Many homeowners, rather than moving out, decide to renovate their property. A time of euphoria and change, of course, but one that rarely comes without its share of problems and worries, and always leaves behind a trail of paint, dust, and debris to clean up.
There's no escaping it, as you've probably guessed! Fortunately, this article aims to help you prepare for the post-construction cleaning. Let's take a closer look.
Housekeeping in preparation for the renovations
You'll have to deal with it no matter what! So, before the renovations begin, start preparing. This little bit of preparation will greatly help you reduce not only the cleaning load, but also limit your exposure to dust, toxins, and other carcinogens once the work is finished.
It's always a good idea to discuss this with the project manager beforehand. Otherwise, the following list will help clarify things:
- Make some space:
Do not leave anything lying around that could hinder the work of the construction team. Ensure that all objects that could cause an obstruction are stored in a secure location, while still allowing easy access if needed.
- Plan for cohabitation:
In the event that the scope of the work proves to be significant, it is essential that you are fully informed of its progress in detail, so as to have access to the kitchen, electricity and running water.
- Remember to protect your home:
Depending on the nature of the work undertaken, consider whether, in order to limit the undesirable accumulation of dust, the erection of temporary partitions or the laying of plastic tarpaulins held by adhesive tape would not have some advantage.
- Expect the unexpected:
It's better to be prepared than to be surprised by the sometimes troublesome consequences of major renovations. All that walking back and forth in the house can leave marks and cracks that will need to be addressed when the time comes.
And finally, before the team arrives, all you have to do is gather all the cleaning equipment you'll need later.
Post-construction cleaning
Now that the finishing touches are in place, you're only separated from your new kitchen or bathroom by a few more small steps. You'll have had time to notice by now that all the care you've taken hasn't been enough to prevent you from getting your hands dirty.
Refer to this list of cleaning for a spotless house :
- Remove any remaining debris and rubble:
Although most service providers end with a surface cleaning, in the majority of cases you will still find scattered pieces of cinder block, brick or paving slab.
- Sweep thoroughly:
Outdoors, opt for a hard-bristled brush, which you can then switch indoors to a soft-bristled brush with a dustpan for collecting any remaining dirt.
Until the area is completely swept, we advise against using the vacuum cleaner, which could be damaged if too much debris remains.
- Clean the walls and ceiling:
Be careful not to use a damp cloth on painted walls, especially if the paint is still fresh! Choose a dustpan or a dry cloth, which you will wipe on the walls and ceiling.
- Take care of the curtains and blinds:
If they are too heavily soiled to vacuum, feel free to remove the curtains and put them in the washing machine.
A microfiber cloth wiped from top to bottom of the blinds is more than enough to remove any dust that may be present.
- Clean windows and sills:
It is not uncommon to find paint splashes on the windows, which can easily be removed with a cotton pad soaked in nail polish remover.
Window sills or frames covered in dust should be vacuumed using an appropriate nozzle, before wiping them with a cloth soaked in window cleaning solution.
- Refresh your carpets:
Only once you've dusted the walls, ceiling, and furniture, and vacuumed thoroughly, will it be time to tackle the carpets. Using a brush dipped in a solution of 250ml of white vinegar diluted in 4 liters of water, finish treating your carpets.
- Make your hard floors shine:
Start by sweeping with a soft-bristled brush. Then mop with the most suitable product. For a floor cleaning product As a homemade substitute, you can just as easily add two tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to a liter of water.
- Don't forget to clean the ventilation duct:
It cannot be stressed enough that replacing the filter is essential in preventing allergies caused by air saturated with particles that are sometimes dangerous to health.
- Eliminate bad odors:
Unpleasant odors are often caused by paint. Therefore, you'll first benefit from opening the windows wide to let in some fresh air. As with the mattress cleaning, There is a deodorizing trick: a bowl filled with baking soda left in the room will absorb the unpleasant smells of fresh paint.
Hire a Montreal residential cleaning company
You've made it! Your new home is now up and running, and it's brand new. However, the task isn't always easy, which is why we offer homeowners throughout Montreal, from L'Assomption to Kirkland, our post-construction residential cleaning service.
The Chiffon Vert teams intervene on request with suitable equipment and use only Ecologo certified ecological cleaning products. Call us, and we will be happy to provide you with a quote and schedule an intervention with you at the very end of your work.