Moving into a brand-new home can be an exhilarating experience. The fresh paint, untouched surfaces, and that “new house smell” make it feel like you’re the first person to enter. But before you start decorating and moving in your belongings, there are some essential new construction house cleaning tasks to take care of first. A deep cleaning of a new house removes leftover dust, debris, and residue from construction. This helps protect your health, maintains pristine conditions, and sets up routine maintenance for the future. Tackling new construction house cleaning the right way ensures you can enjoy your new home from day one.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through each step of cleaning a new house from top to bottom. You’ll learn pro tips for dusting, scrubbing, vacuuming, and more. We’ll also cover key areas of focus, equipment on hand, and even popular new construction house cleaning checklist options if you need extra help. Follow along to learn how to clean your new dream home thoroughly from floor to ceiling!
Step-By-Step Cleaning Guide for New Construction Homes
Cleaning a brand-new home is bigger than your typical tidying up. The goal is to wipe away any evidence of construction and give every room and surface the attention it deserves. Follow this detailed cleaning checklist and schedule to make sure nothing gets missed.
Supplies You’ll Need
- Microfiber cloths
- Broom & dustpan
- Mop & bucket
- Vacuum cleaner
- Dusters
- Cleaning spray/wipes
- Ladder
- Drop cloths
Phase 1: Construction Dust Removal
The priority is removing all visible dust, smudges, dirt, and debris left behind by workers and construction. This will likely take 2-3 initial rounds of thorough dusting.
Focus on:
- Ceilings
- Walls
- Windows
- Doors/trim
- Light fixtures
- Electrical outlets
- Flooring
- Cabinets
- Countertops
- Appliances
Use microfiber cloths, soft bristle brushes, and vacuum attachments to wipe down all surfaces gently but effectively. The goal is to remove fine particles without pushing them further into fresh paint or finishes.
After your initial dust removal, do a walkthrough inspection and touch up any areas you may have missed. Construction dust can settle in unexpected nooks and crannies.
Phase 2: Deep Cleaning
The next phase is a room-by-room deep cleaning focusing on high-traffic spots. Now, you can use cleaning solutions and some elbow grease.
Start in the kitchen and thoroughly wipe down and disinfect:
- Countertops
- Backsplashes
- Sinks
- Appliances
- Cabinets
- Drawers/shelving
- Flooring
Move to the bathrooms. Give fixtures and surfaces a sparkling clean by scrubbing:
- Toilets
- Sinks
- Showers/tubs
- Mirrors
- Tile
- Glass walls or doors
Then tackle any high-touch areas like:
- Doorknobs
- Light switches
- Railings
- Floors
Finally, methodically clean from top to bottom in each bedroom, common area, etc.
Phase 3: Ventilation & Air Quality
After removing dust and fumes from cleaning, airing out the space is essential.
- Open all windows and doors for a full day, longer if possible.
- Use fans to circulate air.
- Consider hiring an air duct cleaning service if extreme dust is released during construction.
- Change out air filters in HVAC units.
Letting fresh air move through allows lingering particles and odors to flush out. This clears the way to move in and enjoy your healthy new home.
Special Attention to New Construction House Cleaning Hot Spots
While you should clean ceiling to floor in a new house, some key areas require extra detail and repeat cleanings. Don’t cut corners in these hot spots:
HVAC System
The ductwork that circulates air throughout your home needs to be free of drywall dust and other construction debris before you move in. Change filters and have ducts professionally cleaned if necessary.
Windows & Doors
It’s easy for grime to get caught in cracks and corners of brand-new windows and doors. Use a toothbrush or cotton swabs for detail work to remove every speck.
Lighting Fixtures
Dusty bulbs, soffits, and shades can easily ruin beautiful new lighting. Use microfiber cloths and dusters on delicate fixtures.
Cabinets & Drawers
Kitchen cabinets and drawers with all their nooks will likely need a few passes. Vacuum out first, then wipe down thoroughly inside and out.
Bathrooms
Due to plumbing installations and tilework, bathrooms can hold onto stubborn grime. Disinfect and scrub every inch of tile, grout, showers, toilets, and more for a germ-free space.
Flooring
Brand new floors show every little footprint and dust bunny. Mop, sweep, and vacuum thoroughly, getting into corners and baseboards.
By being thorough in high-traffic areas first, you’ll prevent ongoing issues with dirt buildup in your new home.
