Builder's Clean: What It Is and How to Get a Spotless Finish

Just finished a renovation or a new build? The last thing you want is dust, plaster chips, and leftover junk covering your fresh space. That’s where a builder's clean comes in. It’s a deep‑clean service that tackles the mess left behind by contractors, making the place ready for furniture, décor, or a move‑in.

A proper builder's clean goes beyond a regular tidy‑up. It targets high‑traffic areas, vents, windows, and hidden corners where dust settles. The goal is to turn a construction zone into a showroom‑ready room without you spending hours scrubbing.

What’s Included in a Professional Builder's Clean?

Most cleaning crews follow a checklist that covers:

• Removing all construction debris, such as wood scraps, packaging, and nails.
• Vacuuming and mopping floors to lift embedded dust.
• Wiping down walls, baseboards, and door frames to erase plaster residue.
• Cleaning windows, frames, and sills for a streak‑free view.
• Cleaning bathrooms and kitchens, including fixtures, tiles, and cabinets.
• Dusting light fixtures, vents, and any high‑up surfaces.

Some companies also offer a “final polish” that adds a protective coating to floors or a detailed appliance clean if you’re moving in right away.

DIY Builder's Clean: Quick Tips if You Want to Save Money

Going the DIY route can work if you have time and the right tools. Here’s a simple step‑by‑step plan:

1. Gather gear: Heavy‑duty vacuum, mop with microfiber heads, a wide‑mouth bucket, and a few good quality cleaners (degreaser, glass cleaner, all‑purpose).
2. Start high, finish low: Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and vent covers first so any particles fall to the floor where you’ll clean them later.
3. Deal with stubborn grime: Use a citrus‑based degreaser on cement glue or paint splatter. Let it sit a minute, then scrub with a stiff brush.
4. Vacuum thoroughly: Go over each carpet, rug, and hard floor twice—once with a brush attachment and once with the hose to catch fine dust.
5. Mop with a two‑bucket system: One bucket for clean water, another for the cleaning solution. This avoids spreading dirty water around.
6. Finish windows: Spray a mix of water and a few drops of dish soap, wipe with a lint‑free cloth, then buff with a dry microfiber towel.

Even with a DIY effort, you’ll likely notice a difference, but professional crews have industrial‑strength equipment that pulls dust from HVAC ducts and can polish stone or hardwood without scratches.

Choosing between DIY and hiring pros depends on your schedule, budget, and how pristine you need the space to be. If you’re planning a move‑in day or need to impress a client, a professional builder's clean guarantees a uniform, high‑quality result.

When you’re ready to book, look for cleaners who specialize in post‑construction work. Ask for a detailed quote, confirm they use HEPA‑rated vacuums, and check reviews for reliability. A good service will leave no trace of the build—just a fresh, clean canvas for you.