Complete Post-Construction Cleaning Checklist for Homeowners

How to Use This Checklist

Understanding the System

Checklist Organization:

Three-Phase Approach:

Phase 1: Rough Clean (Remove debris and heavy dust)

• Large material removal
• Initial dust removal
• Sticker and protection removal
• Heavy contamination cleanup
• Time: 4-8 hours for average home

Phase 2: Detail Clean (Deep clean all surfaces)

• Comprehensive dust removal
• Surface-by-surface detailing
• Cabinet and fixture cleaning
• Floor deep cleaning
• Time: 8-16 hours for average home

Phase 3: Final Touch-Up (Perfect the details)

• Second-pass dust removal (dust settles after Phase 2)
• Streak removal
• Quality inspection
• Address any missed areas
• Time: 2-4 hours for average home

Total Time Investment:

• DIY: 14-28 hours for 2,000 sq ft home
• Professional: 1-3 days with crew

Timing and Order of Operations

When to Start:

• Wait 3-7 days after construction completion
• Paint must be adequately cured (see paint type)
• All trades must be completely finished
• No additional work should be scheduled

Proper Sequence:

1. HVAC system attention FIRST (prevents re-contamination)
2. Top to bottom (ceilings → walls → floors)
3. Inside to outside (interior first, exterior last)
4. Dry then damp (vacuum before wiping)
5. Room by room (complete one room before moving to next)

Critical: Do NOT clean floors first!Dust from ceiling and wall cleaning will dirty floors, requiring re-cleaning.

DIY vs. Professional Cleaning Decision

Use This Checklist To:

If DIY:

• Follow step-by-step
• Check off completed items
• Track your progress
• Identify areas needing re-cleaning
• Verify comprehensive coverage

If Hiring Professionals:

• Provide to cleaning company as scope of work
• Use for quality inspection after service
• Verify nothing was missed
• Document areas needing attention

If Mixed Approach:

• Mark which items you'll do vs. professional
• Coordinate timing
• Use to verify both DIY and professional work

Pre-Cleaning Preparation

Safety Equipment and Supplies

Essential Safety Gear:

✓ Respiratory Protection:

• N95 masks minimum (construction dust)
• NIOSH approved
• Proper fit (no gaps)
• Replace when breathing difficult

✓ Eye Protection:

• Safety glasses or goggles
• Protect from airborne dust
• Essential for ceiling/overhead work

✓ Hand Protection:

• Nitrile or latex gloves
• Heavy-duty for rough clean
• Separate gloves for different products

✓ Appropriate Clothing:

• Long sleeves and pants
• Clothes you don't mind ruining
• Closed-toe shoes
• Hair covering for dusty work

Supplies and Equipment Needed

Cleaning Supplies Checklist:

Essential Equipment:

• HEPA-filtered vacuum with attachments
• Extension poles for high surfaces
• Step ladder (6-8 foot)
• Bucket and wringer (2 buckets ideal)
• Spray bottles (multiple)
• Drop cloths
• Trash bags (heavy-duty, many)

Cleaning Materials:

• Microfiber cloths (24+ for whole home)
• Sponges (various grits)
• Soft brushes (various sizes)
• Squeegee for windows
• Mop and mop heads
• Broom and dustpan

Cleaning Products:

• pH-neutral all-purpose cleaner
• Glass cleaner (Low-E safe)
• Degreaser (kitchen)
• Bathroom cleaner
• Floor cleaner (appropriate to floor type)
• Sticker/adhesive remover
• Distilled water (Phoenix hard water!)
• HVAC filters (MERV 11+)

Phoenix-Specific:

• Hard water stain remover (CLR)
• Extra filters (will need frequent changes)
• Distilled/filtered water for final rinses

Area Preparation

Before You Begin:

Protect Cleaned Areas:

1. Establish clean zone and dirty zone
2. Use drop cloths to protect finished areas
3. Create pathway for debris removal
4. Keep cleaning supplies organized
5. Don't walk through cleaned areas with dirty shoes

Lighting:

• Open blinds for natural light
• Turn on all lights
• Use work lights for dark areas
• Good lighting reveals dust you'd otherwise miss

