House remodeling or renovation is one of the most thrilling experiences. It gives a great opportunity to create a comfortable space and make it more enjoyable and useful. However, before moving in, it’s essential to give your new home a thorough post-renovation cleaning for a comfortable living experience.
While your remodeling contractors might have offered a general cleaning service after remodeling your home, there is still a lot of dust circulating the air. Here are eight post-renovation cleaning tips to help rejuvenate your home.
1. Remove trash and debris
Once your home renovation project is complete, you will likely have a huge pile of trash and debris to remove. If the amount of trash isn’t as big, you can put it outside your home for collection by your local waste company. However, the most cost-effective and efficient option for large amounts of debris is to rent a dumpster or hire a professional junk removal company.
Post-renovation debris also poses serious threats to your health, so it’s best to leave your removal of renovation debris to professionals. Expert cleaners are trained in handling and disposal of the mess left behind after renovation, helping you create a clean and healthy living environment.
2. Clean walls, ceilings, and wallpapers
The residue from your home renovation knows no bounds, meaning you will need to wipe down everything close to your work area. After the renovation project, you will find fine or thick dust settling on almost every surface, including walls, ceilings, and wallpapers.
Start by cleaning the walls and ceilings with a microfiber cloth dipped in a mixture of detergent and water. Eliminate all the dust settling on the walls and ceilings by moving the towel firmly against these surfaces.
If you have some wallpaper, be sure to scrub them lightly to prevent them from peeling. You might need to wipe these surfaces multiple times over a few days to eliminate all the post-renovation dust.
3. Vacuum the upholstery
The tiny dust that fills the air during renovation can make its way into your furniture, making your upholstery unhygienic. Even if your upholstery appears tidy after the renovation, vacuum all its pieces using a vacuum cleaner before using it again. Vacuuming will allow you to eliminate all the dust accumulated during renovation, and it can also help with the upkeep of your furniture.
Vacuuming all parts of your house should be done with care to ensure all particles are removed. It’s good to always hire professional upholstery cleaners to handle this step of the dust clean-up process.
4. Inspect and clean the air ducts and filters
Dust and debris from home renovation can quickly clog your furnace filters, which may lead to poor indoor air quality. A clogged air filter must also work hard to compensate for the blocked airflow, which may cause your air conditioner to overheat.
Remove the air ducts and filters and clean them with soap and warm water as soon as possible after the renovation. Allow them to dry fully before reattaching them.
This is also a good time to check the status of your air filters. If your air filters need replacement, take this opportunity to change them and ensure everything is dirt-free to prevent dust particles from circulating your house. Depending on the dust and particles scattered throughout your home, you might need to hire an HVAC expert to clean your system and vents.
5. Clean inside closets and cabinets
Renovation dust can work into many surprising areas, including closets and cabinets. Fortunately, cleaning your closets after a renovation project can be relatively easy. You just need to wipe down any items in the closet with a microfiber or soft cloth and then vacuum the bottom of your wardrobe. You should also shake out or wash any clothing items that were kept inside.
Cabinets, on the other hand, require a little more effort. You will need to remove everything kept in the cabinet first. After that, you can begin wiping out and returning every item to its place.
6. Sweep, mob, and disinfect floors
Sweep up any large debris with a broom and dustpan. This will help lower the risk of scratching your floor tiles with fine dust particles during mopping. For ledges and baseboards, sweep away the dust with a dryer sheet. This will effectively collect all dust and leave behind a residue that will ward off dust in the future.
Complete your deep-cleaning spell by mopping the floors once they are thoroughly clean. Prepare a cleaning solution by pouring two cups of vinegar into one gallon of warm water. Mop a small area with a sponge and immediately dry it completely with a towel. To ensure there is no hidden dust, make sure to get even into the tightest corners and edges.
7. Conduct a safety check
It’s easy to skip a home inspection for your newly built house since you may think it’s new and has been constructed to your requirements. However, your renovation project may have disturbed some harmful toxins, especially for older homes. For instance, your home can still have lead-based paint after post-renovation, which may cause health concerns.
Conduct a lead clearance test if you suspect your home might have lead paint or other lead materials. You can also consider getting a home inspection to help determine the exact condition of your home and any flaws that might turn into major repairs in the future.
8. Peel off labels and stickers
You probably have some stickers and labels in your home, especially if you added new appliances and materials during the remodeling project. Since sometimes the stickers and labels are hidden or difficult to remove, it’s easy to overlook or forget to get rid of them.
However, you don’t want to discover that you forgot a sticker on your kitchen fridge or cabinet when you invite over some guests. Be sure to peel off stickers and labels immediately after the renovation project. You can use vodka to remove the most stubborn labels.
Endnote
A renovation project can enliven your home by creating a fresh, new feel and look. However, you will enjoy your new and enhanced home more if you keep it nice and clean. These tips can help you make the best decision, especially choosing the right tools for the job. If you find post-renovation cleaning a bit more daunting, consider hiring a professional cleaning company to help you with the job.