Post-renovation cleaning in Singapore

Why renovation dust needs a proper clean

Renovation dust is fine and settles everywhere: inside cabinets, along window tracks, on top of doors and in the grooves of new flooring. A quick sweep moves it around. Proper post renovation cleaning removes it, so it does not end up in your lungs, your laundry or your new air-conditioning.

Dust is only part of it. Works also leave paint specks, adhesive and tape marks, cement haze on tiles and stickers on new glass and fittings. Clearing all of that carefully, without scratching new surfaces, takes time and the right approach.

What we clean after a renovation

• Dust removed from walls, ceilings within reach, doors, frames and switches
• Inside and outside of new cabinets, wardrobes and drawers
• Window tracks, grilles and sills
• Paint specks and adhesive marks on floors and fittings
• Tape stain removal from glass, tiles and surfaces
• Kitchens and bathrooms cleaned and wiped down
• Floors vacuumed and mopped, more than once where needed

Why one pass is rarely enough

Fine dust keeps settling for a while after the works stop. It drifts down from the tops of cabinets, from light fittings and from inside wardrobes as doors are opened and closed. That is why a post-renovation clean works from top to bottom: high surfaces and storage first, then walls and fittings, then floors last. Floors are often vacuumed and mopped more than once, because the first pass lifts the dust and the second removes what has settled since.

It is also why a regular weekly clean is not the same thing. A routine clean assumes a home that is already in reasonable shape. After renovation, every surface needs attention, including the inside of storage that has never been used.

How a post-renovation clean works

1. Tell us about the home. Share the home type, the rooms that were renovated and a few photos, especially of kitchens, bathrooms and any tape or paint marks.
2. Get your quote. We quote by home size and the condition after the works, so a light refresh and a full renovation are priced differently.
3. Confirm the works are finished. Check with your contractor that every job, including touch-ups, is complete and their materials are gone.
4. Arrange access. Water and electricity need to be on, and someone needs to let the team in.
5. Check the result. Look over new fittings, glass and floors with fresh eyes once the clean is done.

Pricing

Post-renovation cleans are quoted by home size and the condition after the works. Deep cleaning rates start from $80 an hour on weekdays, and tape stain removal is available as an add-on. Send us your home type and a few photos for an accurate quote.

What affects the quote

• How much was renovated. A kitchen-only renovation leaves less dust than hacking and retiling a whole flat.
• Size and layout. More rooms, bathrooms and built-in carpentry mean more hours.
• Residue. Heavy paint specks, adhesive and tape marks take longer to remove safely.
• Day of the week. Deep cleaning is $80 an hour on weekdays and $85 an hour on weekends.

Useful add-ons

• Tape stain removal: $60
• Steam-cleaning the kitchen floor: $85
• Kitchen degreasing, including the hood: $90
• Oven: $40
• Fridge: $40
• Mattress: $70 single, $90 queen, $120 king

Mattress cleaning is worth considering if mattresses stayed in the home during the works, since fine dust works its way into fabric.

When to book

Book the clean after the contractor has finished all works, including touch-ups, and removed their materials. Cleaning before the last fittings go in usually means paying for a second clean.

A simple timeline

• During the works: keep storage doors closed and cover anything that is staying in the home.
• Handover from the contractor: walk through the home and list any defects for them to fix before cleaning.
• After defects are fixed: book the clean.
• After the clean: bring in furniture, then unpack.

How to prepare your home

• Ask your contractor to clear debris, offcuts, paint tins and packaging. Removing construction waste is not part of a clean.
• Peel off any protective film you want removed from new appliances and fittings before the clean.
• Keep the main door and windows open where safe, so dust can settle and clear.
• Let us know about delicate finishes, such as natural stone, matt surfaces or specialist flooring.
• Point out the marks you are most concerned about, so they are handled first.

Safety during a post-renovation clean

Fresh paint and adhesives can leave strong smells, so the home should be well ventilated while cleaning. Bleach must never be mixed with ammonia or with acidic cleaners such as descalers, because together they release harmful gases. Stronger cleaners and any scrubbing on new surfaces should be tested in a hidden spot first, since some finishes scratch or dull easily. Household members with asthma or other breathing problems may prefer to stay away until the dust has been cleared.

What is not included

A post-renovation clean removes dust and residue. It does not fix workmanship. We do not do grouting, touch-up painting, renovation work or air-conditioning servicing. If grout lines are uneven or paint is patchy, raise it with your contractor before booking the clean, so the fix does not undo the cleaning.

Aircon units often collect renovation dust too. Consider having them serviced by an aircon specialist after the works, before you run them regularly.

Before you move in

Many homeowners pair a post-renovation clean with a move-in clean of appliances and storage. Once you have settled in, our regular home cleaning keeps things that way, and a deep clean is there when the kitchen and bathrooms need extra care. If you are comparing providers for post renovation cleaning services, ask each one what is included, how they price it and which add-ons cost extra, so you can compare like with like. For help with cleaning and cooking every week, see our part-time helpers.

Frequently asked questions