Ventilation:

• Open windows if weather permits
• Use fans to create airflow
• Position fans to exhaust dust outside
• Don't blow dust from dirty to clean areas

Phase 1: Rough Clean Checklist

Remove Large Debris and Materials

Throughout Entire Home:

✓ Construction Debris:

• Remove all lumber scraps
• Remove drywall pieces
• Collect and dispose of all nails, screws, staples
• Remove all packaging materials
• Collect all protective materials (plastic sheeting, tape)
• Remove drop cloths and paint tarps
• Dispose of all construction trash

✓ Tools and Equipment:

• Verify all contractor tools removed
• Check closets and cabinets for left items
• Check garage for forgotten materials
• Verify attic/crawlspace clear
• Check exterior for equipment

Estimated Time: 2-4 hoursDisposal: Rent dumpster or schedule bulk pickup

Remove Stickers, Labels, and Protective Films

Every Room:

✓ Windows:

• Remove manufacturer stickers from glass
• Remove energy rating labels
• Remove installation tape
• Remove protective film from frames
• Remove any temporary protection

✓ Appliances:

• Remove all exterior stickers and labels
• Remove control panel protection
• Remove interior stickers
• Remove shipping brackets/materials
• Remove blue protective film from stainless steel

✓ Fixtures:

• Remove stickers from light fixtures
• Remove labels from plumbing fixtures
• Remove protection from door hardware
• Remove cabinet hardware stickers
• Remove thermostat protection

✓ Doors and Trim:

• Remove door manufacturer labels
• Remove hinge stickers
• Remove tape residue
• Check door frames for labels

Method: Use warm water soak first, then adhesive remover if neededEstimated Time: 2-3 hours for average home

Initial Dust Removal

Entire Home - Top to Bottom:

✓ Ceilings:

• Vacuum all ceiling surfaces with soft brush
• Pay special attention to textured ceilings
• Vacuum ceiling fans (don't wipe yet)
• Vacuum light fixtures (exterior only for now)
• Vacuum crown molding

✓ Walls:

• Vacuum all wall surfaces top to bottom
• Use soft brush attachment
• Get corners and edges
• Vacuum electrical plates
• Vacuum around windows and doors

✓ Floors:

• Sweep or vacuum all floors
• Remove large debris first
• Don't wet mop yet (more dust will fall)
• Check closet floors
• Sweep garage

✓ HVAC Vents:

• Remove all vent covers
• Vacuum inside visible ductwork
• Vacuum around vent openings
• Don't replace covers yet (will clean them)

Method: HEPA vacuum only, no damp wiping yetEstimated Time: 4-6 hours for average homeResult: 60-70% of visible dust removed

Phase 2: Detail Clean - Kitchen Checklist

Kitchen Cabinets

Upper and Lower Cabinets:

✓ Exterior:

• Wipe cabinet faces top to bottom
• Clean cabinet sides
• Detail around hardware
• Clean toe kicks
• Wipe cabinet tops (if not to ceiling)
• Remove any construction marks

✓ Interior:

• Vacuum shelves thoroughly
• Wipe all shelf surfaces
• Clean corners and edges
• Wipe cabinet sides interior
• Clean bottom of cabinets
• Wipe inside of doors

✓ Hardware:

• Clean/polish all knobs
• Clean/polish all pulls
• Wipe hinges
• Check operation and tighten if needed

Method:

• Vacuum first, then damp wipe
• Use pH-neutral cleaner
• Dry immediately (especially wood)

Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

Kitchen Countertops and Backsplash

✓ Countertops:

• Remove all construction debris
• Clean with appropriate cleaner for material:
  • Granite/quartz: pH-neutral only
  • Laminate: mild all-purpose
  • Butcher block: wood cleaner
• Clean along backsplash edge
• Detail around sink cutout
• Clean under overhang edges
• Dry thoroughly

✓ Backsplash:

• Remove grout haze (if tile)
• Clean with appropriate cleaner
• Detail grout lines
• Clean around outlets
• Polish if stone
• Ensure no construction residue

✓ Edges and Seams:

