Post-construction cleaning /
Final cleaning of offices and buildings

Final cleaning is done prior to inspection for certification of substantial completion of the project.

 

Post-construction or post-renovation cleaning focuses on cleaning of construction dust in the air and on all surfaces. With the right tools and well-thought process, it can be done relatively simple and fast.

 

You will need a step ladder, a vacuum, a mop, a bucket, a squeegee, microfiber and paper towels and dish soap, Bona floor cleaner and Goof Off spray as a basic set of tools for post-construction cleaning.

 

We recommend starting with sweeping and vacuuming. Furniture, windowsills, baseboards and other surfaces above the floor level should be carefully wiped with a dry microfiber towel first to remove gross dust without scratching anything. Then you can vacuum the floors.

 

Next you can start wet cleaning. It takes a bucket, dish soap, microfiber and paper towels. Usually to achieve a clean touch of the surfaces, it requires to wipe down everything two or three times.

 

Cleaning is always done top to bottom and from windows to the doors. Rooms are done prior to bathrooms to take a benefit of natural light before it gets dark.

 

We recommend using a squeegee to clean windows. It’s faster, better and cheaper than using paper towels. You’ll need to wash windows with soap and water first and then use a squeegee to remove water from the glass.

 

Next you can vacuum the floors once again and then mop a few times. We recommend mopping with soap and water first, and then mopping with Bona a second time. It gives floors its original intended shine.

 

Once we have a clean undusty place, we can come back to working with construction defects like glue and paint leftovers. Glue and paint are usually removable with Goof Off spray. Always check how any chemical behaves on the material by applying it on a microfiber towel and then wiping the surface with it. If there is no damage, you can try to apply it directly on the surface, but start in the corner or in another hidden area in case something goes wrong. Never leave a chemical on the surface, it must be immediately wiped down otherwise longer exposure can damage the color irreversibly.

 

Below is a cleaning checklist for industrial post-construction cleaning.

 

1. Clean project site in areas disturbed by construction activities, including landscape development areas, of rubbish, waste material, litter, and other foreign substances.

2. Clean exposed hard-surfaced finishes to a dirt-free condition, free of stains, films, and similar foreign substances. Avoid disturbing natural weathering of exterior surfaces. Restore reflective surfaces to their original condition.

3. Clean all surfaces and other work in accordance with recommendations of the manufacturer.

4. Remove spots, mortar, plaster, soil, and paint from ceramic tile, stone, and other finish materials.

5. Remove debris and surface dust from limited access spaces, including roofs, plenums, shafts, trenches, equipment vaults, manholes, attics, and similar spaces.

6. Sweep concrete floors broom clean in unoccupied spaces.

7. Vacuum carpet and similar soft surfaces, removing debris and excess nap; shampoo if visible soil or stains remain.

8. Clean transparent materials, including mirrors and glass in doors and windows. Remove glazing compounds and other noticeable, vision-obscuring materials. Report chipped or broken glass and other damaged transparent materials. Polish mirrors and glass, taking care not to scratch surfaces.

9. Remove labels that are not permanent.

10. Report marred, exposed finishes and surfaces to replace finishes and surfaces that cannot be satisfactorily repaired or restored or that already show evidence of repair or restoration.

11. Wipe surfaces of mechanical and electrical equipment and similar equipment. Remove excess lubrication, paint and mortar droppings, and other foreign substances.

12. Clean plumbing fixtures to a sanitary condition, free of stains, including stains resulting from water exposure.

13. Replace disposable air filters and clean permanent air filters. Clean exposed surfaces of diffusers, registers, and grills.

14. Clean ducts, blowers, and coils if units were operated without filters during construction.

15. Clean light fixtures, lamps, globes, and reflectors to function with full efficiency. Report burned-out bulbs, and those noticeably dimmed by hours of use, and defective and noisy starters in fluorescent and mercury vapor fixtures to comply with requirements for new fixtures.

16. Leave the project clean and ready for occupancy.