Post Construction Cleaning: What to Clean After the Dirty Work is Done
Once a big construction or renovation project is complete, there’s always just as big a mess leftover. Besides the basic cleanup involved of removing large debris and returning tools and equipment, a critical part of post construction cleaning is removing all the dust that was produced. Construction projects generate an immense amount of dust from what lays on the surrounding surfaces to what’s floating in the air. These particulates will embed themselves in all corners of the new building and will make the space appear dull and dingy, as well as negatively affect its indoor air quality.
Make sure to clean these areas after completing a construction or renovation project:
Wipe Down All Surfaces
This is the first and most obvious part of cleaning after construction. Dust will settle on top of any surface, including the walls. It is best to dry dust to prevent damaging the lacquer or paint of the surface, but a damp cloth can be used if you test a small spot before proceeding. Make sure to check the tops of cabinets, the baseboards by the floor, interior shelves and inside drawers. In addition to flat surfaces, it’s important to also clean oddly shaped or commonly overlooked items such as:
- Light fixtures and lamp shades
- Small appliances and electronics
- Furniture or sculptures
- Ceiling fans
- Doorknobs
- Window sills
Vacuum or Clean Carpets and Upholstery
If you conducted a renovation project to an existing building instead of something entirely new, it’s possible that dust or debris crept into other areas of the building. Dust can easily become embedded in the fibers of the carpets and upholstery nearby including furniture, curtains, couch cushions or other fabrics. Vacuum all carpeting or upholstered items thoroughly and as deeply as possible. You may want to consider hiring a professional carpet cleaner to steam clean the carpets to prevent further damage to the fibers if they experienced a large amount of dust accumulation. Having the upholstery professionally cleaned may also be a good option if it was heavily affected by dirt and debris from the project.
Replace Air Filters
It is more than likely that all the dust and debris floating in the air made its way into the air vents. Replace any air filters exposed to the dust with new ones and clean out the vents with soap and water. This is a very important step as breathing unfiltered air after construction can lead to respiratory problems for the building’s occupants.
Outdoor Pressure Washing
If your construction project involved a brand new building or an outdoor extension to an existing one, you may want to consider pressure washing the exterior walls and sidewalks. This will keep the outside appearance of the building bright and welcoming after its completion.
Cleaning up after a big construction project is a job all by itself. If you’re team isn’t up to the task or you need to start your next project right away, you can rely on ServiceMaster Elite Cleaning Services to provide efficient post construction cleaning services for any project in Southern Louisiana – big or small. We’re happy to be your partner for commercial building projects and finish a job well done by your contractors. Contact us online or call today at (800) 932 – 9940.