• Clean seams carefully
• Remove any caulk residue
• Check edge polish

Estimated Time: 1-2 hours

Kitchen Appliances

✓ Refrigerator:

• Remove all packaging
• Clean exterior (front, sides, top)
• Polish stainless if applicable
• Clean interior shelves and drawers
• Wipe interior walls
• Clean door gasket
• Clean drip tray if accessible
• Verify operation

✓ Range/Cooktop:

• Remove packaging and protection
• Clean cooktop surface
• Clean around burners/elements
• Clean knobs and controls
• Clean front and sides
• Polish stainless if applicable
• Verify operation

✓ Oven:

• Remove interior packaging
• Wipe interior (may have manufacturing residue)
• Clean racks
• Clean exterior
• Clean/polish door
• Clean control panel
• Verify operation

✓ Dishwasher:

• Remove interior packaging/stickers
• Wipe exterior
• Clean control panel
• Wipe interior and racks
• Check for shipping brackets
• Run empty cycle with cleaner
• Verify operation

✓ Microwave:

• Remove all packaging
• Clean interior
• Clean turntable
• Clean exterior
• Clean control panel
• Verify operation

✓ Range Hood:

• Remove shipping materials
• Clean exterior
• Clean underside
• Wipe interior if accessible
• Clean fan cover
• Install filters if removable
• Verify operation

Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

Kitchen Sink and Plumbing

✓ Sink:

• Remove all stickers and labels
• Clean bowl(s) thoroughly
• Clean/polish drain areas
• Polish sink if stainless
• Remove any water spots (Phoenix!)
• Clean overflow opening
• Check for construction debris in drain

✓ Faucet:

• Remove all stickers and protection
• Polish finish
• Clean aerator (may have construction debris)
• Check spray head if applicable
• Clean around base
• Remove hard water deposits

✓ Under Sink:

• Vacuum cabinet interior
• Wipe cabinet surfaces
• Check for construction debris
• Verify plumbing connections clean
• Check for leaks

✓ Garbage Disposal (if installed):

• Remove shipping insert (critical!)
• Clean exterior
• Run with ice and water to clean interior
• Verify operation

Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes

Kitchen Flooring

✓ Floor Cleaning (Kitchen-Specific):

• Vacuum/sweep thoroughly
• Get under toe kicks
• Clean around appliances
• Address any construction residue
• Mop with appropriate cleaner:
  • Tile: appropriate tile cleaner
  • Wood: wood floor cleaner
  • Vinyl/laminate: manufacturer recommended
• Clean grout if tile
• Remove any grout haze
• Dry thoroughly

✓ Baseboards:

• Vacuum first
• Wipe with damp cloth
• Remove caulk residue
• Get corners and edges
• Dry thoroughly

Estimated Time: 1-2 hours

Phase 2: Detail Clean - Bathroom Checklist

Bathroom Vanity and Sink

✓ Vanity Cabinet:

• Clean exterior (all sides)
• Clean interior shelves/drawers
• Clean hardware
• Detail around plumbing
• Clean toe kick
• Wipe cabinet top if separate from counter

✓ Countertop:

• Clean with appropriate product for material
• Detail around sink cutout
• Clean backsplash if present
• Remove hard water stains
• Polish if stone

✓ Sink:

• Remove all stickers/labels
• Clean bowl thoroughly
• Polish drain area
• Clean overflow
• Remove hard water deposits (Phoenix!)
• Check drain for construction debris

✓ Faucet:

• Remove protection and stickers
• Polish finish
• Clean aerator
• Detail around base
• Remove hard water deposits
• Clean pop-up drain mechanism

✓ Mirror/Medicine Cabinet:

• Remove stickers and protection
• Clean mirror thoroughly
• Clean frame/edges
• Clean medicine cabinet interior if applicable
• Clean shelves
• Polish hardware

Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes per bathroom

Bathroom Toilet

✓ Toilet Cleaning:

• Remove all stickers/labels
• Clean bowl interior thoroughly
• Clean under rim
• Clean bowl exterior
• Clean tank exterior
• Detail around base
• Clean seat (top and bottom)
• Polish seat hardware
• Clean tank bolts/caps
• Check for construction debris in bowl/tank

