Cleaning up after construction: secrets from a professional

This is an expert post by Park Slope Cleaning, a commercial cleaning company with a decade of experience in all sorts of environments. They share their secrets for the perfect post-construction deep clean.

Once the dust has settled and the hammers have gone quiet, it's crucial to reclaim your living space after a big construction job. It's not as simple as picking up a broom—to achieve a spotless and livable environment post-construction, you need to adopt a five-phase cleaning approach.

This includes two dry cleanings followed by two wet cleanings, and a final detail cleaning. This comprehensive method ensures that no construction residue is left behind:

• Phase 1: First Dry Cleaning : Use high-quality dusting tools to remove loose dust and debris from surfaces, ceilings, and walls.
• Phase 2: Second Dry Cleaning: Vacuum the entire space, paying extra attention to corners, crevices, and hard-to-reach areas.
• Phase 3: First Wet Cleaning: Wipe down all surfaces with appropriate cleaning agents to remove stubborn dust and grime.
• Phase 4: Second Wet Cleaning: Deep clean the space, including floors, walls, and any furniture that may have accumulated dust.
• Phase 5: Detail Cleaning: Pay meticulous attention to small, often overlooked areas, such as door hinge mechanisms, above doors, and other hidden nooks and crannies. Don't forget to clean light fixtures, switches, and vents.

“Our construction teams are often in a rush to complete jobs on time for demanding clients. This can mean creating a mess that must be cleaned up prior to tenant or owner move-in. The clean-up itself is a job requiring professionals with attention to detail, who know to check and recheck the job site to ensure the job is done completely and properly. Park Slope Cleaning is on our short list of go-to cleaners in NYC.” — Josh Blackman, Brownstone Property Group

General cleaning tips

Whether you're dealing with a new store, fresh apartments hitting the market, or a building's redevelopment, there are always challenges with post-construction chaos. Practically speaking, adhere to these steps to make your property clean and inviting.

• Adopt a regular cleaning routine. Develop a cleaning schedule to stay on top of dust accumulation. This should include dusting, vacuuming, and wiping down surfaces.
• Use air purifiers. Invest in air purifiers to improve indoor air quality. These devices can filter out dust and allergens, ensuring a healthier living environment.
• Minimize clutter. Embrace minimalism to reduce the number of surfaces where dust can accumulate. Fewer knick-knacks and decorative items mean less cleaning.
  

Kitchen and bathroom tips

These spaces often bear the brunt of construction mess, and as essential spaces they must be spotless. To restore the kitchen and bathroom:

• Invest in a deep cleaning. Scrub kitchen countertops and appliances to remove layers of grime and debris.
• Disinfect and sanitize. Bathrooms require special attention. Ensure all surfaces are thoroughly disinfected and sanitized to eliminate any lingering construction residue.
• Employ regular maintenance. After construction, establish a maintenance routine for these spaces to keep them clean and functional and avoid buildup due to heavy traffic and exposure to moisture.

"We make every effort to provide our clients with a clean and organized home. We don’t just make it visually appealing, we strive to create functional spaces that provide an enjoyable living experience." — Janine Sarna-Jones, Organize Me Inc.

Equipment tips

Don't skimp on the proper equipment. Another secret is to get professional-grade equipment. After construction, the dust and debris can be particularly challenging to remove. Residential vacuums may not withstand the demands of this heavy cleaning. Consider investing in or renting professional-grade equipment that can handle the post-construction mess without getting damaged. These high-powered vacuums and cleaning tools are designed to tackle tough cleaning tasks effectively.

Cleaning up after construction doesn't have to be a daunting task. By following these actionable tips and adopting a five-phase cleaning approach with professional-grade equipment, you can banish clutter, conquer dust, and create the clean and inviting living space you deserve. Whether you tackle the cleanup yourself or enlist the help of professionals, your post-construction space can be transformed into the haven you envisioned. But don't cut corners on the work—and that's where a trained, professional crew like Park Slope Cleaning may be right to come in to help.