Let’s face it: renovating your abode feels great. There’s so much satisfaction when you complete a home remodel project. Especially if you planned for it for a while.
However, all the thrill of seeing your vision come to life could quickly turn to dread once you notice the mess left behind.
Maybe the thought of dealing with it by yourself scares you. That’s alright and completely understandable. With our handy tips, you can tackle the big mess and finally feel comfortable in your newly spruced-up house.
Assess the Area First
Start by taking a good look around the renovated area. This walk-through will help you spot dust and debris hiding in places you probably would not notice right away. Note down the spots that need some extra attention, so you can prepare accordingly.
Pay more attention to those areas that usually are not noticed: spaces behind furniture, corners that are narrow, and places under appliances that were moved during renovation.
As you go along, look for incomplete jobs, too, like chipped paint or missing edges that need attention. In this way, you’ll be able to find any problems well in advanc,e and your cleaning will turn out just right.
Gather the Right Tools and Supplies
Assembling a solid cleaning kit before you get to work saves you a lot of time and hassle.
You will need a HEPA vacuum to pick up every last speckle of dust and keep it from floating through the air.
While regular hoovers are quite reliable, they are not as meticulous and often require multiple rounds to remove all particles. So, if you want to save money on your electricity bills, opt for HEPA-filtered ones.
Microfibre cloths are a must-have, too. They are great for wiping down surfaces without leaving any streaks behind.
Additionally, you need sturdy garbage bags to collect all the trash. You must have the right cleaners for each surface as well.
Finally, wear a mask to avoid inhaling dust, goggles to protect your eyes from loose debris, and thick gloves to protect your hands from sharp items.
Prioritise Safety
Safety is utmost before and after the renovation process, so put on your safety gear and roll up your sleeves.
Look for any dangerous items lying around before you jump straight into cleaning. Mark those areas as ‘danger zones,’ and make sure your kids and pets cannot access them.
When using commercial products, follow the instructions on the back to avoid chemical burns or other accidents.
Remember to take breaks, too. Working yourself to the bone can cause you to miss important things or even get hurt, so take it easy. Staying safe makes everything run smoother in the end.
Tackle Dust First
Dust tends to accumulate everywhere during a renovation project. Before you can move on to other tasks, you must first remove it.
Grab your trusty microfibre cloth and wipe down all surfaces, starting from the highest points. Working your way down prevents dust from resettling in areas that you have already cleaned.
Additionally, crack open a few windows to allow fresh air circulation and keep dust from lingering for too long.
Sweep and Mop the Floors
Once all hard and soft surfaces are dust-free, turn your attention to the floor. Your HEPA vacuum can help with that. Go over every area and collect all dirt or debris.
Make sure to use the correct attachments. That way, you’ll reach into the most tricky places where dirt is most surely also hiding.
Use steam cleaner for tile and vinyl floors. That’s the best way to tackle and remove any stubborn grime. Hardwood floors require a somewhat more gentle approach. Use a slightly damp cloth to polish them. However, be careful not to oversoak it to avoid water damage.
In case your carpet has sustained too much damage for your vacuum to handle, you need the services of a high-end cleaning company. They will pluck even the most stubborn stains and grime from the fibres, leaving your floor coverings spotless, all without you lifting a finger.
Focus on Fittings and Fixtures
When tackling fixtures and fittings, you must be meticulous in order to avoid spreading the minute particles accumulated on them.
Focus on ceiling-high elements, such as shelves and lamps, first. Only use gentle solutions and soft towels to protect the treated surfaces.
High-touch areas, like handrails and light switches, should be sanitised with disinfectant wipes or sprays.
For mirrors and glass surfaces, use specialised products to prevent streaks and ensure a sparkly finish. Do not forget to apply the top-to-bottom approach to prevent unnecessary messes.
Dispose of Debris Properly
Proper disposal is a must. After all, you can’t just bag all the trash randomly and call it a day. Firstly, categorise all the debris. Deal with any hazardous waste by placing them in proper containers. Sort all recyclable materials next. General garbage can all go into one place.
Furthermore, there are rules and regulations regarding waste disposal. You might need to consult them before you proceed in order to avoid hefty fines. Study what the proper procedures and policies are in your region. Pay special attention if you have larger items. Also, make sure your bags are durable. That is to ensure no spillage during transportation.
As for tiles and wood, consider saving those scraps for future DIY projects. You can also upscale old furniture instead of throwing them away in order to help the planet out.
Alternatively, donate or sell any functional items. They can live a second life instead of littering the already overfilled landfills.
Final Touches for a Fresh Home
To freshen up the space after getting rid of all the filth, start by airing out every room. Open up all the windows and doors to let the cool breeze in. This helps expel any leftover dust and eliminates stale or damp smells.
Swap out the old air filters, too, since they can get clogged by all the airborne pollutants resulting from the construction work.
You should also consider using deodorisers to soak up any residual smells. Baking soda and activated charcoal are both excellent natural solutions in that regard.
Do a final walkthrough to make sure there is no dust lurking anywhere. Now that your house is neat and tidy, set up a regular upkeep routine to keep it that way.
Conclusion
With a solid plan, you will get your newly upgraded house in order with minimal hassle.
Start with a thorough inspection to determine which areas need the most effort and end with a few final touches to make it feel like home again.
Sure, it might feel nerve-wracking to remove that last bit of grime at this stage. However, take solace in the fact that that’s the last battle. Once you’re done, put your feet up and enjoy the fruits of your hard labour.
