The renovation crew may be gone, but the chaos they leave behind? Well, not so much. Even if you were the one trying to DIY the renovation, one of the biggest renovation mistakes out there is simply not cleaning up during the job itself (like how you should clean up while cooking in the kitchen, for example). Post renovation cleaning is essential, and it requires more than you may think.
So, you got the dream kitchen, the bathroom makeover, or maybe just new floors, but now you’re staring down a layer of dust on everything from your bookshelves to your toothbrush. You need to keep in mind that renovation dust is clingy. It finds its way into places you didn’t even touch during the remodel.
So, before you light that victory candle and enjoy your new space, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind during the clean-up phase. The last thing you want to deal with in your refreshed home is drywall residue, right?
Dust Travels Further than You Think
Even if the renovation happened in one room, the fine dust and debris from sanding, sawing, or drilling spread across the entire house. But even so, it settles into vents, hides in ceiling fan blades, and somehow ends up inside closed drawers. Unfortunately, a quick wipe-down won’t cut it. Basically, you’re looking at multiple rounds of dusting, vacuuming with a HEPA filter, and then dusting again just for good measure.
Your Regular Mop won’t be Enough for Post Renovation Cleaning
Standard mops tend to push the grime around more than they lift it up. Plus, renovation debris isn’t just dust, but it’s often plaster bits, paint splatters, grout haze, and the occasional rogue nail or screw. So, it’s worth switching to microfiber cloths and rinsing out mop heads constantly. It’s not fun, sure, but it can technically make things a little easier.
And if you’ve had new flooring installed, make sure you’re using the right cleaning product so you don’t accidentally damage that beautiful new finish. Usually, the company you bought the flooring from or had it installed by will give you a care guide.
Consider Bringing in Backup
If your project was extensive, like knocking down walls, redoing bathrooms, installing tile or wood throughout the house, you’re probably facing more than just surface mess. On top of that, deep cleaning after a full-on remodel is a different beast. For the most part, it’s not just about looking tidy, but it’s also about removing fine particles that can mess with air quality and make your house feel stuffy for weeks.
Now, a deep cleaning is going to take a while, especially when it comes to a renovation. So it might be a good idea to hire Sparkly Maid or another professional cleaning service near you to help out. Just think of it this way: a professional is going to know exactly where to clean up, meaning fewer surprises for you.
Don’t Skip the Air Vents During Post Renovation Cleaning
This goes back to above about cleaning areas you usually wouldn’t consider, like your ducts. But renovation dust loves air ducts. It builds up fast and gets blown right back into your rooms every time the AC or heat turns on. This means that you should wipe down vent covers and consider changing your air filter earlier than scheduled. If the project was especially messy, then a proper duct cleaning might be worth looking into, too.
I can imagine that after something as big as a renovation, cleaning can be quite difficult. The tips here seem really useful, a good way to keep on top of everything!