✓ Behind/Around Toilet:

• Clean wall behind toilet
• Clean floor around toilet
• Detail caulk line
• Clean water supply line

Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes per toilet

Shower and Tub

✓ Tub/Shower:

• Remove all stickers and protection
• Clean tub/shower base thoroughly
• Remove grout haze from tile
• Clean tile walls completely
• Detail grout lines
• Clean corners and edges
• Remove caulk residue
• Check for construction debris in drain

✓ Fixtures:

• Remove protection from fixtures
• Polish showerhead
• Clean tub spout
• Polish all valve handles
• Clean tub overflow
• Remove hard water deposits

✓ Enclosures:

• Clean glass shower doors/panels
• Clean door tracks
• Detail around metal framing
• Polish hardware
• Remove protective film from glass
• Clean shower curtain rod if installed

✓ Walls:

• Clean tile to ceiling
• Remove grout haze completely
• Clean grout lines
• Detail around fixtures
• Clean any niches or shelves

Estimated Time: 1-2 hours per bathroom (depending on size)

Bathroom Flooring and Accessories

✓ Flooring:

• Vacuum thoroughly
• Clean with appropriate floor cleaner
• Remove grout haze if tile
• Detail grout lines
• Clean around toilet base
• Clean under vanity toe kick
• Dry completely

✓ Baseboards:

• Vacuum first
• Wipe clean
• Remove caulk residue
• Detail corners

✓ Ventilation:

• Clean fan grill
• Vacuum fan if accessible
• Verify operation
• Clean around fan housing

✓ Accessories:

• Clean toilet paper holder
• Clean towel bars/rings
• Clean robe hooks
• Clean any shelving
• Remove stickers from accessories

Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes per bathroom

Phase 2: Detail Clean - Living Areas Checklist

Living Room, Bedrooms, Hallways

✓ Walls:

• Vacuum walls top to bottom
• Spot-clean any marks (gentle on fresh paint)
• Clean around electrical outlets/switches
• Detail corners and edges
• Check for missed drywall dust

✓ Ceilings:

• Vacuum entire ceiling
• Pay attention to textured areas
• Clean around light fixtures
• Detail crown molding if present
• Check for cobwebs

✓ Baseboards and Trim:

• Vacuum all baseboards
• Wipe with damp cloth
• Remove caulk residue
• Detail shoe molding if present
• Clean door trim
• Clean window trim

✓ Doors:

• Clean door fronts and backs
• Clean door edges (often forgotten)
• Clean around door hardware
• Polish hardware
• Clean door frames
• Detail hinges
• Clean door stops

✓ Closets:

• Vacuum floors
• Vacuum/wipe walls
• Clean shelving (top and bottom)
• Clean closet rods
• Clean door interior
• Detail corners

Estimated Time: 1-2 hours per room

Windows and Window Treatments

✓ Windows (Interior):

• Remove all stickers and labels
• Clean glass (see Window Cleaning guide)
• Clean window frames
• Detail window tracks
• Clean window sills
• Remove hard water stains (Phoenix!)
• Clean between glass and frame edges

✓ Window Treatments:

• Remove packaging from blinds/shades
• Dust blinds thoroughly
• Wipe blind cords
• Clean hardware
• Verify operation
• Clean curtain rods if installed

Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes per window

Lighting Fixtures

✓ All Light Fixtures:

• Remove packaging and protection
• Turn off power at breaker
• Remove fixture covers/globes
• Clean globes/shades thoroughly
• Vacuum/wipe fixture interior
• Clean bulbs (or replace if construction dusty)
• Clean fixture housing
• Clean mounting plate
• Reinstall globes
• Verify operation

✓ Ceiling Fans:

• Remove packaging and protection
• Clean fan blades (top and bottom)
• Clean motor housing
• Clean light kit if present
• Clean pull chains
• Verify operation (all speeds and light)

✓ Recessed Lighting:

• Clean trim rings
• Vacuum inside housing if accessible
• Clean bulbs or replace
• Verify operation

Estimated Time: 15-20 minutes per fixture

Flooring (Living Areas)

