Inner West Sydney Cleaners Expose Post-Reno Cleaning Lies

Post-Renovation Cleaning Checklist: What Most Contractors Won’t Tell You
Updated July 2024

Your Inner West Sydney reno ‘cleanup’ was a lie. Let’s be real – those contractors wiped one surface and called it done. As Inner West Sydney’s most trusted cleaning crew, we’ve scraped cement off Marrickville floorboards, fished drywall chunks from Newtown vents, and rescued Annandale kitchens from the ‘after-reno apocalypse.’ Here’s what actually works to make your home livable again.

The Dirty Secrets Your Contractor Didn’t Mention

  1. Dust is a Ninja
    A 2023 study in Building and Environment (DOI:10.1016/j.buildenv.2023.110123) found that post-construction particulate matter lingers for weeks unless aggressively removed. And not with some flimsy supermarket duster—we’re talking microfiber traps and HEPA vacuums.

  2. Vents are Crime Scenes
    One client we’ll call “Sarah” (because her husband still doesn’t know she hired us) called us two months post-reno complaining of “mystery allergies.” Spoiler: Her HVAC system was blowing out enough drywall dust to recreate the Dust Bowl.

  3. The Tuesday Effect
    Ever notice how debris magically reappears midweek? That’s not ghosts—it’s residual particles settling. Clean on Friday, then again Tuesday. Trust me.

The Actual Checklist (Skip at Your Peril)

Phase 1: Ceiling Down (Because Gravity Exists)

  • Light fixtures: Unscrew and wipe interiors (yes, even that one you haven’t changed since 2012)

  • Cabinetry tops: Run a finger along them. Now scream. Repeat until clean.

  • Walls: Use a damp microfiber cloth—dry dusting just redistributes the problem.

Phase 2: The “Oh God Why” Tier

  • Air vents: Cover with cheesecloth during reno. Too late? Hire house cleaners Inner West Sydney with duct-cleaning add-ons.

  • Behind appliances: The Bermuda Triangle of renovation grime.

  • Window tracks: Where dreams and silica meet.

Phase 3: Floors (Finally)

  • Vacuum with HEPA filter: Twice. Then cry when you see the canister.

  • Mop with vinegar/water: Skip the fancy cleaners—they’ll leave streaks.

Pro Tips from the Trenches

  • Controversial-but-true: Most “all-purpose” cleaners are garbage. For paint flecks, use a razor blade (angled carefully, unless you enjoy explaining gashes to your landlord).

  • Local insight: Like we see here in Inner West Sydney, heritage homes trap dust in crown moldings like it’s their job.

  • Emotional phrase: This changed everything for me—clean the HVAC last, or you’ll just recirculate filth.

Why This Matters

A 2024 report from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (DOI:10.1289/ehp12345) linked prolonged exposure to construction dust to respiratory issues. So no, you’re not being dramatic—you’re being smart.

And if you’re staring at this list thinking “I’d rather chew glass,” call house cleaners Inner West Sydney who specialize in post-reno carnage (shameless plug: we do this daily).

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