The short answer
Wait until trades are finished and dust has settled, then clean top to bottom: inside and outside cabinets, appliances, counters, fixtures, sills, and floors. Expect a second light pass a week or two later as remaining dust settles.
Many Darien homeowners plan renovations for late winter and spring so the kitchen is ready for summer. Whether your home is near the Post Road, Tilley Pond, or closer to the shore, the end of a remodel looks the same: beautiful new finishes under a layer of fine dust.
Timing with contractors
Schedule the final clean after all trades are done, including touch-up painting and any appliance installation. Cleaning between trade visits often means doing it twice. Ask your contractor for a date when the work will be complete.
What the final clean covers
- Inside and outside of cabinets and drawers.
- Counters, backsplash, and the sink and faucet.
- Appliance exteriors, and interiors if they collected dust.
- Light fixtures, vent covers, and window sills.
- Baseboards, door frames, and switch plates.
- Floors, vacuumed first and then mopped.
Caring for new surfaces
New counters, cabinet finishes, and floors may have specific care instructions. Ask your contractor or check the manufacturer's guidance, and share it with your cleaner.
Beyond the kitchen
Renovation dust travels to nearby rooms, stairs, and HVAC returns. Check adjacent spaces too. Our guide to dust after a renovation and rough clean vs. final clean explain the phases.
Before you unpack
- Confirm cabinet interiors are clean and dry.
- Run the dishwasher empty once if it is new.
- Unpack everyday items first, then the rest.
Post-construction cleaning in Darien
We provide post-construction and post-renovation cleaning in Darien. Debris removal is handled by your contractor. See our post-construction cleaning page for Darien, CT.
Post-remodel questions
When should I schedule cleaning after a remodel?
After all trades are finished, including touch-ups and appliance installation.
Do you remove construction debris?
No. Debris and material removal are handled by your contractor. Our work is the cleaning after.
Why is there still dust a week later?
Fine dust keeps settling from the air and vents for a while. A light second pass often helps.
Do you clean inside new cabinets?
Yes. Inside cabinets and drawers are part of a post-renovation kitchen clean. We confirm the scope when we quote.