✓ Carpet:

• Vacuum thoroughly (HEPA vacuum)
• Vacuum multiple times (dust continues settling)
• Get edges and corners
• Vacuum closets
• Consider professional steam cleaning
• Check for construction debris

✓ Hardwood/Laminate:

• Vacuum or sweep thoroughly
• Damp mop with wood floor cleaner
• Detail edges and corners
• Clean between boards
• Dry immediately
• Check for scratches or damage

✓ Tile:

• Vacuum thoroughly
• Mop with appropriate cleaner
• Clean grout lines
• Remove grout haze
• Detail corners and edges
• Dry thoroughly

✓ For All Floor Types:

• Get under radiators/vents
• Clean around door frames
• Detail transitions
• Remove baseboards dust after floor cleaning

Estimated Time: 1-2 hours per room depending on size

Phase 2: Detail Clean - HVAC and Air Quality

HVAC System Cleaning

✓ Air Handler/Furnace:

• Turn off system at breaker
• Remove access panel
• Vacuum interior if accessible
• Check for construction debris
• Replace filter (high MERV 11+)
• Clean around unit exterior
• Vacuum around unit
• Verify proper reassembly

✓ Registers and Vents:

• Remove all vent covers (already removed in Phase 1)
• Wash covers thoroughly:
  • Soak in warm soapy water
  • Scrub with soft brush
  • Rinse completely
  • Dry thoroughly
• Vacuum visible ductwork at each vent
• Wipe duct openings
• Clean wall/ceiling around vent
• Reinstall clean covers

✓ Return Air Vents:

• Pay special attention (largest dust source)
• Vacuum deep into return duct
• Clean filter housing area
• Wipe interior surfaces
• Clean grille thoroughly

✓ Thermostat:

• Remove protective film/stickers
• Wipe exterior gently
• Clean around edges
• Verify operation

CRITICAL NOTE: This addresses accessible HVAC components only. For projects with heavy drywall dust, professional duct cleaning is highly recommended and should be scheduled as part of Phase 2.

Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

Additional Air Quality Measures

✓ Filter Strategy:

• Install MERV 11+ filter after cleaning
• Buy several replacement filters
• Plan to check filter every 2-3 days initially
• Replace weekly for first month
• Gradually extend to normal schedule

✓ Air Circulation:

• Run HVAC fan continuously for 48 hours
• Use portable air purifiers (HEPA) if available
• Open windows periodically for fresh air
• Create cross-ventilation when possible

Estimated Time: Minimal (monitoring ongoing)

Phase 2: Detail Clean - Garage and Exterior

Garage Interior

✓ Garage Cleaning:

• Remove all construction debris
• Sweep floor thoroughly
• Remove any paint spills
• Clean walls of dust
• Vacuum or wipe baseboards
• Clean windows if present
• Clean garage door interior
• Clean door to house

✓ Garage Systems:

• Clean water heater exterior
• Vacuum around water heater
• Clean electrical panel exterior
• Verify 36" clearance maintained
• Clean any cabinets or storage

Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

Exterior Cleaning

✓ Entry Areas:

• Sweep front porch
• Clean entry door exterior
• Clean door hardware
• Wipe light fixtures
• Clean doorbell
• Sweep walkway

✓ Windows Exterior:

• Clean all window glass exterior
• Clean window frames outside
• Wipe exterior sills
• Remove construction residue

✓ Yard and Site:

• Remove all construction debris
• Rake any disturbed areas
• Verify driveway swept
• Clean up any concrete splatter
• Check for nails/screws in yard/driveway

Estimated Time: 2-4 hours depending on property size

Phase 3: Final Touch-Up Checklist

Second-Pass Dust Removal

Why This Is Necessary:After Phase 2 cleaning, dust you disturbed continues settling for 24-48 hours. A final pass catches this settled dust.

