The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning a New Construction Home

The feeling of standing inside your newly finished home is unlike anything else. But once the thought of cleaning a new construction home hits, you may wonder where even to start.

Do you start by vacuuming the whole house from top to bottom? Or do you first attack the bathrooms and kitchen? Before you reach for the mop, take some time to read our guide on how to clean a new construction home properly.

Importance of Cleaning a New Construction Home

Your new home is all set up for habitation. Can’t you simply start moving in and cleaning as you find the time instead of cleaning the whole house once before you start your new life there?

That’s not the best idea. Here’s why.

• Safety Concerns: Builders use all sorts of materials, from wood and sawdust to paint, adhesives, and other chemicals. These materials can cause breathing problems and skin irritations if not cleaned up properly.
• Aesthetics: Construction sites can be unsightly, especially right after the builders have finished their work. Cleaning your new home will restore it to its glory.
• Functionality: If your kitchen, bathroom, or other rooms are a mess, you won’t be able to use them, especially if physical obstacles are limiting you from reaching the appliances or cabinets. It’s best to give your home a thorough clean so that everything works the way it should.

How Long Does It Take To Clean a Post-Construction Home?

A week? Two days? The time it takes to clean your home after construction depends on several factors. Here are some notable ones:

• Scope of Work: How big is the house? The bigger the house, the more time it will take to be cleaned.
• Type of Cleaning: Depending on your contract, the builders or contractors may be responsible for some level of cleaning. For example, they may clean up the building materials, such as sawdust and wood chips, or do some basic wiping down of the walls. If that’s the case, you’ll have less work to do.
• Materials Used: If you use a shop vac and a power washer, you’ll get the job done quicker than if you went in with a mop and a broom.
• People Involved: How many people are involved in the cleaning process? If you’ve got family or friends to help, you’ll get the job done faster than if you try to do it all yourself.
• Experience: Most homeowners are not experienced cleaners who can remove the stubborn dirt marks that have persisted for weeks during construction. Nor is everyone equipped with the tools to do the cleaning job efficiently.

That’s where a cleaning specialist like Sunlight Cleaning NY comes in. Since we have the manpower, expertise, and equipment to make your home spotless, there’s no reason for you to put in the elbow grease yourself. Give us a call today to learn more.

Cleaning a New Construction Home: Supplies Needed

If you plan to DIY the cleaning process, here are some supplies you will need.

• Dusters
• Large sponges
• Magic erasers
• Putty knife
• Dish soap or all-purpose cleaner
• Plastic sheeting 
• Masking or painter’s tape
• White vinegar
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Broom
• Stepladder
• Squeegee
• Window cleaners
• Microfiber cloths
• Cleaning rags
• Brush and dustpan
• Trash bags

Can You Make DIY Cleaning Solutions?

If you’re feeling a little adventurous or don’t want to expose yourself and your family to the toxic chemicals in commercial cleaners, you can make cleaning solutions at home. Here are some options.

All-Purpose Cleaner

An all-purpose cleaner can clean everything, such as windows, sinks, countertops, floors, etc. Here’s how to make it:

• Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
• Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for fragrance. We’d recommend lemon since its strong scent overpowers the vinegar smell.
• Shake the spray bottle before use.
• Spray the desired area with the solution, and wipe off the dust with a paper towel or microfiber cloth.

Carpet Cleaner

It helps to clean your carpets before you put them in your new house. Otherwise, the dust accumulated during the moving process might ruin your new floors. You can make a carpet cleaner at home using dish soap and white vinegar.

• Mix one tablespoon of dish soap, one tablespoon of white vinegar, and two cups of warm water in a spray bottle.
• Shake the spray bottle to mix the solution.
• Spray this solution on the stain on your carpet and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
• Blot the stained area with a paper towel to remove the stain.

Window Cleaner

Windows gets the brunt of dirt, dust, and grease from the outside air. You can make a window cleaner at home with just a few ingredients.

