Why Post-Renovation Cleaning Is Different from Normal Cleaning
If you have just finished a renovation in Singapore, you already know the feeling: the contractor says the job is done, but the flat still looks like a construction site. Fine cement dust coats every surface, paint splatters decorate the floor, and there is a gritty film on the windows that no ordinary mop will remove.
Renovation cleaning is not simply "cleaning harder". It requires different tools, different chemicals and a different sequence. Cement dust is alkaline and abrasive; wiping it with a wet cloth just spreads it into a paste that dries like glue. Paint and adhesive need solvents, not soap. And dust settles continuously for days after sanding stops.
What Contractors Usually Leave Behind
- Fine cement and gypsum dust on every horizontal and vertical surface
- Paint splatters on floors, glass, switches and door frames
- Grout haze on new tiling
- Adhesive residue and protective film on windows and appliances
- Stickers, labels and silicone smears on sanitary ware
- Sawdust inside cabinets, drawers and wardrobes
- Debris, offcuts and packaging left in service yards
The Complete Post-Renovation Cleaning Checklist
1. Dry Cleaning First — Always
Before any liquid touches a surface, all loose dust must be removed. Use HEPA vacuums and microfibre cloths to work from the ceiling down. Wetting cement dust first is the single most common mistake homeowners make.
- Vacuum ceilings, cornices and light fittings
- Vacuum walls, ledges and window frames
- Vacuum inside all cabinets, drawers and wardrobes
- Vacuum floors last, including corners and behind doors
2. Windows, Frames and Tracks
- Remove stickers, protective film and silicone residue
- Scrape paint splatters with a plastic blade, not metal
- Clean glass inside and out
- Vacuum and wipe window tracks and drain holes
- Clean grilles and mosquito nets
3. Kitchen
- Degrease the hob, hood exterior and backsplash
- Clean inside and outside all cabinets and drawers
- Remove protective film from appliances
- Wipe down the sink, tap and drainage area
- Clean the countertop and remove any grout haze
4. Bathrooms
- Remove grout haze from tiles
- Descale and polish taps, showerheads and glass panels
- Clean the WC, basin and vanity inside and out
- Clean the mirror, cabinet and floor trap area
- Remove silicone smears from joints
5. Living Areas and Bedrooms
- Wipe down all surfaces, skirtings and switch plates
- Clean inside wardrobes and built-in storage
- Remove paint from door handles and hinges
- Clean glass doors, mirrors and feature panels
- Vacuum and mop floors — including under beds and behind doors
6. Balcony, Yard and Common Areas
- Sweep and wash the balcony floor
- Remove paint and cement marks from railings and glass
- Clear offcuts and packaging
- Clean the service yard and washing machine area
How Long Does Post-Renovation Cleaning Take?
- 1 to 2 room flat: 3 to 5 hours with a 2-person crew
- 3 room flat: 5 to 7 hours with a 2 to 3-person crew
- 4 to 5 room flat or condo: 6 to 10 hours, sometimes over two days
- Landed property or office: 1 to 3 days depending on size and scope
Deep post-renovation cleaning is not a one-person job. Crews work in pairs or threes so that dust is removed systematically instead of being re-spread.
Why You Should Not Do It Yourself
- Cement dust can damage lungs if inhaled without proper protection
- Wrong chemicals can permanently etch glass, marble or stainless steel
- Metal scrapers scratch tiles, glass and sanitary ware
- Dust reappears for days if the initial vacuuming is not thorough
- Professional crews bring commercial-grade equipment and HEPA vacuums
When to Schedule the Clean
The ideal timing is after all wet works, painting and carpentry are complete, and after the contractor has removed major debris — but before you move your furniture in.
If you can, wait 24 to 48 hours after sanding and painting stops so that airborne dust has settled. Many homeowners book the clean for the day before their moving truck arrives.
After the Clean: A Quick Final Inspection
- Run a finger along the top of door frames and skirting — any white residue means dust is still there
- Check window tracks for hidden grit
- Open every cabinet and drawer and look inside
- Look at glass at a low angle to catch streaks
- Check the floor trap and drainage for debris
- Confirm that protective films and stickers have been removed
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does post-renovation cleaning cost in Singapore?
Cost depends on the size of the unit and the level of soiling. A 3-room flat typically sits in the lower to mid range, while larger units and landed properties cost more. Request a site survey for an accurate figure.
Is the cleaning done in one visit?
Most flats are completed in a single day. Larger properties or heavily soiled sites may need two visits.
Do you remove paint from glass and tiles?
Yes. We use plastic scrapers and appropriate solvents that lift paint without scratching the underlying surface.
Do you also clean the balcony and service yard?
Yes, these areas are included as part of our standard post-renovation scope.
Book a Post-Renovation Clean in Singapore
Tuhfa Construction Pte Ltd provides post-renovation and handover cleaning for homes, offices and retail units across Singapore. Trained, uniformed and insured crews, eco-friendly products, and a supervisor inspection before sign-off.
Call or WhatsApp +65 8576 6635, or email Tuhfa.construction@gmail.com for a free site survey.
