Post-Renovation Deep Clean for Ontario Homeowners
Renovation construction generates a cleaning challenge that requires a specific approach quite different from regular home maintenance cleaning. Understanding what's different about post-renovation cleaning — and what it takes to genuinely clean a renovated space — sets the right expectations before attempting to restore a space that trades, dust, and construction have left in a complex state.
The Renovation Dust Problem
Construction dust — particularly drywall dust and concrete/masonry dust — is exceptionally fine and penetrates everywhere. Unlike regular household dust, construction dust is alkaline (drywall is calcium sulfate) and can damage surfaces if not cleaned correctly. Drywall dust settles on every horizontal surface in the entire house during a renovation that involves drywall work, not just in the renovation area. The dust enters HVAC ducts, settles on furniture in closed rooms, and infiltrates every crack and crevice.
Sequence Matters
Post-renovation cleaning must follow the right sequence or effort is wasted:
- HVAC air return: replace the furnace filter immediately after construction ends — don't run the system until the filter is fresh
- Gross debris removal: remove construction waste, chunks of drywall, wood off-cuts, packaging — this is trades cleanup, not house cleaning
- Initial dust removal: dry dust all surfaces from high to low (ceilings, walls, then floors) before any wet cleaning
- Wet cleaning: wipe all surfaces with appropriate cleaners for the material (don't use harsh cleaners on new paint)
- Floors last: vacuum then damp mop after all other surfaces are clean
Professional Post-Renovation Cleaning Ontario (2027)
Professional post-renovation cleaning for a standard Ontario renovation: $488–$888+ depending on the scale of the renovation and home size. New duct cleaning may also be needed: $300–$600. Ontario HST (13%) applies on all services.