is trodden further into carpets, making your life difficult further down the line.
TIP 2: Have the right cleaning tools and equipment ready
If you want to deep clean your kitchen, bedrooms, living spaces or anywhere else where building work has taken place, have the right cleaning materials and products at the ready.
Vacuums with HEPA filters are best because they trap the smallest of particles. Microfibre cloths are also essential, as they are great for picking up dust rather than spreading it around.
Other items you’ll need include a mop and bucket, soft-bristled brushes, magic erasers, a step ladder, bin liners, long-pole feather dusters for high-up spots, soft sponges, furniture polish and any other products you like using.
TIP 3: Be methodical with a top-to-bottom cleaning plan
Post-building work cleaning requires a methodical approach, working from the top down. This is because dust you dislodge from top surfaces may fall to lower levels. Even ceilings can be dusted and wiped clean. Don’t forget about high-up spots like corners, window frames, door frames and light fixtures.
Work your way down, covering everything from light fixtures, fans and cornices to window frames, door frames, walls and skirting boards. Don’t overlook common spots like air vents, filters and extractor fans, which affect the air quality inside your home.
The last area to clean is floors and carpets. This is the best way to avoid re-contaminating spots you’ve already cleaned.
TIP 4: Move furniture
Even if you wisely covered your furniture during the building work, dust and debris can fall behind sofas and work their way under bulky items. Move larger pieces to help with cleaning behind and underneath them, avoiding unwanted surprises further down the line. You’ll also need to vacuum or wipe over the furniture itself to remove traces of dust.
You can also use this opportunity to wipe down upholstery, curtains, light switches, sockets, handles and skirting boards that are otherwise difficult to reach or out of sight. These areas are some of the most neglected, despite being dust magnets.
TIP 5: Book a professional After Builders Clean
The scale of cleaning required after building work can be vast and overwhelming. Many people make the sensible choice to hire a professional for an ‘after builders clean’. They’ll have the time, experience and know-how to handle the unique challenges and requirements of cleaning post-construction. This includes getting rid of stubborn residues. Book this service for the end of your build so you can enjoy your newly renovated spaces as soon as possible.
An after builders cleaning company will walk you through the type of tasks they’ll be doing. This may include dry dusting on freshly painted walls, paint splatter removal and tile cleaning. They may also offer a deep one-off clean to remove plaster, cement residue and sealant marks with pH-neutral cleaners for floors and other surfaces.
So, is post-renovation cleaning worth it?
We may be biased, but there’s a reason our post-builders cleaning service is one of our most popular. After building projects, hiring professional cleaners is well worth the cost, especially if you want to start using your newly renovated spaces at your home or business. You may even be a landlord preparing for a new tenancy. Professionals bring expertise, cleaning equipment, safety compliance and detailed finishes. They’ll also tackle issues that are hard to do yourself, such as getting rid of stubborn residues and reaching high-access spots.
Contact Efficient Cleaning for a free quote
Efficient Cleaning offers deep cleaning services across SW London and Surrey, including Roehampton, Sheen and Surbiton.
For a free after-build cleaning quote, contact us.
