8 Clean-Up Tips After A Major Home Renovation

Looking for clean-up tips? Giving your home a fresh new look through renovation is an exciting but exhaustive process. And most of the time, the most draining part is the clean-up stage. The clean-up may look like the easiest part of the renovation, but it’s not.  There are so many things to consider, like things that need to be disposed of properly. For that, knowing what can go in a dumpster is vital. There’s stuff you can’t throw in the dumpster, such as household cleaners, hazardous materials like leftover paint from the renovation, old air conditioners, and car batteries.  

Once the contractor finishes and the dust settles, you’ll be left with a challenging mess to clean up. You may need to hire a residential dumpster rental to make the job easier or get a contractor that includes clean-up as part of the package.  

But then again, they’re only tasked with cleaning up the areas they worked on. So, other areas where the dirt and other debris might have settled will be your responsibility. This post will share several clean-up tips you can use to tackle the post-renovation mess. Read on.

1. Schedule The Post-Renovation Cleaning 

Knowing the scope of work that needs to be accomplished and assessing if you can do it yourself is essential. If the clean-up is too challenging, consider hiring a professional cleaning service to do a thorough job.

The cleaning crew can do a meticulous job, so you won’t be stressed about the situation. Consider reading reviews about the cleaning company to ensure you’re only getting the best.  

2. Have A Checklist 

To ensure your post-renovation is thorough and complete, have a checklist so you won’t miss a thing. You may also divide your checklist into areas or prioritize those that need immediate attention due to safety concerns. A list will ensure you can clean up quickly and efficiently, allowing you to fully enjoy your newly renovated home while ensuring your family’s health and safety.

3. Dust Everything 

Removing dust is critical, as leftover dust can jeopardize your family’s health and cause respiratory infections. It’s important to remember to start from the top and work your way down. Begin at the highest point in the room, which may be your ceiling or the top of the cabinets. 

Use a damp cloth like a microfiber cloth, and don’t use a feather duster, as it will just scatter the dust around. The dampness of the soft fabric will capture all the dust from surfaces. Include the walls, floors, and furniture when you dust. And remember to wipe underneath and behind them. 

4. Clean Up Paint Splatters 

If you also had your house painted during the renovation, paint splatters may be inevitable. Here’s what you can do: 

• If the paint is still wet, wipe it off with a clean damp cloth. Make sure the cloth is clean to prevent the paint from spreading around.
• If the paint has dried up, use a plastic paint scraper or a putty knife, but use it carefully to avoid damaging the surface. 
• Use a cleaning solution for more challenging dry paint that a scraper can’t remove. A solution of water and soap or water and vinegar should suffice for water-based paint, but for oil-based paint, use mineral spirits or turpentine. 

Protect your hands and eyes when you do this to avoid accidents and injuries. Wear protective gear, including gloves and eye protection, when using mineral spirits or turpentine to prevent skin irritation, eye damage, or inhalation of harmful fumes. Also, ensure the room is adequately ventilated when using these chemicals.

5. Clear Out Debris 

There’ll be a lot of debris. For this task, it’s necessary to rent a dumpster. Before you schedule the pick-up, make sure to sort your trash responsibly. If items are in good condition, consider donating or giving them to those in need. Wear gloves and goggles to protect yourself from sharp objects and toxic chemicals when sorting debris. And remember – be environmentally conscious and dispose of trash properly. 

6. Clean Your Appliances 

Be sure to clean appliances thoroughly to prevent damage and malfunction. You may use a vacuum to remove dust from all the tiny cracks and crevices of the machine and use a damp cloth to wipe the surfaces. Make sure to unplug them before cleaning to prevent any electrical hazards. Check for any damage and consult a professional if there’s any. 

7. Replace Air Filters  

During the renovation, dust and debris may clog your HVAC system. Failure to clean and replace the filters may lead to poor air quality in your home and potentially damage your system. Dirty HVAC systems can cause allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems. 

8. Check For Damages 

After the renovation, consider doing the following to check for damages:

• Conduct a walk-through, inspect everything for damage, and ensure everything works properly.
• Turn the switches on and off, check the plumbing, and inspect windows and doors.
• Document anything that you see and take photos.

The contents of your contract will determine if the contractor is liable for any damage incurred to your home during the renovation. So, checking everything is critical.  

Conclusion 

A renovation is a significant investment that can improve your family’s life, but the aftermath can be overwhelming. Following the tips mentioned in this post, you can deal with post-renovation clean-up better prepared. After the grueling task, enjoy your newly renovated and clean home with your family; you deserve it.  

Photo by Nik Lanús on Unsplash