Preparing to move into your new home is an exciting time. Everybody is antsy to explore their new space and make it their own. Before you can stock the refrigerator and argue whether the photo frame is level on the wall, there are some much needed tasks that need to be done.

New construction is fabulous because you have the element of control over things like flooring choices and counter-tops. What you don’t have control over is the mess that construction makes. My professional cleaning crew is often called to help clean new construction, and we’ve learned some valuable tips for cleaning your new modular home that I’d like to share with you. After all, this is a joyous time and we want you to enjoy your experience moving into your new home the folks at Excelsior Homes have taken great care to prepare for you.

Newly Constructed Modular Home Dust

When I walk into a new construction home, the first place I start is with the shop vac. Depending on what stage your new construction is in, you may have some very big debris to clean up. If there are large chunks of wood or nails, pick those up by hand. If that part has been done, you want to keep dust at bay. That’s why I start with the shop vac. You want to get the heavy, nasty debris out of the way first; don’t sweep at this stage.

Clean From The Top Down

Next, I wipe down walls starting at the top and corners and work my way down. Then I vacuum up the dust or whatever got knocked down to the floor.

Then I recommend going back with Murphy oil soap for wood and a damp rag to dust other surfaces.  A damp rag works best; otherwise you may end up just pushing the dry dust around.  Who wants to create more work? The Murphy’s Oil also brings out the grain in the wood after the dust is gone.

Finish With The Floors

Now, you can finish the floors with a vacuum or sweep/mop.

Clean What You Can’t See

I would recommend getting the duct work cleaned after a new construction project so the dust isn’t recirculating all the time. You’d be surprised what can get trapped down in the duct work. You don’t want poor air quality from the start.

Details Matter

One last reminder is to remove stickers from new windows, appliances, or other new items. Then wash them well. Bring plenty of garbage bags, rags, and supplies with you so you can accomplish everything in one trip.

About the Guest Author: Cindy Haugland is the owner of Tidy Tightwads (http://tidytightwads.com)  a professional cleaning, organizing, and carpet cleaning business in Hutchinson, MN. When she’s not helping a local home or business owner with a cleaning project, she can be found teaching money saving classes or volunteering her time with Cleaning for a Reason, a program supplying house cleaning services for cancer treatment patients.