Post construction cleaning cleaning: a summary of everything you need to know

Have you just finished renovating your home and can’t wait to enjoy your new space? 

Congratulations! 

But before you move in your furniture and admire the results, there’s one last important step: post-construction cleaning.

In this guide, I’ll answer all your questions: Who is responsible? And how should it be done?

Let’s get started!

✅ Key information you absolutely need to know

Before grabbing your broom and getting to work, here’s what you need to know to make things clearer.

What is post-construction cleaning?

This is a deep clean carried out after construction or renovation works to remove all residues and ensure you can fully enjoy your space:

Cleaning step	What’s cleaned
Removing waste and debris	Leftover materials, packaging, various debris.
Thorough dusting	Floors, walls, ceilings, surfaces, equipment.
Surface cleaning	Removing paint, glue, cement stains, etc.
Space disinfection	Bathrooms, kitchens, living areas.
Ventilating the space	Eliminating product odours and refreshing the air.

This cleaning ensures the area is clean, safe, and ready to use by removing potentially harmful residues.

Did you do the work yourself? 5 steps for a successful post-construction clean

If you need to do it yourself, I suggest following the five key steps to ensure a successful post-construction clean and fully enjoy your new interior.

Step 1: Waste removal

The first step is to remove all the waste accumulated during the work.

This includes:

• Debris and rubble: Plaster pieces, bricks, broken tiles, wood, etc.

• Material leftovers: Carpet scraps, flooring remnants, insulation.

• Packaging and protective materials: Cardboard, plastics, tarps, tape.

This step clears the space and makes the following cleaning tasks easier.

Step 2: Dusting the site

After removing the waste, dust will still be present. It gets everywhere and can be harmful if inhaled.

How to get rid of it:

• Ventilation: Open all windows to air out the space and help remove particles in the air.

• Dust from top to bottom: Start with the ceilings, light fixtures, and high shelves, then gradually move down to the floors.

• Use a suitable vacuum: An industrial vacuum or one with a HEPA filter is ideal for capturing fine particles.

• Clean surfaces: Use slightly damp microfiber cloths to trap the dust without dispersing it.

Step 3: Removing stubborn residues

Construction work often leaves behind materials that are difficult to remove:

• Paint and varnish stains: On floors, windows, or surfaces, use a plastic scraper to avoid scratching. For stubborn residues, a cloth soaked in acetone can be effective.

• Glue or cement residues: Apply a specific dissolving product available in stores. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the surfaces.

• Resin or silicone stains: Use an appropriate remover or a razor blade held flat to gently scrape.

Step 4: Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces

Once the residues are removed, it’s time for a deep clean and disinfecting:

Item to clean	Description
Floors - Tiles	Wash with a neutral detergent. To remove grout residue, use a specific product.
Floors - Wood	Clean with a product suitable for wood. Avoid excess water to prevent warping.
Walls and ceilings	Wash painted surfaces with a soft sponge and a solution of warm water mixed with a mild detergent.
Bathroom and kitchen	Disinfect sinks, basins, bathtubs, and toilets with antibacterial products.
Windows and mirrors	Use a glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth for streak-free transparency.

Step 5: Airing the space after cleaning

After the post-construction cleaning, open all your windows for at least 30 minutes. Ventilation is essential for:

• Eliminating odors: Cleaning products and construction residues can leave persistent smells.

• Purifying the air: Ventilating helps renew indoor air and reduce potential pollutants.

• Drying surfaces: Good airflow speeds up the drying of floors and walls, preventing mold from forming.

Want to delegate post-construction cleaning? Here's how to do it

No time? Don't feel like it?

Between a specialist company and a sole trader, how do you make the right choice?

Here are my tips to help you.

Post-construction cleaning: specialist company or sole trader?

When considering hiring a professional for post-construction cleaning, two main options are available:

1/ Specialist company in post-construction cleaning

These companies are dedicated to post-construction cleaning and have teams trained in the specific techniques required for this type of service.

They are equipped with high-performance tools (industrial vacuums, stripping machines, specialized products) to effectively handle all surfaces and tough stains.

Their ability to manage large-scale projects makes them the ideal solution for large or complex construction sites, such as new builds or complete renovations.

