In last week’s post we covered the importance of post-construction cleanup and the detailed cleaning tasks that need to be completed before a new, or newly renovated space is truly ready to open its doors.
This week we have broken down those tasks into three phases, the rough clean, the deep clean, and the final clean. Understanding the details of new construction cleanup will help you tackle this job and ensure that your post-renovation cleaning is effective and thorough.
Phase 1: The Rough Clean
The first phase of post construction cleanup includes removing all of the construction debris, trash, dust, and leftover materials.
Surfaces much as cabinets, countertops, and floors are swept or vacuumed, are wiped downed, receive initial dusting, and are wet-mopped.
Adhesives, stickers, and masking materials are removed from doors, windows, and furniture, but the surfaces are not yet cleaned.
Defects on surfaces are identified so they may be remediated by the construction company. This would include cracks, chips or scratches in floor material, walls, and trim.
Phase 2: The Detail (Deep) Clean
This stage of the cleaning process is the longest and begins by repeating a more detailed cleaning of the items and areas from the first stage.
The deep clean requires the most work and is best done with the use of specialized tools and equipment. This deep clean phase should include the whole facility from top to bottom, and even areas that are not visible.
The cleaning crew will focus on areas such as restrooms, kitchens, meeting rooms, and other specialized rooms. Special attention is given to areas with stickers and labels that have been removed and left a sticky residue.
This phase also includes a detailed cleaning of interior surfaces and installed items such as air ducts, cabinets, sinks, toilets, windows, baseboards, and floors is a must.
Using the right tools like microfiber towels and rags, and neutral cleaners in the final cleaning will ensure the building is ready to be occupied without lingering residue from any cleaning substances.
Cleaning solutions should be carefully selected to avoid damaging the surfaces that are being cleaned.
Because of the scope and detail of this phase, many companies prefer to hire a commercial cleaning service.
Phase 3: Touch-Up Cleaning
Even after a good final clean there is still a bit of touch-up that needs to be done to make the new workspace picture perfect. Touch-up cleaning, or the final clean, is the last phase.
In the days following the detail (deep) clean, you can expect that more dust and dirt will settle, and smudges and fingerprints may still be visible.
This last phase gives the cleaning crew time to pay close attention to the final clearing of dust and of remaining cosmetic imperfections.
The final phase does not take long because it is just spot check that includes touching up smudges, fingerprints, and other imperfections from the areas that were cleaned in the earlier phases.
The Importance of Professional Cleaners
Post-construction cleaning needs full-time attention and may take a few days to be finished. There are many benefits to using a professional commercial cleaning company to complete your post-construction cleaning.
Not only will you benefit from their experienced cleaning knowledge, they also have the tools and equipment to complete the job efficiently and effectively.
Professional commercial cleaners are familiar with not only the visible details, but with the hidden sections of the building that most people may overlook like HVAC systems.
A quick note about HVAC system cleanliness: It is extremely important that air ducts be properly cleaned as dirt and silica dust left in these areas can pose a threat to the health and safety of those in the building. This can endanger the occupants’ health down the road by causing them to breathe in harmful substances such as chemical residue and silica dust.
From rusty nails to allergy-causing dust, professional cleaners have years of experience giving them the right skills and tools to complete the final step of your construction or renovation project.
Sources
- What are the Phases of Post-Construction Cleaning (com)