Top To Bottom New Construction Home Cleaning Checklist
Here is a comprehensive room-by-room checklist to ensure every surface gets the detailed attention it needs:
Throughout Home
- Dust ceilings, corners, baseboards
- Wash walls and touch up paint
- Clean windows, blinds, doors
- Scrub light switches and outlets
- Sweep, mop, and vacuum floors
Kitchen
- Wipe down cabinets inside and out
- Clean countertops, backsplash
- Scrub sinks, fixtures, appliances
- Organize drawers and pantries
- Sweep and mop floors
Bathrooms
- Disinfect toilets, sinks, showers
- Clean mirrors, cabinets, counters
- Scrub tile floors and walls
- Wash windows and shower doors
Bedrooms
- Dust ceiling fans and fixtures
- Vacuum carpets and floors
- Wipe down built-ins and hardware
- Clean windows, doors, baseboards
Living Spaces
- Dust shelving, media units
- Clean fireplace interior and screens
- Wash windows and sliding doors
- Fluff carpets and rugs
Laundry Room
- Scrub sinks and counters
- Clean washing machine interior
- Sweep and mop tile floors
- Dust shelving
Garage
- Sweep concrete floors
- Vacuum cabinets and ceilings
- Remove cobwebs and dust
Starting at the top and moving downward, you’ll catch drips and spills before they stain or ruin your beautiful new floors and finishes.
In Short View
| Room | Task 1 | Task 2 | Task 3 | Task 4 | Task 5 |
| Throughout Home | Dust ceilings, corners, baseboards | Wash walls and touch up paint | Clean windows, blinds, doors | Scrub light switches and outlets | Sweep, mop, and vacuum floors |
| Kitchen | Wipe down cabinets inside and out | Clean countertops, backsplash | Scrub sinks, fixtures, appliances | Organize drawers and pantries | Sweep and mop floors |
| Bathrooms | Disinfect toilets, sinks, showers | Clean mirrors, cabinets, counters | Scrub tile floors and walls | Wash windows and shower doors | None |
| Bedrooms | Dust ceiling fans and fixtures | Vacuum carpets and floors | Wipe down built-ins and hardware | Clean windows, doors, baseboards | None |
| Living Spaces | Dust shelving, media units | Clean fireplace interior and screens | Wash windows and sliding doors | Fluff carpets and rugs | None |
| Laundry Room | Scrub sinks and counters | Clean washing machine interior | Sweep and mop tile floors | Dust shelving | None |
| Garage | Sweep concrete floors | Vacuum cabinets and ceilings | Remove cobwebs and dust | None | None |
Should You Hire New Construction House Cleaning Help?
If cleaning every nook and cranny of your new home feels overwhelming, hire some cleaning muscle! Professional cleaning services are experts at the deep scrub new construction requires.
Look for companies that offer specialized new construction home cleaning packages. Some key perks include:
- Use of commercial equipment for a deeper clean
- Efficiency at covering large homes quickly
- Ductwork and ventilation cleaning
- Flexible booking windows
The cleaning labor will go faster with contractors so that you can start move-in prep and decorating. Just be sure to oversee initial dust removal yourself before the pros arrive.
A top-to-bottom cleaning service can cost $1000 or more for a 2000+ square foot home. But the investment is worth achieving a perfectly polished new dream home from day one.
How do you clean a newly constructed house?
Post-construction cleanup is different from regular cleaning. Here’s a breakdown:
- Safety First: Wear a dust mask and gloves, as construction debris can be irritating. Ventilate the space well.
- Top to Bottom: From ceilings to floors, remove dust with a dry cloth or vacuum with a soft-bristled attachment.
- Windows and Tracks: Remove stickers carefully. Vacuum window tracks, then wash windows inside and out (a squeegee helps!).
- Cabinets, Closets, Drawers: Vacuum out construction dust, then wipe clean with a damp cloth and a mild cleaning solution.
- Deep Cleaning: Bathrooms and kitchens require scrubbing tile, tubs, toilets, fixtures, and countertops.
- Floors: Thoroughly vacuum and wet mop. Carpets might need professional cleaning.
Should you clean a new house?
It is highly recommended to have a comprehensive cleaning process done before moving into a newly constructed house. Regardless of how new the house is, there will always be a significant amount of dust and debris left behind from the construction process. This dust and debris can negatively impact the air quality and cause respiratory problems for individuals with allergies or asthma. Therefore, a thorough cleaning will improve the air quality and create a fresh and welcoming environment for you and your family. Doing so lets you start your new life in a clean and healthy living space.
Should a house be cleaned before buying?