2/ Sole trader in post-construction cleaning

Sole traders can offer tailored services, suited to your specific needs. Often more available, they can respond quickly and adapt to your time constraints.

Their prices are generally more affordable, which can be a decisive factor if you have a limited budget.

Our advice: For most small to medium-sized residential projects, such as renovations, hiring a sole trader is sufficient.

For very large projects, a specialist company is recommended to ensure the job is done right.

Benefits of hiring a professional service

Hiring an expert for your post-construction cleaning offers many benefits:

Benefit	Description
Time and energy savings	You avoid a tedious task and can focus on setting up your new space.
Professional result	The providers have the know-how and tools necessary for a deep clean, eliminating tough residues that are hard to remove on your own.
Increased safety	Handling certain products or equipment can be risky. A professional knows the precautions to take.
Environmental compliance	Specialist companies ensure that waste is disposed of and treated according to regulations.
Service flexibility	Ability to tailor the service to your needs (specific area cleaning, disinfection, etc.).

...and having to go back if finishing touches cause further mess.

How to find and choose the right cleaning provider?

Finding the right provider might seem complicated, but by following these steps, you’ll increase your chances of success:

Step	Description
1. Clearly define your needs	Type of project: Size, nature of the work completed, types of messes. Desired services: Waste removal, window cleaning, disinfection, etc. Available budget: Set a budget range to guide your search.
2. Search for local providers	Geographical proximity: Prefer companies close to you to reduce travel fees. Specialized platform: Use Yoojo to find post-construction cleaning experts in your city, whether in London, Birmingham, Manchester, or anywhere else in the UK.
3. Check the reputation and insurance	Client reviews: Read reviews and ratings left by previous clients to gauge overall satisfaction. Certifications and insurance: Make sure the company has the necessary insurance, and ideally, professional certifications.
4. Verify skills and equipment	Professional references: Check if the provider has handled similar cleanings before. Equipment: Ensure the provider has the right equipment for your project.
5. Request and compare multiple quotes	Timeliness: Make sure the provider can meet your desired schedule. Clarity of services: Ensure the quote specifies all planned interventions, products used, and any additional fees. Price comparison: Request detailed quotes from several providers to compare prices and included services.

Prepare your property for post-construction cleaning

Get organised and plan at the right time

Choosing the right time for post-construction cleaning can make all the difference!

Here are a few points to consider for your planning:

• Anticipate the cleaning: Schedule the post-construction cleaning even before the work is finished so you have someone ready to act quickly and prevent dust and dirt from settling in.

• Choose the right timing : However, make sure all work is truly completed before bringing in a provider. Otherwise, you risk...

Ensure the site is accessible for the provider

To facilitate the provider's work, it's important to make the site easily accessible.

In some cases, this can even reduce the overall cost of the service.

• Clear away large waste: Try to remove as much debris and unnecessary materials as possible before the intervention. If this is too difficult, you can always add waste removal as an additional service in your request.

• Ensure safety: Make sure the areas to be cleaned are easy to access and safe. If the provider needs access to water or electricity, make sure everything is within reach. If some areas are hard to access, be sure to mention them in your request.

Let’s talk price: Tips and example

I'll tell you here some valuable advices and a mission booked on Yoojo (and how much our client paid).

Information to provide for an accurate price estimate

For the most accurate post-construction cleaning estimate, provide clear details about your needs. Here’s the main information to communicate:

• Area to clean: Provide an accurate estimate of the square footage to be cleaned so the provider can calculate the time and materials needed.

• Type of work done: Clearly state whether the work involved painting, masonry, or other types of tasks. This will help tailor the methods and products used.

• Types of mess: Mention whether it's primarily dust, glue residue, paint, or other specific messes.

• Specific services required: Specify if you need particular services, like cleaning tiles after work or waste removal.

Example of a post-construction cleaning job completed via Yoojo

Conclusion: A clean home after construction, for a fresh start!

Post-construction cleaning is an essential step to turn the page on your renovations and begin enjoying your new space.

Whether you’re renovating your home, remodeling your bathroom, or building an extension, a thorough cleaning is necessary to eliminate construction debris, dust, and dirt.

Don’t let the stress of cleaning ruin the joy of your new surroundings!

Use Yoojo to find the perfect cleaner right next door who will help you start this new chapter of your life in a clean, healthy, and welcoming environment.