Renovation dust is not like regular dust. It’s finer, it travels into rooms that weren’t touched, and it keeps resettling if you clean in the wrong order. This checklist walks through a complete post-renovation clean, from what to do before you start to the final pass on the floors.
Before you start
- Make sure the work is really finished. Paint touch-ups, caulking, electrical covers: if a trade is coming back, wait.
- Have the contractor remove materials and debris. Offcuts, leftover tiles, buckets and large waste should go before cleaning starts.
- Ventilate. Open windows where you can to help clear fine airborne dust.
- Protect your lungs. A dust mask is a good idea when working with drywall or sanding dust.
The golden rule: top to bottom
Always clean from the highest point to the lowest: ceilings and vents, then walls and door frames, then counters and fixtures, and floors last. Dust you knock down from above lands on everything below, so cleaning floors first means cleaning them twice.
Checklist: every room
- Dust ceilings, ceiling corners and light fixtures
- Vacuum and wipe vent covers and air returns
- Wipe the tops of door frames, window frames and trim
- Wipe walls and baseboards; remove scuffs
- Clean doors, handles, light switches and outlet covers
- Remove painter’s tape, protective film and stickers without scratching new finishes
- Remove paint splatter from frames, fixtures and floors along walls
- Clean interior windows: glass, sills and tracks (tracks trap a lot of dust)
Kitchen
- Wipe cabinet faces and handles; if cabinets are empty, wipe inside too
- Clean counters and backsplash; remove any grout haze or adhesive residue
- Clean behind and under movable appliances
- Descale and polish the sink and faucet
- Remove stickers and film from new appliances
Bathrooms
- Clean grout lines and tile; remove grout haze from new tile
- Clean shower, tub and glass; remove labels and residue from new fixtures
- Clean toilet inside and out, sink, faucet and mirror
- Wipe the exhaust fan cover
Floors (last)
- Vacuum thoroughly, including edges and corners, before any wet cleaning. Mopping fine dust first turns it into paste.
- Wash hard floors, changing the water often
- Check for paint drips and adhesive spots along the walls
Common mistakes
- Cleaning too early. If trades come back, so does the dust.
- Using a household vacuum on heavy drywall dust. Fine dust can clog filters; empty and check the filter often.
- Dry-wiping new finishes. Fine grit can scratch; use a damp microfibre cloth.
- Forgetting the rooms next door. Dust travels. Check hallways and adjoining rooms too.
Rather have a team do it?
Axiom’s post-renovation cleaning is a full deep clean plus construction dust removal, cleanup of debris and residue such as tape, stickers and packaging, and extra attention to paint residue. A team of 2 to 3 cleaners arrives fully equipped, Thursday to Saturday, and you get a quote within 24 hours. Tell us what was renovated when you request your quote so we can plan the right amount of time. Unfinished rooms, exterior windows and outdoor areas aren’t included.
Moving into the renovated space? See the move-out and move-in checklist · all cleaning guides · En français : ménage après rénovation
Get your quote online, or call (438) 814-9124 (Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).