✓ Light Final Cleaning:

• Light dusting of all horizontal surfaces
• Quick wipe of countertops
• Sweep/vacuum floors again lightly
• Wipe window sills
• Check tops of cabinets
• Wipe door frames

Method: Quick pass, not deep cleanEstimated Time: 1-2 hours

Quality Inspection

✓ Room-by-Room Walkthrough:

• Check each room against checklist
• Look at surfaces from multiple angles
• Check in good lighting
• Open cabinets and closets
• Look up at ceilings
• Check corners and edges
• Verify all fixtures functional

✓ Common Missed Areas:

• Top of door frames
• Crown molding tops
• Light fixture interiors
• Behind toilet
• Under vanity toe kicks
• Window tracks
• Closet corners
• Garage details

✓ Final Verification:

• Run hand across surfaces (feel for dust)
• Check floors for dust in sunlight
• Smell for cleanliness
• Turn on all lights (verify bulbs work)
• Run all faucets (check drains clear)
• Flush toilets
• Run all appliances briefly

Estimated Time: 1-2 hours

Address Any Missed Items

✓ Touch-Up Cleaning:

• Re-clean any areas not satisfactory
• Address streaks on windows
• Re-wipe surfaces with visible dust
• Spot-clean any marks
• Final vacuum of any areas needed

✓ Documentation:

• Take photos of cleaned home (before/after)
• Note any issues discovered
• Save receipts for cleaning supplies
• Keep professional cleaning records if used

Estimated Time: Variable based on findings

Phoenix-Specific Additions

Desert Dust Prevention

✓ Exterior Measures:

• Ensure all windows and doors seal properly
• Check weatherstripping
• Verify screen installation
• Check for gaps around doors
• Consider door sweeps

✓ Interior Measures:

• Install high-MERV filters
• Consider whole-house air purifier
• Seal ductwork if accessible
• Regular filter changes (more frequent than other climates)

Hard Water Protection

✓ Immediate Actions:

• Address all hard water spots immediately
• Use distilled water for final rinses
• Dry all water fixtures thoroughly
• Apply protective treatments if desired (consult manufacturer)

✓ Ongoing:

• Consider whole-house water softener
• Use filtered water for cleaning
• Dry fixtures after use
• Regular descaling of fixtures

Monsoon Season Preparation

✓ If Moving In During Monsoon:

• Extra attention to windows and seals
• Check drainage around home
• Clean gutters if installed
• Verify proper grading
• Have plan for dust storm cleanup

Printable Quick Reference Checklist

Master Checklist Summary

□ Phase 1: Rough Clean (4-8 hours)

• Remove debris and large materials
• Remove stickers and protective films
• Initial dust removal (vacuum only)
• Remove vent covers

□ Phase 2: Detail Clean (12-20 hours)

Kitchen:

• Cabinets interior/exterior
• Countertops and backsplash
• All appliances
• Sink and plumbing
• Flooring

Bathrooms:

• Vanity and sink
• Toilet
• Shower/tub
• Fixtures and hardware
• Flooring

Living Areas:

• Walls and ceilings
• Windows
• Doors and trim
• Closets
• Light fixtures
• Baseboards
• Flooring

HVAC:

• Vents and registers
• Filter replacement
• System area cleaning

Garage/Exterior:

• Garage cleaning
• Exterior entry
• Windows exterior
• Site cleanup

□ Phase 3: Final Touch-Up (2-4 hours)

• Second-pass dust removal
• Quality inspection
• Address missed items
• Final verification

Total Estimated Time:

• DIY: 18-32 hours
• Professional: 1-3 days with crew

When to Schedule Professional Help

Consider Professional Cleaning If:

Project Characteristics:

• Heavy drywall work (multiple rooms)
• Whole-house renovation
• New construction
• Home over 2,500 sq ft
• Limited time before move-in
• Multiple bathrooms and kitchen

Personal Factors:

• No HEPA vacuum available
• Physical limitations
• Time constraints
• Want guaranteed results
• Need it done right first time

Professional Value:

• Comprehensive cleaning: $600-1,500
• HVAC duct cleaning: $400-700
• Your time saved: 20-40 hours
• Professional equipment and expertise
• Guaranteed results
• Can focus on unpacking instead

ROI Consideration:Professional cleaning typically costs less than the value of your time (at even $25/hr) plus equipment needs, and guarantees comprehensive results.

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