• Mix a quarter cup of white vinegar, a tablespoon of cornstarch, and a quarter cup of rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle.
• Shake this mixture and add two cups of warm water to dilute it.
• Use this solution to clean glass surfaces, such as mirrors and windows.

PPE For Post-Construction Cleaning

When cleaning a post-construction home, you expose yourself to paint-released fumes, dirt, debris, and harmful materials. Thus, it’s important to wear proper personal protective equipment to minimize the risk of injury. Here are some supplies to get from your local hardware store before you get started:

• Dust masks
• Eye protection
• Rubber gloves
• Rubber-soled shoes
• Long and durable pants and sleeves

If post-construction cleanup was not part of your construction agreement, the contractors would have left broken glass, nails, wood chips, and other sharp objects behind.

When cleaning these items, always wear thick gloves and closed-toe shoes. Do not touch anything with your bare hands, as it could cause serious injury.

Keep the windows open during cleaning for ventilation. You should also wear dust masks to protect your lungs from fumes or dust.

Equipment for Post-Construction Cleaning

A good old mop and broom might do the basic work, but they won’t suffice for extensive cleaning. Here are some tools and equipment you’ll need for cleaning:

• Power washer
• Floor polisher
• Shop vac
• Wet/dry vac
• Carpet cleaner
• Steam cleaner
• Window squeegee
• Scrub brush

Whether you choose to buy or rent these tools will depend on you. Some items, such as a vacuum cleaner and a carpet cleaner, are best bought since you will need them for everyday cleaning and routine maintenance.

If you have a yard or a large outside space, you might also want to invest in a power washer. But if it’s not necessary for long-term use, you can rent it.

Preparing for Cleaning a New Construction Home

Before you start cleaning your new home, it’s important to devise a plan. Which room will you start from? Do you plan to delegate tasks to every family member? Do you have the equipment you need? If not, where do you plan to source it?

Generally, you should start cleaning from the farthest point from your main entry door. The key is to clean in to out and up to down. In this way, you will always move dirt and dust outside the house instead of moving them around and creating a bigger mess.

Here are some tips to prepare for this project:

• Block any openings and vents in the home, such as the HVAC system, to prevent dust from entering.
• If a room is already clean, cover the floor with plastic sheeting and tape it to the floor.
• Remove large materials, such as broken glass, wood chips, and nails, first to create a safe and obstacle-free area to work.
• Wear your safety gear, including a dust mask and gloves.
• Keep all supplies and cleaning solutions close to you.
• Set realistic goals for the cleaning process instead of trying to finish it in one day.

Step-by-Step Process For Cleaning a New Construction Home

Once you’ve got all the supplies, you’re all set to start cleaning. The three main phases are rough cleaning, deep cleaning, and touch-ups.

Rough Cleaning

In the first stage of post-construction cleaning, you remove the major dirt sources, such as dust and debris, from the entire house. Make sure you remove the wood planks, drywall, nails, and other materials so that it’s easier to clean up the smaller dirt and debris.

Here are some other rough cleaning steps:

• Use a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum cleaner to remove dust from the floors, ceilings, and walls.
• Wipe the mirrors, countertops, and windows with a microfiber cloth and DIY or commercial cleaning solution.
• Clean the exterior of all appliances, such as microwaves, ovens, and refrigerators.
• Sweep and mop the floor with a mop and cleaning solution.
• Vacuum the carpets to remove the debris stuck between the fibers.

Deep Cleaning

You can finish rough cleaning in just a day or two and deep clean your house slowly, taking your time to get in every nook and cranny. Here’s how to tackle every part of your home during the deep cleaning.

Kitchens and Bathrooms

Bathrooms and kitchens require special attention when cleaning a new home since this is where most germs and dirt are present.

• Scrub the shower, bathtub, sink, and toilet with a disinfectant cleaner for a thorough clean.
• Clean and wipe the cabinets, countertops, and drawers.
• Sanitize all kitchen appliances such as kettles, ovens, and microwaves.
• Clean the range hood filters and replace them if necessary.

