Post-Construction Cleaning Checklist: Room by Room After a Remodel

Construction dust is much finer than household dust. Drywall sanding, tile cutting and sawing create particles that float for hours and settle in layers. Wiping it with a wet rag right away can turn it into a gritty paste that scratches glass, stone and cabinet finishes.

There is also leftover material to remove: paint drips, grout haze on tile, adhesive residue, labels on windows and fixtures, and small screws or nails in corners. In older Greater Boston homes, dust can also find its way into gaps in original trim and between floorboards.

In homes built before 1978, dust from renovation may contain lead. Lead-safe cleanup uses HEPA vacuums and wet cleaning methods, and it should be handled carefully, especially with children in the home.

Gather a HEPA-filter vacuum with brush and crevice attachments, microfiber cloths (lots of them), a pH-neutral cleaner, a grout haze remover suited to your tile, a plastic scraper or razor blade for glass, buckets, a mop with a microfiber pad, gloves and a dust mask.

Work top to bottom and dry before wet. Dust falls, so clean ceilings, light fixtures and the tops of cabinets first, then walls, then counters, and floors last. Vacuum loose dust before any wiping, so you are not dragging grit across new surfaces.

Leave the HVAC for last, or replace the filter both before and after. Running the system during construction often pulls dust into the ducts.

Vacuum and wipe the tops of upper cabinets, range hood and light fixtures.

Empty, vacuum and wipe the inside of every cabinet and drawer. Dust gets inside even when doors stay closed.

Clean cabinet fronts with a soft damp cloth and a mild cleaner. Avoid abrasive pads on painted or lacquered doors.

Clean countertops with a cleaner made for the material. Quartz and granite do not like harsh acids or bleach.

Remove protective film and stickers from appliances, then clean inside the oven, dishwasher and refrigerator.

Scrub the sink, polish faucets, and run water to flush any debris from new lines.

Remove grout haze from tile using a product made for that purpose, once the grout has cured. Ask your installer how long to wait.

Clean shower glass with a non-abrasive cleaner and use a plastic scraper or new razor blade held flat for paint specks or labels.

Wipe the vanity inside and out, the mirror, and all fixtures. Check toilet tanks and the base of the toilet for dust and debris.

Vacuum the exhaust fan grille and wipe the fan cover. A clean fan works better at removing moisture, which matters in New England humidity.

Clean the floor last, getting into the corners where tile meets the wall.

Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, crown molding and the tops of door frames.

Wipe walls gently with a dry microfiber cloth first. Fresh paint is soft for a few weeks, so use only light damp wiping if needed.

Clean window frames, sills and tracks. Vacuum the tracks before wiping, since they collect a lot of grit. Remove stickers and paint specks from glass.

Wipe baseboards, door trim, outlet covers and switch plates.

Floors: vacuum thoroughly with a soft brush head, then damp mop. On new hardwood, use only a cleaner approved for the finish and very little water, since wood expands with moisture. On new tile or luxury vinyl plank, vacuum carefully to pick up grit before mopping.

Remove and wash vent covers and return grilles. Vacuum inside the duct openings as far as you can reach.

Replace the HVAC filter. If a lot of dust went through the system during the project, consider having the ducts professionally cleaned.

Do a last vacuum of all floors after the vents are done, since cleaning them releases more dust.

Outside, pick up nails, screws and debris from walkways, driveway and yard, and check that dumpster areas are clear.

A small project, like a single bathroom, is manageable for many homeowners in a long day. A whole-floor renovation, a new kitchen or a full gut remodel can take a team a full day or more, and doing it yourself often means cleaning the same rooms twice as dust keeps settling.

Most homeowners in the Boston area pay somewhere from a few hundred dollars for a small space to over a thousand for a larger home, depending on square footage, how much dust there is and how detailed the work needs to be. Prices vary widely, so a walkthrough is the best way to get an exact number.

WS Construction and Remodeling offers post-construction cleaning across Greater Boston, whether we did the remodel or another contractor did. We come look at no charge and the estimate follows the visit. Text us on WhatsApp at (857) 326-0243 or request your free estimate.