"Post-Construction Cleaning: Preparing Your Property for Occupation"

The builders have packed up, and the paint is dry. It looks almost finished, until you run a finger along a shelf and find a layer of fine dust. Post-construction cleaning is the step that makes a new or renovated property ready to use. It is very different from ordinary cleaning.

Why construction mess is different

Construction dust is extremely fine. It floats through the air for days and then settles on every surface, including inside closed cabinets. There are also harder residues to deal with:

• Cement and grout splashes on tiles
• Paint specks on glass, floors and fittings
• Adhesive and sticker residue
• Sawdust in drawers and tracks
• Plaster marks on frames and sockets

Each of these needs a different approach, and the wrong tool can damage the very finishes that you have just paid for.

The three stages of post-construction cleaning

1. Rough clean

This takes place after the main building work. Debris, offcuts and packaging are removed, and floors are swept. This stage makes the site safer and keeps dust down.

2. Detailed clean

After the trades have finished, every surface is cleaned from top to bottom, including ceilings, walls, frames, cabinets, windows and floors.

3. Final touch-up

Just before handover, a last clean removes dust that has resettled, and gives glass, fittings and floors a final polish.

What needs attention, room by room

Kitchens

Wipe inside cabinets and drawers, clean worktops, and remove film and stickers from appliances. Clear residue from sink and tap fittings.

Bathrooms

Remove grout haze from tiles, clean fittings carefully and clear debris from drains. Avoid harsh acids on metal fittings.

Windows and glass

Remove stickers and paint carefully. Scraping with the wrong tool can scratch glass. Clean tracks too, as they fill with dust and sand.

Floors

Check the floor type before you start. Sweep or vacuum thoroughly first, because wet grit can scratch. Marble, terrazzo and wood each need different care.

Mistakes that damage new finishes

• Using acid-based cement cleaners on marble or metal
• Scraping dry dirt from glass or tiles
• Using household vacuum cleaners for heavy dust
• Cleaning before the dusty trades have finished
• Removing protective film too early

Tips for developers and homeowners

• Schedule the final clean close to your handover date
• Make sure water and electricity are available
• Ask the contractor to remove rubble and leftover materials
• Keep doors and windows closed while nearby units are being finished
• Share care instructions for floors and fittings with the cleaning team

After moving in

Dust can keep appearing for a few weeks, as it settles out of vents and small gaps. A light dusting every few days will deal with this.

Protecting finishes during the build

The final clean is easier when finishes have been protected from the start. Cover floors with boards or protective sheets once they are laid. Keep film on stainless steel and windows for as long as possible, although it should not be left on for too long, as adhesive can harden in the sun. Cover worktops and fittings during painting, and ask your contractor to clean up cement splashes while they are still fresh.

Planning cleaning for a multi-unit development

Developers have a different challenge, because many units have to be finished by a set date. Work with your cleaning team early, and group units by block or floor. Close up finished units and limit access so that they stay clean. Allow time for a final touch-up, as dust from neighbouring works tends to find its way back. A snagging list is also useful, so that cleaners and tradespeople are not working in the same room at once.

Frequently asked questions

How long after painting should cleaning be done?

Allow paint to dry and cure as advised by the manufacturer. Dust that settles on wet paint can be difficult to remove, and early cleaning can leave marks.

Can I do post-construction cleaning myself?

Small renovations can often be cleaned without help, but new builds are a big job. Be careful with construction dust, and wear suitable protection such as a dust mask.

Do you need water and electricity on site?

Usually, yes. Tell your cleaning team what is available, because some jobs depend on it. Stored water can often be used if mains supply has not been connected.

What is the difference between post-construction and move-in cleaning?

Post-construction cleaning removes builders' dust and residue from a new or renovated space. Move-in cleaning prepares a home that was previously lived in.

Macky Group provides post-construction cleaning for homes, apartments and commercial projects in Nairobi, Kilimani, Ruiru, Syokimau, Thika and surrounding areas. Request a free quote with your handover date.