How to Clean Up Construction Dust After Renovation
- CUSTOM MAIDS TORONTO
- Nov 12
- 3 min read
Renovations change how your home feels—and they also leave a whisper‑fine film of dust on everything. Drywall sanding, tile cutting, trim work, and cabinet installs shed particles that drift into vents, closets, and the tiniest grooves on baseboards and window tracks. If you’re staring at that powdery haze thinking, “Where do I start?”, this post‑renovation cleaning guide lays out a proven, efficient system so your home feels like home again—fast, safe, and truly clean.
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.
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.
