How to Clean Up After Your Contractor Finishes the Job

Let’s Talk Post-Construction Clean Up

There are many reasons why a company would need post-construction clean up including construction of a new building site, an addition, or a partial remodel. Post-construction cleanup can be a small or large job depending upon the amount of the work performed. The process involves removing dust, debris and other materials left once construction is complete. And, if you’ve ever visited a construction site – even if it is just remodeling a single room in a home – then you know dust and debris gets everywhere!

One must be very thorough, examining every nook and cranny to ensure all debris has been removed. This includes the ceiling, light fixtures, fans as well as all trim including baseboards, doors, and window frames.

Given the complexity of the job, most businesses hire a professional cleaning service that has access to the right equipment. For example, industrial strength tools have the power needed to remove construction debris from hard to clean flooring. In our experience, most construction companies include post-construction cleanup in their contract. They then accept bids from third-party companies like Cleantec to do the work. However, the hiring company can choose to tackle post-construction clean up on their own. For those companies, we offer the following tips.

Materials Needed

First and foremost, make sure you have safety equipment: eye protection, dust masks and rubber gloves.

Then you need the necessary supplies. Of course, the needed supplies will depend upon what room you are cleaning and the types of materials/fixtures in that room. For example, if there are carpets you will need a carpet cleaner. Here is a list of items we commonly use:

• Air scrubbers

• Broom and dustpan

• Burnishers

• Carpet cleaning machine

• Cleaning supplies

• Extractors

• Floor scrubbers

• Mop buckets and wringers or steam mops

• Pressure washer

• Scrub pads and brushes

• Shop vacuum

• Step ladder

• Swing arms

• Trash bags

• Waxing equipment

• Window washing kit

Time to Clean

Once you have your safety and cleaning equipment, you’re ready to get started. Open up all of the windows to create airflow to help draw out dust. This will also minimize odors from materials used during the construction process as well as smells from cleaning products.

Start by dusting the entire area top to bottom – be sure to put your mask so you DO NOT inhale these particles. Pay special attention to door frames and window trims as those can collect and trap most of the dust. Make sure you have the tools to remove dust from cracks and crevices found on fixtures and frames as this can prove to be difficult. Microfiber dusting cloths can help minimize dust falling to floor. If you are cleaning a room with window fixtures in place – especially blinds – make sure to also clean them slat by slat. These are magnets for construction dust (and, really, any kind of dust!).

Once finished, let the air settle a little before vacuuming. Start with the carpets as they will contain a lot of the debris. Then proceed to vacuum any other non-carpet areas. After those areas are done, focus on hard to reach spots using the vacuum’s extension tools. If available, you may also want to run a carpet cleaner over your carpets.

Don’t Forget Your Ventilation System

Next you want to cater to your ventilation system. This area is often forgotten – but it is SO IMPORTANT! You don’t want construction debris contaminating your air ducts and penetrating your heating or cooling system. Use the extension tools on your vacuum to suck the dust out of your ventilation system.

After vacuuming, hand wipe and disinfect all surfaces making sure they are completely clear of all dust and contaminants. Leave doors on cabinets and fixtures open to allow them to dry and air out. To ensure complete disinfection of the room, you may want to disinfect the area a second time.

Congratulations – you are now ready to open for business!!

Cleantec aims to offer helpful information to our clients and friends. We currently serve all of New York, including the Syracuse, Ithaca, Manhattan, Rochester, Utica, and Buffalo regions. We also have operations in Palo Alto, CA; Denver, CO; Muscle Shoals, AL; Tampa, FL; and Sanford, NC. Give our sales professionals a call at (877) 469-0543 for a free consultation and quote regarding janitorial services. Learn how we can help your business achieve your cleaning needs.

Cleantec ensures all staff members are thoroughly vetted conducting background checks and drug testing. In addition to providing professional cleaning services, we are also a supplier of specialized cleaning products and green chemicals. Please call (315) 463-5353 to place an order.