While not mandatory, it’s highly recommended. A pre-purchase cleaning helps you:
- Spot Issues: A clean house makes identifying potential problems like water stains, cracks, or signs of neglect easier.
- Negotiation Power: If the cleaning reveals issues, you may be able to negotiate a lower price or have the seller address those problems.
- Move-in Ready: If the house is clean, you can first move right in without a significant cleaning session.
How do you clean new construction walls?
- Dusting is Key: Before wet cleaning, remove all dust from walls with a broom, duster, or vacuum with a brush attachment.
- Gentle Solution: Use a mild all-purpose cleaner or a water/vinegar solution. Avoid harsh cleaners that could damage fresh paint.
- Test First: Do a patch test on an inconspicuous area to ensure the cleaner is safe for your wall type.
When should I clean my new house?
One of the best times to clean your living space is just after the construction work is complete and before you start moving in your belongings. This is because you’ll have a much easier and cleaner space to navigate. By cleaning at this stage, you’ll be able to get into all the nooks and crannies that might be more difficult to reach once your furniture is in place. Additionally, you’ll be able to remove any debris or dust that may have accumulated during the construction process, which could otherwise be detrimental to your health. Overall, cleaning your living space before moving in will help you feel more comfortable and prevent any potential health hazards.
Do you clean your house before New Year’s?
Across many cultures worldwide, it’s a common tradition to thoroughly clean one’s home in preparation for the New Year. This practice is believed to signify a fresh start and to invite good luck into the home. Many people consider it a personal choice, but it can be a profoundly satisfying way to welcome the new year with a clean and organized living space.
This cleaning process often involves decluttering, dusting, sweeping, and scrubbing every nook and cranny of the home to ensure that it is free of any negative energy from the previous year and ready for a new beginning. Some also decorate their homes with symbolic objects and adornments to invite good fortune into their lives. Overall, this age-old tradition is a beautiful way to start the new year off on the right foot and create a welcoming and positive environment in one’s home.
Important Note: Certain specialized cleaning jobs in post-construction houses may be best left to professionals, especially if dealing with large spaces or hazardous materials.
Maintaining Cleanliness After Move-In
Congratulations, you made it! Now that your new construction house is cleaned from top to bottom focus on maintaining cleanliness after moving in. Here are some tips:
- Stay on top of dusting to prevent buildup, especially on wall ledges and ceiling fans.
- Establish a cleaning routine to keep all rooms tidied up. Set reminders to change HVAC filters monthly.
- Clean up spills, splatters, and pet accidents quickly to prevent stains.
- Limit clutter buildup, which makes rooms more challenging to keep clean.
- If your home has stone or wood floors, refinish and reseal regularly per manufacturer instructions.
- Invest in a quality vacuum, mop, and cleaning tools to make upkeep easier.
Follow your detailed cleaning checklist periodically to keep surfaces dust-free and your new house smelling fresh. Establishing thorough cleaning habits will maintain your home’s beauty for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cleaning supplies do I need for a new construction home?
Focus on supplies like microfiber cloths, dusters, brooms, scrub brushes, vacuums, and cleaning solutions appropriate for different surfaces. Avoid abrasive pads or materials that could scratch. Have plenty of rags and drop cloths on hand.
How long does new construction house cleaning take?
Expect to spend at least several days on initial cleaning. First, tackle construction dust removal, which could take 2-3 days alone. Then begin deep cleaning room-by-room, which can take a full day per room.
Should air ducts be cleaned before moving in?
If excessive dust or debris enters the ductwork during construction, professional duct cleaning is a wise investment for indoor air quality.
What should you clean first in a new house?
Start by dusting top to bottom, removing all visible particles before they settle into finishes. Then, move on to deep cleaning, starting with the kitchen and bathrooms.
Why is new construction home cleaning important?
Thorough cleaning removes hazardous dust and fumes so you can move into a fresh, healthy home. It also protects your investment by preventing early wear, stains, or damage.
In Closing
The new construction house cleaning project is intensive but incredibly worthwhile. You’ll start in a pristine space tailored just for you by scrubbing every surface before moving. Preparing your house for sale with a thorough cleaning checklist not only enhances its appeal to buyers but also complements your personal wellness routine—like maintaining a positive posture, sleeping on your back, managing stress, and addressing any medical concerns promptly—ensuring that you can leave the pinching shoulder pain and the stress of selling your home behind you.
Tags: cleaning business success, cleaning services, cleaning startup, construction cleanup, construction site cleaning, house cleaning business, new construction cleaning, post-construction cleaning, professional cleaning tips, starting a cleaning business