Cabinets, Doors, and Walls

Many homeowners overlook the importance of cleaning the doors, walls, and cabinets in their new homes. But the dirt from these surfaces can transfer to the floor, sending all your cleaning effort to waste. Here’s how to prevent this:

• Remove visible dirt and debris from these surfaces with a soft-bristled brush or a dry cloth.
• Use a cleaning solution and microfiber cloth to wipe the countertops, cabinets, doors, and walls. It’s best to opt for DIY solutions rather than abrasive cleaners, as the latter can damage these surfaces.
• Use a paste of water and baking soda for tough spots. Apply this waste to the area for up to ten minutes and scrub the stain off using a soft-bristled brush.
• Wipe these surfaces with a cloth dipped in clear water after cleaning solution application to remove any remnants of the solutions.
• Use a towel or dry cloth to dry these surfaces, as excessive exposure to moisture can result in mold growth.
• Apply oil or furniture polish to wooden cabinets for wood protection and shine restoration.

Plaster Dust and Drywall

If drywall or plaster dust gets too wet, it might form plaster and damage surfaces in your new home. Here’s how to clean plaster dust without the risk of staining.

• Add a gallon of warm water to two cups of white vinegar to create a cleaning solution.
• Dip a sponge in this solution and wring it out.
• Use this sponge to mop a small area and dry it with a towel immediately.

If there’s too much dust, it might take a few applications to remove the white residue completely.

Light Fixtures

Do not ignore light fixtures since dust and dirt can accumulate here quite quickly, resulting in reduced lighting quality. Turn off the switch before cleaning light fixtures to avoid electrical hazards.

• Use a microfiber cloth or soft-bristled brush to remove visible dirt from the light fixtures.
• If the fixture has hard-to-reach areas, see if you can remove it from the wall or the ceiling to clean it properly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions during this process to prevent damage.
• Wash crystal or glass light fixtures with a sponge dipped in a mixture of dish soap and water. Use a mild cleaning solution and a damp cloth for plastic or metal fixtures.

Carpets and Rugs

You might have vacuumed the rugs and carpets during the rough cleaning step, but that might not be enough if the home was under construction for a long time. New carpets and rugs can accumulate dirt quite quickly, making it important to deep clean these items. Here are some ways to clean your carpets and rugs.

• Following vacuuming, take the rugs and carpets outside and hang them on a sturdy railing or a clothesline. Now, beat them using a carpet beater or a broom to remove dust.
• Use the DIY carpet cleaning solution mentioned earlier for spot cleaning. Apply it to areas with stains and spots, let it sit for a few minutes, and blot the stain with a clean cloth or a paper towel.
• Hire a steam cleaning service to remove odors, dirt, and dust from the carpets. If it fits your budget, you can also buy a steam cleaner for routine cleaning.
• If washed or steam cleaned, dry the carpets thoroughly before putting them in your home to prevent mold and mildew growth.

Touch-Ups

By now, your home should be in pristine condition. If not, you can go in with some touch-ups to remove fingerprints or smudges created during the deep cleaning. A damp microfiber cloth and a glass cleaner should do the job.

If there are any scratches or dents in the walls, you can use a spackle and a putty knife to repair them. Sand the area after the spackle application and wipe off any dust particles before painting.

Is It Safe to Clean a New Construction Home Yourself?

Many homeowners think they can take on the cleaning process themselves, but it’s not entirely safe. Here’s why.

• Hazardous Materials: New construction homes often have hazardous materials, such as chemicals from insulation, adhesives, and paint. Exposure to these materials poses health risks, especially to people with respiratory issues.
• Structural Hazards: With loose nails and exposed wiring, there is a risk of injury from falling debris.
• Electrical Hazards: If you’re not careful, you might expose yourself to open wires or faulty wiring, which can lead to electrocution.

