What’s more satisfying than walking through your new space with a fresh perspective? You’ve got all the big stuff just the way you like it—but now you’ve got little piles of junk all over the place. Dust, debris, and torn-up drywall have no place in your beautiful new home. Don’t let the mess make you anxious; learn how to clean up after a major home renovation. Cleaning up can be cathartic!
Clear Away the Big Stuff
If you hired a contractor to carry out your home renovation, they may dispose of any walls they knocked out and other large debris. But if you did the renovation yourself, you’ll need to figure out disposal for yourself as well. If you have access to a pickup truck, you can get rid of the big stuff a little at a time. If you don’t, renting a mini dumpster will allow you to take care of all your debris in one go.
Clean Up the Air
Renovation kicks up a lot of dust! Invest in a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter to suck the dust and grime out of the air. A filter is a smart tool to have on hand during the renovation process, too. Keep your air filter on 24/7, and clean it regularly. During and after a renovation, you may need to clean out that filter every day. In the meantime, wear a medical mask around the house to keep your airways from picking up dust and fumes.
Vacuum Everything
Yes, everything! Even the walls and the ceiling. Dust gets absolutely everywhere when you’re doing a major renovation. Use a handheld vacuum or an extension on your standup model to suck all the debris from walls, carpets, windows, and upholstery. Get into every nook and cranny, and don’t forget to dust off your ceiling fans and remove buildup from vents and grates.
Wipe and Sanitize
Once you’ve removed all the post-renovation debris and dust, take time to mop the floors and wipe down all the windows and baseboards. Work with the windows open to circulate fresh air in your home as you spray down your hard surfaces with a sanitizing cleaner. Use a damp cloth to get into moldings and tricky areas that may still be holding onto dust.
Enjoy your newly renovated space as quickly as possible by cleaning up right away! Haul away any big debris before you get to vacuuming. Learning how to clean up after a major home renovation demystifies the process and makes cleanup much more manageable.
