The Ultimate Guide to Post-Renovation Cleaning

Supplies Needed to Get Started

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• HEPA VACUUM (sealed unit) with: soft brush, crevice tool, hard-floor head

This type of vacuum cleaner operates with special HEPA Filters/Exhaust Cartridges. (HEPA = High-Efficiency Particulate Air)

• 2 HEPA FILTERS/EXHAUST CARTRIDGES

Start with a clean HEPA filter; keep 1 spare in case suction drops. You typically don’t burn through more than one per job.

• 2-4 HEPA VACUUM BAGS/DUST BAGS

2 Vacuum Bags is usually sufficient, but up to 4 may be necessary for heavy jobs.

• MICROFIBRE EXTENSION MOP + RE-USEABLE MICROFIBRE PADS

  
  

• FURNACE AC/HVAC AIR FILTERS

  
  

• FLASHLIGHT

  
  

• BUCKET

  
  

• TRASH BAGS

  
  

• 12–24 MICROFIBRE CLOTHS

  
  

• ALL PURPOSE CLEANER – Pinesol or Mr Clean

  
  

• DISH SOAP

  
  

• GLASS CLEANER - Windex

  
  

• HARDWOOD FLOOR CLEANER (Optional) - Bona or Murphy Oil Soap

  
  

Procedure (Efficient, Top-Down Sequence)

1. PREP & CONTAINMENT

• Open windows if practical; keep non-work rooms closed.

• Remove packaging/large debris.

  
  

2. VACUUM WITH HEPA VACUUM CLEANER

• Using the soft brush attachment, move clockwise around the room.

• Start high and move down to floor level - Ceilings, lights, vents and wall tops; down to window/door frames, built-ins, cabinet tops and shelves; down to baseboards and floor edges.

• Slow vacuum passes will pull fine dust from cracks better than quick sweeps.

Note: Don’t worry about central floor areas at this point - floors will be your last step.

3. DO A DETAILED “DAMP DUST,” USING MICROFIBRE CLOTHS + MILD ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER OR DISH SOAP.

• In the same order as Step 2, go over all areas which you’ve vacuumed, this time with a damp microfibre cloth.

• Be sure to hit: trim/baseboards, switch plates, thermostats, handles, closet/window tracks, doors, cabinet faces, and appliance exteriors.

• Flip/rinse cloths often so you’re removing dust, not smearing it.

  
  

4. ELIMINATE DUST FROM WALLS & CEILINGS, USING MICROFIBRE PADS ON A POLE + MILD ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER OR DISH SOAP.

• Be sure to overlap passes.

• Microfibre Pads should be lightly damp - avoid over-wetting.

• With a flashlight, shine side-light on semi-gloss/gloss painted surfaces to spot streaks.

  
  

5. REPLACE AC/HVAC AIR FILTERS.

• Pop grills and gently vacuum inside using HEPA vacuum cleaner.

• Replace filters now; if dust is heavy, replace again in ~1 week.

  
  

6. ELIMINATE DUST FROM FLOORS AND CARPETS (always last).

• Hardwood and Tiled Floors: Vacuum with HEPA vacuum cleaner, being sure to get into edges and under toe-kicks. Then damp mop floors with microfibre mop and a mild all-purpose cleaner or hardwood floor cleaner.

• Carpets and Rugs: Vacuum with HEPA vacuum cleaner, overlapping HEPA passes.

  
  

7. ELIMINATE DUST FROM SOFT FURNISHINGS AND TEXTILES.

• Launder curtains/bedding/removable covers if possible.

• Upholstery: Vacuum with HEPA vacuum cleaner, using upholstery/crevice tools.

• Lamp shades: go over with a barely damp microfibre cloth (no soap).

  
  

8. NEXT-DAY TOUCH-UP (SHORT BUT CRUCIAL).

• Fine dust resettles overnight. Do a quick HEPA vacuuming of floors, a light microfibre dusting of horizontals, and polish all glass/mirrors.

• DONE.

  
  

Special Notes

• Skip feather dusters – HEPA vacuum cleaner + damp microfibre cloths only.

• If there’s any chance of lead paint or asbestos – stop and hire certified professionals.

  
  

What If I Need Help with Post Construction or Post Renovation Cleaning?

If renovation dust is slowing you down, CUSTOM MAIDS TORONTO can help. Our post-construction cleaning removes fine dust, details every surface, and leaves your space move-in ready. Contact us for a personalized quote on your final clean, and let us handle the mess while you enjoy a spotless home.