CONTACT US: 020 7870 1746
London's #1 End of Tenancy Specialists
EMAIL US: customer.support@scrubscleaning.co.uk
How to Clean Your Home After Building or Refurbishing
Home renovations and refurbishments can completely transform your property — but once the builders leave, a real challenge begins: the after-build clean. Fine dust, plaster residue, and debris settle on every surface, leaving your new space looking dull and unfinished. Whether you’ve updated a single room or completed a full-scale renovation, a post-construction clean is essential before you can truly enjoy your home.
At Scrubs Cleaning Service, we understand how stressful and messy the aftermath of construction can be. Our after builders cleaning London teams handle everything from plaster dust to paint splatters, using safe methods to restore your home to pristine condition. But if you’d prefer to tackle the job yourself, here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to clean your home after building or refurbishing.
1. Plan Your Cleaning Strategy
After a refurbishment, it’s important not to rush into cleaning straight away. Dust particles from building materials take time to settle, so it’s best to wait 24–48 hours before starting. During this time, open windows where possible to help ventilate and clear the air.
Before diving in, plan your cleaning strategy:
- Walk through each room to identify the dirtiest areas.
- Make a checklist, moving systematically from ceilings down to floors.
- Check cupboards, radiators, light fittings, and corners — builders’ dust hides everywhere.
A little preparation helps prevent wasted effort and ensures every area gets attention. Taking time to plan your cleaning after renovation helps prevent spreading dust and ensures a better final finish.
2. Gather the Right Tools and Cleaning Products
Standard household tools often aren’t enough for a true after builders clean. You’ll need equipment designed for heavy-duty dust and debris removal:
- HEPA vacuum cleaner – essential for trapping fine dust particles safely.
- Microfibre cloths and mops – attract dust rather than spreading it.
- Buckets, mild detergent, and warm water for surface cleaning.
- Scrapers and blades for removing paint splatters or plaster.
- Protective gear like gloves, masks, and goggles.
- Safe and effective cleaning products – to ensure your new space is safe for your family and pets.
At Scrubs Cleaning Service, we use only non-toxic, environmentally friendly products and HEPA-filtered vacuums, ensuring your home is spotless and safe. Reducing exposure to harsh chemicals in domestic cleaning helps maintain better indoor air quality.
3. Clear Out Remaining Construction Debris
Start by removing all leftover materials: wood scraps, plastic wrapping, nails, and paint tins. Wear gloves to avoid injury. Once large debris is gone, sweep or vacuum the area to remove loose dirt.
This first stage lays the groundwork for the deep clean to follow and helps you assess what surfaces need extra attention. Debris removal is the most overlooked but vital first step in post-construction cleaning.
4. Clean from Top to Bottom
A successful post renovation cleaning always follows a top-to-bottom approach. Dust naturally falls as you clean, so tackling ceilings and high fixtures first prevents recontamination.
Ceilings and Walls
Use a long-handled duster or vacuum attachment to remove cobwebs and fine dust. Gently wipe walls with a damp cloth to remove paint marks or plaster. Don’t forget vents, smoke detectors, and light fixtures — these collect dust easily.
Windows and Frames
Windows take the brunt of construction dirt. Clean glass with a streak-free cleaner or vinegar solution. Remove any paint flecks with a scraper. Wipe sills, frames, and window tracks thoroughly.
5. Deep Clean All Surfaces and Fixtures
Once the upper areas are done, focus on the details — doors, handles, switches, and skirting boards.
Kitchen
The kitchen often suffers most from building dust.
- Wipe inside and outside of cupboards, drawers, and appliances.
- Clean countertops and backsplash tiles using an all-purpose cleaner.
- Degrease extractor fans and polish stainless-steel surfaces.
Bathroom
Bathrooms require extra care due to grout, silicone, and dust:
- Clean tiles, taps, and shower screens using a descaler or eco bathroom cleaner.
- Polish mirrors and chrome fixtures.
- Check behind toilets and basins for hidden plaster dust.
Living Areas & Bedrooms
- Dust and polish furniture, shelves, skirting boards, and sockets.
- Vacuum curtains, blinds, and upholstery — they trap fine dust particles.
- Wipe down radiators and air vents thoroughly.
Consistent use of microfibre cloths in domestic cleaning reduces airborne dust and allergens by up to 30%.
6. Focus on the Floors
The final and most rewarding step in any after builders cleaning London job is the flooring.
- Hard Floors: Vacuum first, then mop with a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid soaking wooden floors — too much water can cause damage.
- Carpets and Rugs: Builders’ dust settles deep into fibres. Vacuum slowly several times, then consider booking a professional carpet steam cleaning. Hot water extraction removes deeply embedded dirt and allergens, leaving carpets fresh and sanitised.
Regular professional steam cleaning not only extends carpet life but also improves indoor air quality.
7. Ventilate and Purify the Air
Even after a thorough clean, microscopic dust can remain in the air.
To improve air quality:
- Open windows and doors for several hours.
- Use air purifiers with HEPA filters.
- Place bowls of baking soda or vinegar in rooms to absorb odours.
At Scrubs Cleaning Service, we also recommend replacing air conditioning or HVAC filters after renovation, as they can easily become clogged with dust.
Proper ventilation is one of the most effective ways to reduce household pollutants after construction work.
8. Don’t Forget Hidden Areas
Builders’ dust has a knack for settling in hard-to-see places. Once you’ve cleaned the main surfaces, double-check:
- Inside cupboards, drawers, and wardrobes.
- Behind furniture and under beds.
- On top of door frames, cabinets, and appliances.
- Inside vents and extractor fans.
Paying attention to these areas ensures your clean lasts longer and keeps allergens at bay.
9. When to Hire Professional After Builders Cleaners
If your renovation was extensive, hiring professional cleaners is often the best solution. After-build cleaning can be time-consuming, and standard household tools can’t always remove the fine dust that lingers in the air and on surfaces.
A professional after builders cleaning service like Scrubs Cleaning Service offers:
- Trained cleaning technicians with safety experience.
- Industrial-grade equipment (HEPA vacuums, steam cleaners).
- Cleaning methods safe for children and pets.
- Fast turnaround — we restore properties to a move-in ready condition in hours, not days.
Homeowners across London choose Scrubs Cleaning Service because we deliver reliable, high-quality results with minimal disruption. Whether it’s a small refurb or a full property renovation, we handle everything from plaster removal to final polish.
10. Add the Finishing Touches
After the cleaning, it’s time to make your home feel like home again.
- Replace furniture and décor, wiping each piece before placing it.
- Wash all fabrics — bedding, cushions, and curtains — to remove dust.
- Polish mirrors, glass tables, and chrome fittings for that extra sparkle.
- Add candles or diffusers to create a fresh, inviting scent.
Seeing your renovated space finally spotless and organised is one of the most rewarding parts of the refurbishment journey.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your home after building or refurbishing can be physically demanding, but it’s the final step in transforming your house into a home. A detailed after builders clean ensures that every surface, corner, and crevice is spotless, safe, and ready to enjoy.
If you’d rather skip the stress and let professionals handle it, Scrubs Cleaning Service offers expert after builders cleaning in London using safe products and cutting-edge equipment. Our goal is simple — to leave your home fresh, healthy, and sparkling clean.