Post-Renovation Cleaning Checklist: What Contractors Don’t Tell You

Written By Eminence Cleaning .

Renovation projects often transform a home beautifully — but the clean-up after can be overwhelming. Fine dust, adhesive residue, cement particles and chemical fumes settle into the smallest gaps, creating an environment that’s not only uncomfortable but potentially harmful if not cleaned properly.

Most homeowners assume the contractor’s “post-renovation clean” covers everything. Unfortunately, it rarely does. Contractors usually perform a surface-level tidy-up, not the deep cleaning required to make your space truly move-in ready.

This guide breaks down what your contractor won’t tell you — and gives you a complete, practical checklist for proper post-renovation cleaning in Singapore.

Why Post-Renovation Cleaning Is Not Optional

Renovation dust is different from normal household dust. It contains:

  • Silica particles that irritate the eyes, throat and lungs

  • Cement dust that clings to surfaces and becomes airborne easily

  • Wood powder that worsens sinus problems

  • Chemical residue from paint, varnish, flooring glue and sealants

Even the best home vacuum struggles to remove micro-particles embedded in cracks, furniture and ceiling corners.

A thorough post-renovation cleaning ensures your home is:

  • Safe for children, elderly and pets

  • Ready for move-in without triggering allergies

  • Free of harmful fumes and VOCs

  • Comfortable, dust-free and hygienic

If you’re uncertain which service you need, visit Eminence Cleaning Group – Post-Renovation Cleaning

Ultimate Post-Renovation Cleaning Checklist

Below is a comprehensive checklist you can save and use — or hand to your cleaning provider to ensure nothing gets missed.

1. Dust Removal (Top to Bottom)

Renovation dust stays airborne for hours and resettles constantly.
Your cleaning should include:

  • Ceiling dusting

  • Ceiling fans, lighting fixtures and downlights

  • Aircon grills & vents

  • Built-in cabinet tops

  • Window ledges & frames

  • Skirtings & corners

  • Door frames and hinges

Pro tip: Use HEPA vacuums to prevent dust from circulating back into the air.

2. Kitchen Deep Cleaning

Kitchens collect the most renovation residue due to grease and construction work.

Checklist includes:

  • Degreasing stovetops and hoods

  • Wiping interior/exterior of cabinets

  • Scrubbing tile grout

  • Cleaning sink, drain and backsplash

  • Polishing countertops (especially quartz and granite)

If needed, consider a full home deep clean:
Eminence Cleaning Group  - Deep Cleaning Services

3. Bathroom & Toilet Detailing

Construction dust settles heavily in wet areas.

Make sure to include:

  • Scrubbing wall & floor tiles

  • Removal of grout haze

  • Descaling glass doors

  • Cleaning under sink basins

  • Disinfecting toilet bowls, seats & flush buttons

Important:
Cement stains need chemical treatment — DIY methods often make it worse.

4. Bedroom & Living Areas

These spaces trap fine dust in hidden areas.

Checklist:

  • Wiping all built-in wardrobes

  • Cleaning carpentry interiors

  • Vacuuming tracks of sliding doors

  • Wiping all switches and sockets

  • Cleaning mirrors and glass panels

  • Vacuuming soft furnishings (curtains, sofas, mattresses)

For upholstery cleaning or dust mite removal:
Eminence Cleaning Group - Upholstery & Steam Cleaning

5. Flooring Treatment

Different flooring types require different cleaning methods:

Vinyl / laminate flooring

  • Microfibre cleaning

  • Removal of construction glue

  • Optional protective coating (recommended)

Marble / natural stone

  • Polishing (removes scratches, stains, unevenness)

  • Sealing for long-term protection

6. Formaldehyde & VOC Treatment

Fresh renovation releases formaldehyde from:

  • Carpentry

  • Flooring

  • Paint

  • Glue

  • Varnish

  • Furniture

Symptoms can include headaches, blocked nose, coughing and fatigue.

Recommended steps:

  • Air out home for 48 hours

  • Use HEPA purifiers

  • Engage formaldehyde removal service

  • Steam cleaning and chemical neutralisers

Learn more:
Eminence Cleaning Group - Formaldehyde Removal

7. Final Touches Before Move-In

  • Clean switches & power outlets

  • Wipe appliances

  • Remove paint splatters

  • Dispose leftover renovation materials

  • Mop floors professionally

  • Sanitise high-touch surfaces

  • Ensure the home has no chemical smell

Your home should feel fresh, safe and ready — not dusty, sticky or chemical-smelling.

Why You Shouldn’t Rely on Contractor Cleaning Alone

Contractors usually do:

  • Light sweeping

  • Basic vacuuming

  • Quick wipe-down

They do not:

  • Remove embedded dust

  • Wash bathrooms thoroughly

  • Deep clean kitchen carpentry

  • Polish floors

  • Remove cement marks & grout haze

  • Eliminate formaldehyde or VOCs

  • Provide professional disinfection

Relying only on contractor touch-ups often leads to:

  • Persistent dust for weeks

  • Sticky floors

  • Breathing discomfort

  • Dull flooring

  • Construction smell that doesn’t go away

Professional cleaning ensures your renovation money is well-spent — and your home is truly livable.

Get Your Home Move-In Ready

Eminence Cleaning Group provides specialised post-renovation cleaning designed for Singapore homes. Our teams use industrial-grade equipment such as:

  • HEPA-filter vacuums

  • Steam machines

  • Grout brushes

  • Dust extractors

  • Floor scrubbers

  • Chemical-neutralising solutions

We ensure every corner is restored, hygienic and safe — so you can move in comfortably.

Get a Free Quotation Today
WhatsApp us: Eminence Cleaning Group - Trusted by 1000+ Singaporean Homes

Eminence Cleaning .
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