Turning the dusty, chaotic post-construction space into an orderly, livable home may not be a big deal for pros specializing in post-reno cleaning in San Francisco, CA – but for everyone else, it can be overwhelming and even life-threatening.
However, if you take a page from their playbook, you too can remove construction dust in a proper, time-efficient manner. To help you in that endeavor, we’ve created a clear, step-by-step workflow you can follow to get professional results.
What are the steps in post-construction cleaning?
Roughly, we can break the process down into 4 phases: preparation, rough cleaning, intermediate cleaning, and final touches. Alternatively, you can “mash” all cleaning stages into a single step, but experience shows that staggered cleaning over phases typically produces the best results – so that’s how we’ll approach it.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN: Construction dust can include hazardous particles, some of which can cause severe and lasting health issues. Therefore, be sure to always wear your PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) while cleaning.
1. Pre-clean planning & inspection:
- Conduct a thorough walkthrough of the entire home. Note (and document) fragile surfaces and areas that require special attention.
- Assemble tools and supplies: heavy-duty trash bags, broom, dustpan, push broom, HEPA vacuum, microfiber cloths, mops, buckets, squeegees, graffiti/paint removers, glass cleaner, mild detergents, floor stripper (if needed), and PPE (respirators, gloves, eye protection).
- Establish a waste disposal plan for debris, hazardous materials, and recyclable items.
2. Rough/debris removal:
- Remove large debris: scrap lumber, drywall offcuts, nails, packaging, and pallet pieces. Use wheelbarrows or jobsite dumpsters.
- Collect coarse dirt and heavy dust using a standard or a push broom. This makes the following tasks more efficient.
- Empty and replace any protective coverings (floor protection, tape) only if they’re soiled beyond reuse.
3. Dusting from top to bottom:
- Start high: ceilings, light fixtures, HVAC registers, duct collars, crown molding, and tops of cabinets. Use extension dusters and microfiber cloths.
- Wipe down walls where needed – especially around doors and light switches.
- Remove removable elements (vent covers, light diffusers) and clean separately.
4. HEPA vacuuming and targeted cleaning:
- Use a HEPA-rated vacuum to remove fine dust from all surfaces, floors, upholstery, and crevices. HEPA vacuums reduce airborne re-suspension of particles.
- Vacuum the other elements (e.g., cabinetry, baseboards, window sills, and vents) thoroughly.
5. Wet cleaning – surfaces and fixtures:
- Wipe all horizontal and vertical surfaces with a damp microfiber cloth and appropriate cleaner (mild detergent for painted surfaces; specialized cleaners for polished stone or wood).
- Clean all fixtures: faucets, sinks, toilet fixtures, lighting switches, and door hardware.
- Clean glass surfaces: interior windows, glass doors, and mirrors with a streak-free glass cleaner and squeegee.
6. Flooring sequence:
- For hard floors: HEPA vacuum, then damp mop using the manufacturer-recommended cleaner. For tile/grout, use an appropriate scrub if there’s grout haze or adhesive residue.
- For wood floors: use a barely damp mop and wood-safe cleaner. Avoid excess water.
- For carpets: pre-treat stains, then hot water extraction or professional carpet cleaning if needed.
7. Detail work and touchups:
- Remove paint splatters, adhesive, and construction residue using safe solvents or putty knives (test surfaces first).
- Reinstall or replace filters in HVAC systems; clean vents and returns.
- Polish hardware and spot-clean upholstery.
8. Final inspection & walkthrough
- Use a checklist: debris removed, windows clean, fixtures polished, floors finished, HVAC filters changed, and safety items checked.
- Conduct a walkthrough to note any remaining issues and address them immediately.
By following this logical coarse-to-fine & top-to-bottom process, you’ll transform a construction site into a clean, safe, and healthy space using the least amount of time and energy.
Where can I find proven specialists for post-reno cleaning near me in San Francisco, CA?
Post-renovation cleaning may be necessary – but risking your health to get it done isn’t. That’s why Adriana House Cleaning is here. Our crew has 20+ years of experience and knows the best ways to deal with construction dust in a safe and efficient manner.
Whether you’re near the Exploratorium or elsewhere in the Bay Area, you can rely on us to deliver swift, comprehensive service that leaves your space pristine and your free time intact. Get in touch with us today and let’s get started!