Besides these hazards, post construction cleaning a new construction home can be time-consuming and overwhelming. Even worse, you might not know which cleaning products or tools to use for specific areas or types of stains.

Cleaning a new home yourself is also costly. For one, you’ll have to rent tools and equipment, such as a shop vac, steam cleaner, or power washer. Secondly, you’ll have to purchase the necessary cleaning products – a cost that can add up over time.

Why Hire a Professional?

Hiring a professional to clean a new construction home is often safer and more cost-effective than taking the DIY route. Some benefits of hiring pros for post construction cleaning a new construction home include the following.

Equipment

Since professional companies frequently provide cleaning services for new construction homes, they have the equipment, tools, and cleaning solutions required for a thorough job. That means you won’t have to spend money on renting or buying any professional equipment.

Safety

Safety should be your utmost priority during cleaning because the last thing you want is someone getting sick or injured on the joyous occasion of your new home’s completion. Professional cleaning services know the hazards of post-construction cleaning and prepare accordingly.

The cleaning team will wear PPE to protect themselves, use safe and effective cleaning solutions, and take necessary precautions to keep your home safe.

Time savings

You shouldn’t have to spend a week cleaning your home before you can resume your normal life. Since professionals know the ins and outs of post-construction cleaning, they can finish the job in a fraction of the time that it would take you. Plus, they do a much better job since they know where to clean and how to clean it.

How to Choose the Right Professionals for Cleaning a New Construction Home?

When selecting a cleaning company for post-construction cleaning, it’s important to consider the following factors.

• Reputation: Does the company have a good track record in your area? For example, at Sunlight Cleaning NY, we have provided cleaning services for new construction homes to NYC residents for years, creating a name for us backed by satisfied customers. You can read what our customers have to say about us here.
• Services Offered: You must choose a company that offers many cleaning services so you do not have to hire multiple professionals. Sunlight Cleaning NY professionals can do everything from a basic cleanup to carpet cleaning, pressure washing, and floor polishing.
• Insurance: Before you hire a company, make sure they have adequate insurance coverage to protect their workers and your property. When you contact us at Sunlight Cleaning NY, we are more than delighted to share our proof of liability insurance details to give you the peace of mind you deserve.
• Equipment and Supplies: Does the company have the necessary equipment to ensure a satisfactory cleanup job? At Sunlight Cleaning NY, we do.

Besides these basic factors, you should also check for availability. For instance, if you want to move into your new home before a certain date, ask your shortlisted companies if they are available during those dates. Call us at 212-920-5966, and one of our representatives will assist you with queries and pricing.

What Is the Cost/Pay for Cleaning a New Construction Home?

The cost of cleaning a new construction home in NYC can vary depending on the cleaning service provider and the extent of cleaning required. However, based on the average rates for post-construction cleanup, one can expect to spend anywhere between $375 to $1000 for a residential job. For large commercial properties, the cost can be higher. Specific to NYC, the rates can be slightly higher than the national average due to the city’s higher labor and living costs. It is recommended to get quotes from several cleaning service providers to compare rates and services.

Many homeowners are reluctant to hire professionals to clean a new construction home because they think it will break the bank. But overpriced services should be the last of your concerns when you hire Sunlight Cleaning, NY.

Our hourly rates start from just $60 per hour per 1 cleaner for a 1000 sq. ft space. Since we bring our cleaning supplies along, you don’t have to provide us with anything. Our post-renovation cleaning services start at $60 per hour, and we spend a minimum of four hours cleaning your home per this package.

Check out our pricing page to learn more, or call us for a quote for your space.

The Takeaway 

It’s imperative to clean a new home after construction to give it a fresh start and to keep your family safe and healthy. Doing this yourself can be daunting, unsafe, expensive, and tiring. 

Instead, you should opt for a professional with relevant post-construction cleaning expertise. Sunlight Cleaning NY meets the requirements of new homeowners who want a quick, budget-friendly, and high-quality cleanup. 

Book us by filling out the form on our website or call us at 212-920-5966 for more information.