Before you start
Wait until trades have finished dusty work. Ventilate the rooms, wear a dust mask and gloves, and remove any leftover materials and packaging first.
The right order to clean
1. Ceilings, walls and high surfaces
Dust ceilings, light fittings, tops of doors and frames first so debris falls downward.
2. Vacuum everything
Vacuum walls, sills, skirting and floors with a machine that has a fine-dust filter. Ordinary vacuums can clog quickly.
3. Wipe all surfaces
Wipe with damp microfibre cloths, rinsing often. Clean inside cupboards and drawers, which collect dust even when closed.
4. Remove residue
Lift paint splashes, plaster and sticker adhesive with the right product and a plastic scraper. Test on a hidden area first.
5. Windows, glass and fittings
Clean glass, mirrors, taps and new fittings last to leave them streak-free.
6. Floors
Vacuum again, then mop hard floors with a suitable cleaner.
Common mistakes
- Dry dusting, which lifts fine dust back into the air
- Using abrasive pads on new surfaces
- Forgetting vents, radiators and extractor fans
When to book after builders cleaning
After a large project, a professional clean saves a lot of effort. Our after builders cleaning is From £185.
Typical job £325 — based on 273 completed jobs in the last 12 months.
Safety during a post-renovation clean
Building dust can contain fine particles from plaster, concrete and wood, so protect yourself. Wear a well-fitting dust mask, gloves and eye protection when dusting high areas. Keep windows open where you can, and keep children and pets out of rooms until the dust is cleared.
Be careful with new surfaces. Fresh paint, sealed grout and new flooring can need time to cure, so check with your builder before using strong cleaners or scrubbing. Use pH-neutral products on natural stone and wooden floors.
Do not forget hidden areas
- Inside light fittings and on top of door frames
- Air vents, extractor fans and radiator fins
- Window tracks and door runners
- Inside new cupboards and wardrobes
- Behind and under appliances that were moved during the work
These places hold dust that will otherwise drift back onto clean surfaces over the following days.
What an after builders clean usually involves
Building work leaves fine dust in places normal cleaning does not reach. A thorough post-renovation clean works from the top down: light fittings and the tops of doors and frames first, then walls, skirting boards, radiators and sockets, then cupboards inside and out, and floors last. Windows, frames and sills usually need cleaning inside too, because dust settles in the tracks.
Checks before you sign off the work
- Run a clean, dry cloth along skirting boards and door tops; it should come away clean.
- Open kitchen cupboards and drawers and check for dust inside.
- Look at windows in daylight for smears and plaster spots.
- Check that paint splashes and sealant marks have been dealt with by the trades, as cleaners should not scrape fresh finishes.
- Change or clean vacuum filters afterwards, as fine dust clogs them quickly.
Compare deep and regular cleaning, see our prices or book a clean.