Construction and renovation projects usually create plenty of dust. Then, after everything is complete, you’re looking at a new space—a messy space. Cleaning up such a space post-construction is essential for aesthetics and safety. But did you know that cleaning also helps to improve the longevity of surfaces like glass, wood, and flooring?
Whether you’re a DIY expert or someone handling a renovation project, cleaning after construction can easily seem challenging. But this guide will save your day and time by walking you through the process step-by-step to safely & effectively clean glass, wood, and debris.
Preparing for Post Construction Cleaning
You must take three non-negotiable steps, which the post-construction cleaning crew regularly follows for their preparations.
• Gather Necessary Supplies
Having the right tools before you go further can make all the difference in the results you may expect. Let this checklist help you gather the must-have items for post-construction cleaning in Surrey.
- Brooms (soft-bristled, hard-bristled)
- Heavy-duty vacuum with HEPA filter (for fine dust)
- Microfiber Cloths
- Safety Gloves and Goggles
- Dust Masks
- Trash Bags for Debris Collection
- Squeegees for Glass Wiping
- Wood-safe Cleaners
Determine the required quantity of each item based on the area size, dust volume, and other factors evident to your eyes.
For example, consider renting heavy-duty equipment like floor polishers. Similarly, don’t feel shy about getting help or hiring professional post-construction cleaners for an extra hand.
• Safety Precautions for Handling Hazardous Materials
Always remain alert because any post-construction or after-renovation zone is an area of potential hazards. Sharp debris, lingering dust, or even small nails are enough to cause fatal injuries or health conditions.
Countering such an environment is also simple. You need to wear:
- Protective Gloves
- Sturdy Shoes
- Dust Mask
- Safety Goggles
These items will protect your palms, feet, lungs, and eyes, collectively and respectively. Once you have them on, you are ready for the next step. Otherwise, please fall back.
• Organize Cleaning Area To Begin Dust Removal
In any post-construction zone, cleaning from top to bottom is the way to go. So the approach will be to start dusting surfaces at height like shelves and light fixtures and then move to scrubbing the floors.
Taking this approach after clearing away debris will give you more space to clean delicate and hard surfaces ahead.
Cleaning Glass After Construction
Windows, mirrors, doors, and thickened glass walls are objects that mainly feature glass surfaces. After a renovation or construction job, their surfaces are usually caked with dust and grime.
Start by gently wiping off the loose dirt with a dry microfiber cloth to reduce or prevent scratches. Please be careful about applying too much pressure, as any smallest grit can leave permanent visible marks on the glass.
Next is removing leftover stickers and adhesives, which can require special tricks. If the adhesive or sticker is not too stubborn, you may use a plastic scraper to erode it. Otherwise, for tougher adhesives, apply rubbing alcohol or a mixture of vinegar and water. Let it sit, and gently wipe off the unwanted sticky residuals after a few moments.
Avoid using razors or sharp objects, especially metallic objects, since they will likely scratch the glass. Instead, use a squeegee in combination with a mild glass cleaner. Please wipe in a vertical or horizontal motion—never circular—to avoid streaking, followed by buffing the glass with a lint-free cloth for visible pristine sparkles.
Cleaning Wood After Construction
The wood cleaning part in the after-construction cleaning will require a gentle touch, whether on flooring, paneling, or furniture. Start using a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove loose dust and debris and avoid scratching it.
For deeper cleaning, avoid using hard-bristled brushes and water-based cleaners. Instead, apply the cleaner with a microfiber cloth in the direction of the wood grain. Do not over-dampen the surface, or else the excess moisture can warp or damage the wood surface.
Similarly, after the dust and debris are removed, restore the wood’s shine using a dedicated wood polish. Buff the surface by putting polish on the microfiber cloth and applying it purposefully but not too hastily. This added protective layer will keep the freshly cleaned wood shiny, stain-free, and scratch-free.
Removing Debris & Dust After Construction
Fine dust in the construction zone will surely linger in every possible crevice. The correct and best way to remove it is by using a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Such a mechanism will help trap the smallest dust particles, thereby significantly improving the air quality on the site.
To remove larger debris, use a broom to sweep systematically from one side of the room to the other. Then, follow the steps below to remove and dispose of the debris carefully.
- Clear Larger Debris: Remove visible debris like broken drywall, wood scraps, tiny and large nails, etc.
- Vacuum Clean the Zone: Use a powerful vacuum to remove dust from baseboards, floors, and other surfaces, including the ceiling.
- Deep Cleaning the Zone: Use a small brush or compressed air to loosen debris and dust in corners and hard-to-reach areas. Then, vacuum it out for complete deep cleaning.
Lastly, dispose of the dust & debris through the help of a contractor or a company near you offering post-construction cleaning services in Vancouver.
Final Touches for a Complete Post-Construction Cleaning
• Inspect for Missed Spots
The post-construction area should look neat by now, so it’s time for an inspection. Check areas for lingering dust or dirt and look attentively in corners, high shelves, and baseboards. Use a flashlight for spotting fine dust that could have settled again after the cleaning so far.
• Wipe Down Surfaces One Last Time
Despite thoroughly vacuuming and sweeping the zone, it will need a final wipe-down with a damp microfiber cloth to remove every bit of dust. Ensure to clean the high-touch surfaces, like door handles, countertops, and light switches, at least once more.
• Final Steps for Air Quality
The chemical odor of substances used in construction and cleaning will likely linger in the air. Any residual dust will also linger, and you can remove both by keeping the windows open briefly. This helps to ventilate the space, or you can also use an air purifier.
Whatever you choose, again, be sure to replace the HVAC air filters since they may have gotten clogged again after post-construction cleaning.
Conclusion
It is a big task to perform after-renovation or post-construction cleaning alone, especially without specialized equipment. Similarly, removing glass, wood, and debris is always a hazardous job, so don’t hesitate to seek help from professionals at Vancity Cleaning Services.
In your pursuit of restoring the property’s safety and aesthetics, these professionals can add their industry experience, attention to detail, and safety compliance measures. Their specialization in post-construction cleanup will offer you a hassle-free and high-satisfaction experience that also enables you to maintain the space moving ahead.
Contact the Vancity Cleaning Services team in BC at info@vancitycleaningservice.com for all your post-construction cleaning needs and get the best deals.