The thought of a clean space is appealing, but construction cleaning challenges are often complicated. That is because construction creates a lot of dust, debris, and grime – getting rid of them is necessary before occupying the space. You need detailed planning, the right tools, and professional execution to ensure that the space is actually fit for usage.
That’s why we will help you understand what construction cleaning actually entails. We’ll describe the major challenges that you face when construction is finished and how you can overcome them.
So, let us begin cleaning your residential and commercial space.
Understanding the Scope of Construction Cleaning Challenges
Post-construction cleaning is much more than simply wiping or washing a surface. You need to remove all the dust, debris, and grime accumulated for weeks and months during the intense construction process. While going to such lengths might seem excessive to some, the fact that there is a significant impact of construction cleanup on property value is a reason big enough to invest in it.
Usually, this process includes the following:
- Dust removal from walls, ceilings, floors, and other surfaces.
- Grime removal from windows, doors, and frames.
- Sanitization of kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas with high traffic.
- Floor and countertop polishing for a lasting shine.
- Remove the remaining debris and dispose of it properly.
Once you understand the scale of the construction cleaning task, you are in a much better position to process it.
Challenge #1: Dust and Debris
The construction process produces tons of dust and debris, which is one of the biggest construction cleaning challenges. During and after construction, fine dust particles settle on all surfaces. It is a challenge to clean them from various surfaces, from walls to floors, especially when you add large pieces of debris.
Solution
The dust and debris cleaning process should start with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuuming, which is the best way to capture finer dust particles. When it comes to stubborn and sticky debris, industrial vacuums and heavy-duty sweepers are the best choices. Even if you do both of these, go one step ahead and wipe all surfaces, such as window sills, vents, light fixtures, and more, for a thorough cleaning.
Pro Tip: If construction is ongoing, seal off that area to minimize debris accumulation in other parts.
Challenge #2: Hazardous Materials
Construction cleaning challenges often involve hazardous materials, such as chemicals, asbestos, and other sharp objects. These elements are present even after construction is finished and pose a significant risk to homeowners, especially if they have pets and children. It is crucial to get rid of them through tailored professional cleaning services and achieve a neat living space.
Solution
To remove these hazardous materials, one needs personal protective equipment (PPE). The cleaning crew responsible for the task should be well-trained in identifying and removing them professionally. They should have PPE equipment like gloves, masks, and the like and must adhere to OSHA cleaning guidelines. In addition, hazardous materials should be disposed of according to local regulations so that they pose no harm to others.
Challenge #3: Stubborn Residues from Paints and Adhesives
Paints and adhesives are an integral part of the construction process, and a considerable amount is left behind. These stubborn elements are hard to remove, which is why you need special products and techniques. Even a small amount of paint or adhesive residue can make a home look unfinished, so removing them fully is crucial.
Solution
- For adhesives, you need a solvent that dissolves them without affecting the surface underneath. After applying the solvent and letting it stay for a few minutes, gently scrape it off.
- If you are dealing with water-based paints, a mixture of water and detergent can work well. Commercial paint removers are also a good choice. When used with a non-abrasive sponge, they remove the paint without leaving any scratches.
Challenge #4: Hard to Reach Spots
Buildings have several hard-to-reach areas, like vents, light fixtures, and spots behind appliances. These might get overlooked during cleaning, and dust and debris can accumulate. If left for too long, the dust and debris will keep falling and affect the cleanliness of the whole space.
Solution
You need the right post-construction cleaning equipment to reach these spots. For instance, extendable dusters and vacuums are essential to reach high ceilings, light fixtures, and vents. Similarly, the tight spots behind appliances can be cleaned by specialized attachments for vacuums.
Pro Tip: Make sure you have sturdy ladders to access higher areas and follow the relevant safety protocols.
Challenge #5: Time Constraints
Construction cleaning challenges also come in the form of tight time constraints, especially when a project is about to be finished. That doesn’t mean you should rush the cleaning process, as it can lead to areas being overlooked, suboptimal cleaning, and a lack of hygiene. The idea is to balance time constraints with cleanliness to achieve a balance.
Solution
The first thing you should do is create a detailed cleaning schedule according to the construction project. Clean those areas that will be occupied soon first, and make sure you clean each part sufficiently.
Similarly, pay special attention to the most visible areas, such as the kitchen, entryways, bathrooms, and the like. Even if you do not have a lot of time, make sure these areas are fully clean. The best way to do this is to deploy multiple cleaners, which shortens the time required and does not compromise the quality of cleanliness.
Achieve a Flawless Space With Mill City Cleaning
As you have seen, construction cleaning challenges are overwhelming. From tight spaces, behind appliances to stubborn adhesives and paints, there is a lot that is hard to clean without professional assistance. And when it comes to quality cleaning services, Mill City Cleaning is an obvious choice.
We have over 25 years of commercial cleaning experience serving Minneapolis, St. Paul, and its surroundings. Over the years, we have earned the trust of countless satisfied customers. From home renovations to cleaning up large-scale construction projects, our capable team is ready to handle any challenge at the best possible prices.
So, contact us today and get a free construction cleaning quote.
FAQs
What does new construction cleaning mean?
New construction cleaning means cleaning a building or space when it is newly constructed. This process is crucial because any new construction creates a lot of dust and debris.
How often should you clean a building?
Generally, it is a good idea to clean the high-traffic areas once a week. Some examples include hallways, elevators, lobbies, and entryways.