How to Clean After a Home Renovation

The renovation is done. The contractors have packed up their tools and left. Your new kitchen, bathroom, or addition looks amazing — under a layer of dust that has settled on every surface in the house, including rooms that were nowhere near the construction zone.

Construction dust is persistent, pervasive, and different from normal household dust. Drywall dust, in particular, is incredibly fine and settles on every horizontal and vertical surface. It gets into cabinets that were closed, behind doors, inside electronics, and deep into your HVAC system. A normal cleaning routine will not handle it.

This guide walks you through the systematic process of getting your home truly clean after a renovation — from the initial debris removal to the final detail work that makes your home livable again.

Before You Start: Safety Considerations

Post-renovation cleaning has some safety concerns that regular cleaning does not:

• Wear an N95 mask — construction dust, especially drywall and concrete dust, can irritate lungs and cause respiratory issues with prolonged exposure.
• Wear safety glasses — dust will be airborne during cleaning, and debris may include sharp particles.
• Wear gloves — construction residue can include adhesives, caulk, grout, and other skin irritants.
• Check for hazardous materials — if your renovation involved removing old materials, be aware of potential lead paint (in pre-1978 homes) or asbestos (in older insulation, tiles, or joint compound). If either is present, hire a certified remediation company. Do not attempt to clean these materials yourself.
• Ventilate — open windows and run fans to move dust-laden air out of the house during cleaning.

Pass 1: Rough Cleaning (Debris Removal)

The first pass is about removing the big stuff — construction debris, packing materials, dust piles, and anything the contractors left behind.

What the Contractor Should Have Done

Most contracts include a "broom clean" clause, meaning the contractor removes their debris and does a basic sweep. If they have not done this, contact them before you start — it is part of the job you paid for.

Your Rough Clean

• Remove all remaining construction materials — leftover supplies, packaging, protective coverings
• Remove painter's tape and plastic sheeting
• Sweep all floors to collect the bulk of dust and debris
• Use a shop vac (with a fine dust filter) to vacuum heavy dust from all surfaces — floors, counters, window sills, shelves
• Wipe down walls and ceilings with a dry microfiber cloth or dry Swiffer to collect the layer of settled dust
• Remove protective coverings from appliances and fixtures
• Check and clean all window tracks and door frames where dust accumulates

After this pass, your home will look noticeably better but will still have a film of fine dust on everything. That is normal — it takes multiple passes.

Pass 2: Detail Cleaning (Surfaces and Fixtures)

Now that the bulk dust is removed, you can wet-clean surfaces without turning dust into mud.

Walls and Ceilings

• Wipe all walls with a damp microfiber cloth — work from top to bottom in sections
• Pay attention to areas near the renovation zone — dust travels far, but the heaviest deposits are closest to the work
• For textured walls or ceilings, use a damp cloth and work gently to avoid damaging the texture
• Wipe all baseboards, crown molding, and trim

Windows and Glass

• Clean all windows inside — construction dust on glass creates a haze that is easy to miss until the sun hits it
• Clean window tracks thoroughly — vacuum first, then scrub with an old toothbrush and all-purpose cleaner
• Clean mirrors and glass fixtures
• If windows are new, remove manufacturer stickers and clean adhesive residue with rubbing alcohol

Cabinets and Closets

• Open every cabinet and closet door — dust gets into closed spaces during renovation
• Vacuum and wipe all interior shelves
• Wipe cabinet exteriors, paying attention to the tops of upper cabinets where dust settles
• Wipe all hardware (handles, knobs, hinges)

Fixtures and Hardware

• Clean all light fixtures — dust inside globes and on bulbs reduces light output
• Clean plumbing fixtures — faucets, showerheads, and drains may have construction residue
• Wipe all electrical outlet and switch plate covers
• Clean door handles and hinges throughout the house

Kitchen and Bathroom Specifics

• If the kitchen was renovated: clean inside every new cabinet, all appliance interiors, and all countertop surfaces. Grout dust from tile work is especially persistent in kitchens.
• If the bathroom was renovated: run water in all fixtures to flush debris from new plumbing. Clean grout haze from new tile with a vinegar-water solution or a commercial grout haze remover. Test on a small area first.

Protecting Your HVAC System

This is one of the most overlooked aspects of post-renovation cleaning, and one of the most important.

• Replace the HVAC filter immediately — the filter has been collecting construction dust for the duration of the renovation. It may be completely clogged.
• Replace it again in 2-4 weeks — residual dust continues to circulate and will quickly load the new filter.
• Consider professional duct cleaning — if the renovation was extensive (gut remodel, drywall work in multiple rooms, or any demolition), construction dust has likely accumulated in your ductwork. A professional duct cleaning ($300-$500) is often worth it.
• Clean all vent covers and return grilles — remove them, wash in the sink or tub with dish soap, dry completely before reinstalling.
• Run the system with windows open — this helps flush residual dust while bringing in fresh air.

Pass 3: Final Cleaning (The Polish)

After Passes 1 and 2, wait 24-48 hours. During this time, dust that was airborne during your cleaning will settle on surfaces. The final pass captures this.

• Dust all surfaces one more time with a damp microfiber cloth
• Vacuum all floors thoroughly, including edges and corners
• Mop all hard floors
• Vacuum all carpet — consider professional carpet cleaning if the renovation produced significant dust
• Clean all glass and mirrors one final time
• Do a walk-through and look at every surface from different angles — dust that is invisible straight-on becomes obvious when light hits it from the side

Common Post-Renovation Cleaning Challenges

When to Hire Professional Post-Renovation Cleaning

Post-renovation cleaning is one of the situations where professional help is most justified. Consider hiring if:

• The renovation was extensive (full room remodel, addition, or structural work)
• You have allergies or respiratory sensitivities
• The home has significant square footage to clean
• Hazardous materials were involved in the demolition phase
• You simply want to enjoy your new space without spending days cleaning it

Otesse's post-renovation cleaning service includes all three passes described in this guide, HVAC filter replacement, and specialized equipment for construction dust. We use commercial-grade HEPA vacuums that capture the fine particles that regular vacuums miss.

Enjoy Your Renovated Home

A renovation transforms your home. The post-renovation clean is what makes that transformation livable. Plan for the three passes, protect your HVAC system, and give yourself realistic time expectations. When the dust literally settles, you will have a home that looks and feels brand new.