Moving into a new construction home is exciting — but new doesn't mean clean. Builders typically provide a basic broom clean, not a move-in ready clean. Drywall dust, construction adhesive, paint overspray, caulking residue, sticker adhesive on appliances, and grout haze are all things you'll need to address before the home feels truly ready to live in. Here's the complete checklist.
What's Different About a New Construction Clean
New construction residue is different from the grime you clean in an occupied home. The main materials you're dealing with are:
- Drywall dust — fine, white dust that settles on every horizontal surface. It becomes a paste if wet and can scratch surfaces if wiped dry without vacuuming first. Always vacuum before wiping.
- Paint overspray — fine mist on windows, hardware, and surfaces near painted walls. Requires the right solvent (not all-purpose cleaner) for glass.
- Grout haze — a dull film on tile from grout installation. Requires a grout haze remover — not standard cleaning products.
- Construction adhesive — on floors near baseboards, windowsills, and countertop edges. Requires a solvent like Goo Gone.
- Caulk residue — excess caulk on tile, tub edges, and window frames. Requires a razor blade or sharp plastic scraper.
- Protective film residue — adhesive from protective films on appliances, countertops, and floors. Requires adhesive remover.
New Construction Move-In Cleaning Checklist
Windows and Glass
- Remove all protective films from windows (use a heat gun or hair dryer if they're stuck)
- Remove paint overspray from glass with a razor blade (at a low angle) then clean with glass cleaner
- Clean window tracks and sills — these collect the most construction dust
- Clean window frames
Floors
- Vacuum all floors thoroughly before any wet cleaning — this is critical for drywall dust, which damages floors if mopped dry
- Remove any protective coverings from hardwood floors
- Clean hardwood floors with a pH-neutral hardwood cleaner (not water or general cleaner)
- Remove grout haze from tile floors with grout haze remover, following product instructions
- Clean vinyl or laminate with appropriate cleaner for the material
Walls and Ceilings
- Wipe walls with a lightly damp microfibre cloth — primarily to remove dust, not scrub
- Remove any paint drips with a plastic scraper on smooth surfaces
- Clean ceiling light fixtures and fans — these collect the most dust during construction
Kitchen
- Remove all protective films from appliances — film adhesive residue often requires Goo Gone
- Clean inside all appliances (oven, fridge, dishwasher) — construction dust gets everywhere
- Remove grout haze from tile backsplash
- Clean inside all cabinets before installing shelving liner
- Clean countertops — remove any caulk or adhesive residue at seams
- Run the dishwasher through a cycle before using it for dishes
Bathrooms
- Remove grout haze from all tile surfaces
- Remove any caulk residue from tub edges and shower surround
- Remove protective films from shower glass
- Clean fixtures — remove any stickers or labels and clean adhesive residue
- Clean inside the medicine cabinet and all storage
- Run water through all fixtures and check for proper drainage
HVAC and Vents
- Replace furnace filters — construction dust clogs new filters quickly
- Vacuum all supply and return vents
- Run the furnace and air conditioning to verify operation before move-in
When to Hire a Professional Post-Construction Cleaner
New construction cleaning is physically demanding and requires specific products that most households don't have on hand (grout haze remover, Goo Gone, paint razor). Professional post-construction cleaners have the right tools and experience with new construction residue. Maidless offers deep cleaning services in Toronto and across the GTA that can be adapted for new construction move-ins. Get a quote online — HST included.