When to Do Post-Renovation Cleaning: The Right Timeline for Your Project

When to Do Post-Renovation Cleaning: The Right Timeline for Your Project

When to Schedule Post-Renovation Cleaning

You know that feeling when the contractors finally hand over the keys? We see it all the time—the excitement of a fresh new look mixed with the overwhelming realization that everything is covered in a layer of fine dust. From our experience, rushing to clean immediately after the last worker leaves is the most common mistake homeowners make.

Contact 22 Cleaning to discuss your timeline, but first, let’s look at why waiting just a few days can make the difference between a truly spotless home and one that needs a second round of cleaning next week.

General Rule: Wait, But Not Too Long

The Sweet Spot:

• Minimum wait: 48-72 hours after final work
• Ideal timing: 3-5 days after completion
• Maximum wait: 2 weeks (before dust hardens)

We always advise clients that cleaning too early is often a waste of money because dust suspended in the air can take days to fully settle. Gravity needs time to do its work, or you will find a new layer of “snow” on your furniture 24 hours after we leave.

Timeline by Renovation Type

Painting Projects

Wait Time: 2-3 days minimum

We have found that Malaysia’s high humidity can significantly extend paint drying times beyond what is written on the can. While paint might feel dry to the touch in a few hours, it takes days to fully cure and harden against scrubbing.

Why wait:

• Curing is crucial: Fresh paint, especially high-gloss finishes used on trim, stays soft and tacky for days.
• Fume dissipation: Strong chemical odors need time to vent out before cleaners can safely work in the space for hours.

Insider Tip: If you see “sweating” on your walls (common in humid months like November), give it an extra 24 hours before scheduling us.

Flooring Installation

Wait Time: 24-48 hours

Our team handles different flooring materials daily, and each requires a specific approach to avoid permanent damage.

For SPC & Vinyl (Most Popular in Condos):

• Wait: 24 hours for the click-lock system to settle.
• Critical Warning: Never use a steam cleaner on new SPC flooring; the heat can warp the planks and damage the wear layer.
• Cleaning: We use only pH-neutral cleaners to avoid stripping the protective coating.

For Tiles & Marble:

• Wait: 48 hours minimum for grout to cure.
• Why: Cleaning too soon can wash out the uncured grout, leaving gaps that trap dirt later.
• Focus: We prioritize “grout haze” removal—that chalky white film that appears once the tiles dry.

Kitchen Renovation

Wait Time: 3-5 days

Kitchens involve multiple trades—plumbers, cabinet installers, and stone masons—making them the dustiest zones in the house.

Considerations:

• Silicone sealing: The silicone used around your sink and backsplash needs at least 24-48 hours to become waterproof.
• Cabinetry: Sawdust from melamine or plywood cabinets often hides in the hinges and drawer runners.

Cleaning priority:

• Inside cabinets: We vacuum the tracks of drawers where sawdust causes “gritty” sliding.
• Countertops: Stone sealers (especially on granite or marble) must be fully cured before wet wiping.

Bathroom Renovation

Wait Time: 5-7 days

We often see renovations delayed by the “ponding test”—where contractors flood the floor to check waterproofing.

Why longer:

• The Ponding Test: You strictly cannot clean while this water retention test is ongoing (usually 2-3 days).
• Grout & Adhesive: Bathroom moisture slows down the curing process for cement and grout.

Insider Tip: Check that your contractor has removed all cement debris from the floor trap; if it hardens there, it will cause permanent blockages.

Hacking and Structural Work

Wait Time: 5-7 days minimum

Structural work creates silica dust, which is heavier and more hazardous than regular household dust.

Major considerations:

• Disposal Logistics: Ensure the “Roro bin” (Roll-On Roll-Off bin) is fully filled and removed before we arrive.
• Permit Check: If you are in a terrace house in Selangor or KL, ensure your renovation debris bin has the correct permit from the local council (like MBPJ or DBKL) to avoid fines during the cleanup period.

The Hidden Step: Air Conditioning

Wait Time: Schedule AFTER General Cleaning

We strongly recommend factoring your air conditioning units into the cleaning timeline. Renovation dust is the number one killer of AC units in Malaysia.

The Strategy:

• Protection: Ideally, your units were wrapped during work.
• The Service: Do not rely on a standard filter wash; the fine dust bypasses filters and clogs the cooling coil and blower wheel.
• Recommendation: Schedule a “Chemical Wash” for your AC units after our general cleaning is done to ensure the air circulating is truly clean.

Signs You Are Ready for Cleaning

Green lights:

• All contractors have removed their tools and heavy equipment.
• No scheduled “touch-up” painting is remaining.
• The “ponding test” in the bathroom is complete and drained.
• Grout feels rock-hard to the touch.
• You can run a finger along a wall without it feeling tacky.

Red flags (wait longer):

• Wet spots: Any visible dampness in grout lines or paint.
• Chemical smells: Strong ammonia or thinner odors (indicates uncured finishes).
• Debris piles: Large piles of tiles or wood scraps still on site (cleaners are not movers).

Pre-Cleaning Preparation

Before cleaners arrive:

1. Clear the Debris Our crews focus on fine dust, not hauling broken tiles; please have contractors remove all construction waste.

2. Ventilate the Space Open all windows 24-48 hours before we arrive to help volatile organic compounds (VOCs) escape.

3. Secure the AC Turn off air conditioning units to stop them from sucking in agitated dust during the cleaning process.

4. Mark Defects Use blue painter’s tape to mark any scratches or damages caused by contractors so cleaners don’t get blamed for them.

Season and Weather Considerations

Malaysia’s Climate Impact:

Rainy Season (Inter-monsoon):

• The Effect: High humidity causes dust to clump together and stick to surfaces, making it harder to vacuum but easier to mop.
• Our Adjustments: We often need extra time for floors to dry completely to avoid watermarks.

Dry Season:

• The Effect: Dust stays airborne much longer and travels further into hidden crevices.
• Our Adjustments: We may need to do a “double-pass” vacuuming—once at the start and once at the end.

Scheduling Tips

Avoid the “Festive Rush”:

• Hari Raya & CNY: Demand for cleaning spikes 3-4 weeks before major holidays, and prices often surge.
• Strategy: If your renovation finishes near a festival, book your slot at least 1 month in advance.

Time of day:

• Morning starts: We always recommend an 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM start to maximize daylight for spotting streaks on glass.

What Happens If You Clean Too Early?

Problems with premature cleaning:

• Double Cost: You will likely need to pay for a second session when the remaining airborne dust settles 48 hours later.
• Surface Damage: Scrubbing uncured grout can pull it out of the joints, ruining the waterproofing.
• Smear Marks: Wiping paint that hasn’t fully cured can leave permanent “drag marks” on your walls.

Conclusion

The right timing for post-renovation cleaning depends on the type of work completed. Generally, wait 3-7 days after all work finishes, but do not exceed 2 weeks.

Contact 22 Cleaning to schedule your post-renovation cleaning. We will advise on the optimal timing based on your specific renovation project and ensure your new space is ready for use.