After renovations or new construction, builders clean is one of the toughest cleaning jobs you’ll face. Fine dust gets everywhere, plaster and grout residue coat surfaces, and paint splatters hide in unexpected places. Here’s how to tackle it properly.
Essential Tools and Supplies for After Builders Cleaning
You’ll need more than regular household cleaning supplies:
- Industrial vacuum with HEPA filter: Construction dust is extremely fine. A standard vacuum recirculates it into the air. HEPA filtration captures particles down to 0.3 microns
- Microfibre cloths (lots of them): You’ll go through many. Microfibre traps dust rather than moving it around
- Scraper and razor blade: For removing paint, plaster, and adhesive from glass, tiles, and hard surfaces. Use carefully to avoid scratching
- Sugar soap: Cuts through construction grime on walls and woodwork without damaging paint
- White vinegar: Dissolves cement haze and limescale on tiles and glass
- Bucket and mop: You’ll mop multiple times. The first pass picks up the heavy dust; subsequent passes get the remaining film
- Step ladder: For reaching cornices, light fittings, tops of cabinets, and window tracks
- PPE: Dust mask (P2 rated), safety glasses, and gloves. Construction dust irritates lungs, eyes, and skin
Tips for Removing Dust and Debris
Construction dust is the biggest challenge. It settles on every surface, inside every cupboard, and in every crevice:
- Start dry, finish wet: Vacuum first to remove loose dust. Wiping dry dust with a damp cloth creates paste that’s harder to remove
- Top to bottom: Start with ceilings, cornices, and light fixtures. Work down walls, then surfaces, then floors. Dust falls as you clean
- Multiple passes: One pass won’t get everything. Plan on vacuuming and wiping each area at least twice
- Change water frequently: Dirty water redeposits dust. Change your mop water every room or sooner
- Air vents and returns: Construction dust gets into ductwork. Vacuum grilles and consider professional duct cleaning for major renovations
- Inside cupboards and drawers: Even behind closed doors, dust finds its way in. Open everything and clean inside before putting items away
Cleaning Surfaces and Floors
Windows and glass:
- Scrape off paint and plaster with a razor blade held at a 45-degree angle. Use glass cleaner as lubricant to prevent scratching
- Clean frames and tracks — construction dust packs into window tracks
- Wash both sides of the glass. Exterior glass often gets as much construction dust as interior
Tiles:
- Grout haze (the white film on new tiles) comes off with vinegar or a commercial grout haze remover. Test on an inconspicuous area first
- Scrub grout lines to remove excess that wasn’t cleaned during tiling
- Mop multiple times until the water runs clear
Timber floors:
- Vacuum thoroughly before mopping. Grit scratches timber finishes
- Use a timber floor cleaner, not vinegar (which can dull the finish over time)
- Check for paint drips and plaster — remove carefully with a damp cloth or plastic scraper
Carpet:
- Vacuum multiple times in different directions
- Professional steam cleaning is recommended for carpets exposed to construction dust — the fine particles embed deep in the pile
Tackling Tough Stains and Spills
- Paint splatters: On hard surfaces, use a scraper or razor blade. On carpet, try methylated spirits on a cloth (test first). Fresh paint is easier to remove than dried
- Plaster and cement: Soak with warm water to soften, then scrape gently. Vinegar helps dissolve cement residue
- Adhesive residue: Eucalyptus oil or a commercial adhesive remover. Apply, let it sit, then wipe
- Silicone smears: Let them cure fully, then peel off. Attempting to clean wet silicone spreads it
- Grout on tiles: If dried grout is on the tile surface rather than just in the joints, use a grout haze remover and a non-scratch pad
Addressing Air Quality and Odour Control
- Ventilation: Open every window and door during and after cleaning. Construction dust and chemical fumes need to clear before the space is comfortable to live in
- HEPA air purifiers: Run them during and after cleaning to capture airborne particles. Particularly important if anyone in the household has asthma or allergies
- Paint and adhesive fumes: New paint and adhesive off-gas VOCs for days to weeks. Ventilation is the main solution. Low-VOC products off-gas faster
- New carpet smell: Ventilate heavily for the first 72 hours. The smell is VOCs from the carpet backing and adhesive
- Duct cleaning: If HVAC was running during construction (it shouldn’t have been, but often was), get ducts professionally cleaned before using the system
Maintaining a Clean and Tidy Home after Builders Cleaning
- Expect residual dust: Construction dust continues settling for weeks after the initial clean. Plan on extra cleaning for the first month
- Change HVAC filters: After construction, the filters will be loaded with dust. Replace them immediately and again after a month
- Touch up as needed: Paint touch-ups, grout repairs, and minor fixes are normal in the weeks following construction. Address them as they appear
- Professional clean: If the builders left a significant mess or you don’t have time to do it yourself, professional after-builders cleaning is worth the cost. They have the equipment and experience to handle it efficiently
Check out our featured post: End of lease cleaning Melbourne