If there’s anything that can take away the delight from a newly renovated home, it’s the amount of dust that settles and lingers after the contractors leave. That is the reality for all construction projects that leave dust everywhere.
Apart from the cleanup of tools and large debris, the removal of the dust is integral, as these particles float in the air and affect indoor air quality. No matter how well the construction area was sealed off to protect the rest of your home, the dust will make its way to the other areas and settle on seemingly everything. You need to get rid of it as soon as you can. Here’s a step-by-step guide we’ve curated for you:
Step 1: Start from the top and work your way down
If there are any beams, diffusers, vents, clocks, fire alarm, etc. Make sure you dust those first with a vacuum cleaner using a brush attachment. If that is not available, use a duster. The reason for this is that dust usually makes is way down slowly. That is why it’s important to start at the top.
A vacuum with a good filter will suck the dust in and prevent it from spreading while a duster will agitate the dust and spread it a few feet in the air and it will slowly make its way down. So be gentle with the dusting so it does not spread to areas that you have already dusted.
Keep an eye on the details. Pay close attention to areas like the top of door frames. These bad boys will hold all kinds of dust that can easily be overlooked.
Step 2: Dust the curtains, carpets and upholstery
Dust and dirt particles are so lightweight that they easily embed themselves into upholstered furniture, curtains, and carpets. As they settle after constructions, your items will look filthy and skin exposed will become irritated and itchy.
To avoid such instances, vacuum all affected items as deeply and thoroughly as possible. This time use an attachment without a brush to get the best suction possible to really pull it out of the fabric. Pay close attention to the details and get in those nooks and crannies. Remove any underlying frames and vacuum each of the cushions.
For your carpets, consider a deep steam clean, as this helps prevent further damage to the fibers. After your vacuuming session, feel free to do a second round, which will help remove any residual dust.
Step 3: Make the time to wipe down all surfaces
If the layer of dust is very thick, use a vacuum or duster to get it all in the first round. Just remember the caveat with the duster and its ability to make the dust airborne. When the major dust accumulation has been dealt with, move on to the next step: wiping down all surfaces, top-down. Begin by wiping your walls, which is best done through dry dusting to avoid damaging surfaces, such as wallpaper coverings. Then, make your way to the cabinets and moldings. It’s not enough to just clean the exterior, though—pay close attention to the interior and corners, as dust will likely have settled there too. Get a damp cloth and wipe countertops and flat surfaces next.
Step 4: Clean the overlooked areas
To ensure a fully dust-free home, clean other items and other furniture exposed to the renovation zone. Here’s a quick list of some of the most overlooked areas:
Step 5: Clean and replace your air filters
The dust particles will have made its way into your air vents, even if you’ve only renovated a portion of your home. To clean, remove each of the vent covers and soak them in soap and warm water. Dry them thoroughly, and as you wait, replace any exposed air filters. Remember: do not skip this step. Dust will make its way through your respiratory system without you knowing, ultimately causing issues, such as allergies.
Step 4: Wash the floors
After wiping down surfaces, move on to the floor to sweep and mop any visible dust and dirt. Depending on the type of floor you have, you may have to use different methods to remove paint, putty, grout, mortar etc. Depending on the condition that the contractors left it in, you may need to spend quite a bit of time and elbow grease to get it cleaned up.
Final step: Enjoy your spot-free living space
Cleaning your home after a house construction is a grueling process but highly crucial. Never skip out on cleaning, as dust can pose a serious threat not only to your items but your health as well. These particles can quickly make their way to your respiratory system, causing issues and allergies. Don’t be surprised if you need to clean twice or thrice, though! Dust can be truly tricky to deal with, so if you’re not up for the job, it’s best to get professional cleaning help.
For the best post construction clean up services in Toronto, give us a call. We’ve been serving countless people since 1999, ensuring that our cleaning services are always topnotch. Contact us today!
