Renovation Cleanup: How to Clean Up After a Renovation

A renovation cleanup is an inevitable part of the reno project that we have to deal it. One of the questions most homeowners ask contractors when undertaking a renovation is, ‘How messy will things get?’ Unfortunately, dust and debris are the reality of remodeling -- there’s simply no way to get around these things. 

The good news though is that cleaning up after a renovation is not as hard as it seems, especially if you have the right materials. All it takes is a bit of patience and elbow-grease to get your home back to its pristine state. 

At VaVia, we’ve helped many homeowners and contractors clean up big messes. So check out some of the tips we’ve learned along the way!

Decide if you’ll stay or go

Depending on the invasiveness of your renovation, the cleanup period can last from a few hours to several days. If you have pets or small children, you may decide that vacating the home for this phase is best. Alternatively, if you managed to stay put until now...you should be able to hold out a bit longer until cleanup is complete.

Gather the right materials for post-renovation cleanup

Chances are you’ve got a big dust problem on your hands by the time your renovation is complete. Most contractors are too focused on getting the job done to have made regular cleaning a priority. So you likely have a thick layer of dust on your windows, drapes, countertops and floors. 

Make sure you have these materials ready before tackling dust and other debris: 

• Air purifier and clean filters
• HEPA vacuum cleaner
• Broom and mop
• Floor cleaner
• Used dryer sheets

Run an air purifier

Even though your renovation is over, dust can still travel from room to room. Running an air purifier will help trap all the particles before they have a chance to settle. An effective model can remove up to 99% of airborne material. A purifier can also capture mold spores and other bacteria that may be lurking in your home. On average, filters should be replaced every 3-6 months depending on usage. But consider changing more often if your renovation was an extensive one. 

Dust the walls

The best way to remove dust from the walls is to wipe them down with a damp towel. To get at hard-to-reach places, wrap the towel to the bottom of your broom. Secure it with tape if necessary. If you’ve recently painted though, wait at least 30 days for the walls to fully cure as moisture can damage new paint. In the meantime, use a large feather duster instead. 

Vacuum (then mop) the floors

To really tackle construction debris, any old vacuum cleaner won’t work. Consider renting a heavy-duty HEPA vac system for this kind of job. These models are usually made for commercial use, and have more powerful suction. You could also borrow an industrial vacuum from your contractor. 

If you have non-carpeted floors, you’ll need to mop them afterwards to get rid of lingering dust. Whether it’s hardwood or stone tiles, be sure to use a cleaner that’s compatible with your flooring material. 

Decide how you’ll get rid of excess waste during your renovation cleanup

From old kitchen tiles to unused crown moulding, your contractor will have dealt with most construction waste. But you may still find a lot of junk lying around. The most efficient way to deal with excess waste during your renovation cleanup is to rent a dumpster. 

These sturdy containers are usually parked in your driveway, and offer a safe place to accumulate construction debris. Drywall, old lighting and even broken appliances are just some of the things allowed. These bins are usually kept on your property for a week, giving you ample time to load them up. Once your dumpster is filled, simply call the company to haul it away. (With VaVia you can use our technology to track your containers and communicate with us every step of the way!)

Rely on VaVia to help you deal with all kinds of renovation mess! Whether you’re lugging out a bathroom vanity or getting rid of leftover lumber, our 10 and 15-yard containers are perfect for big cleanups. And the best part is our dumpsters aren’t an eyesore either. Easy go!

For more information on renting a dumpster, contact us here.