New Build Cleaning Melbourne: How to Clear Builder's Dust
By Cleaning Near Me team ·
Short answer: new build cleaning in Melbourne means removing the fine builder’s dust that settles on every surface, inside cupboards, in window tracks and in vents after construction. Builders usually leave a basic “builder’s clean”, not a detailed one. Book a professional move in clean after handover and before furniture arrives, then expect some dust to keep appearing for a few weeks.
What is new build cleaning?
New build cleaning is a detailed clean of a newly finished home before anyone moves in. It targets the dust and residue that trades leave behind: plaster dust, sawdust, grit from cut tiles and stone, and sticker or glue marks on fittings.
It’s different from a normal clean because the dust is extremely fine. It sits on top of door frames, inside drawers and along skirting boards, and it lifts back into the air every time someone walks past. Wiping once isn’t enough; it has to be vacuumed first, then wiped with a damp cloth.
Does the builder clean before handover?
Usually, but only roughly. Many builders arrange a “builder’s clean” that removes rubbish, sweeps floors and wipes obvious surfaces. What they must do depends on your building contract, so check it.
A builder’s clean rarely reaches inside cupboards, window tracks, light fittings, exhaust fans or the tops of doors. That’s why so many people in Melbourne’s growth suburbs, such as Tarneit, Clyde North, Mernda and Pakenham, find a layer of dust on everything the day after they get the keys.
Before you take possession, inspect the home and list any scratches, marks or unfinished work on the handover sheet for your builder. Consumer Affairs Victoria’s checklist for when building work is complete explains what to check. Cleaning comes after that inspection, so you don’t wipe away evidence of a defect.
Builder’s clean vs new build move in clean
The two cleans do different jobs. This table shows what each usually covers.
| Area | Builder’s clean (typical) | New build move in clean |
|---|---|---|
| Rubbish and offcuts | Removed from site | Not included (see rubbish removal below) |
| Floors | Swept or vacuumed | Vacuumed, then mopped |
| Cupboards and drawers | Often skipped | Vacuumed and wiped inside and out |
| Window sills and tracks | Rarely | Vacuumed and wiped |
| Skirting boards, door frames, tops of doors | Rarely | Dusted and wiped |
| Light switches and power points | Rarely | Wiped |
| Bathrooms | Quick wipe | Shower screen, tiles, vanity, toilet and mirrors cleaned |
| Kitchen | Quick wipe | Benchtops, cupboards, sink, stovetop and rangehood cleaned |
Our move in cleaning Melbourne service covers the right-hand column. Sticker and glue residue removal, glass windows, blinds and aircon filters can be added when you request a quote.
New build cleaning checklist: where builder’s dust hides
Work top to bottom and vacuum before you wipe. Wiping heavy dust with a wet cloth turns it into a paste that smears and can scratch glass and new finishes.
- Tops of door frames, doors and window frames
- Light fittings, exhaust fans and smoke alarm covers
- Heating and cooling vent covers (ducted heating is common in Melbourne homes)
- Inside every kitchen cupboard, drawer and pantry shelf
- Inside wardrobes, including shelves, rails and sliding door tracks
- Window sills and tracks, then the glass
- Skirting boards, light switches and power points
- Shower screen, tiles and grout, vanity and toilet
- Laundry cupboards and the space behind the washer
- Garage floor and any storage areas
- Floors last: vacuum carpets slowly, then vacuum and mop hard floors
Use a vacuum with a fine filter if you have one, and keep windows open while you work. Fine construction dust can irritate eyes and airways, so a dust mask is sensible if you’re doing it yourself.
When should you book a new build clean?
Book it for the gap between handover and moving day. The home is empty, every surface is reachable, and the trades have finished.
- Handover inspection. Walk through with the builder and list any defects first.
- Any last trades. If the builder is fixing defects, or you’re adding blinds, flooring or appliances, try to schedule them before the clean.
- The move in clean. A morning clean before an afternoon move can work, but a day or two’s gap is easier.
- Removalists. Furniture goes into a clean home rather than onto dust.
If carpets were laid near the end of the build, a thorough vacuum usually lifts the loose fibres and dust. Carpet steam cleaning in Melbourne is better saved for later, unless trades have marked the carpet.
Why does dust keep coming back after a new build clean?
Some dust will keep appearing for a few weeks, and that’s normal. Fine particles settle out of the air slowly, and ducted heating or cooling can push dust from inside the ducts back into rooms the first few times it runs.
To reduce it:
- Run the heating or cooling with windows open for the first few cycles.
- Clean or replace filters on split systems and evaporative coolers.
- Wipe vent covers again after a week or two.
- Vacuum floors more often than usual for the first month.
If dust from one area keeps returning, or you notice cracks, gaps or leaks, raise it with your builder. The Building and Plumbing Commission’s guide on problems after completion or handover recommends giving the builder the chance to fix an issue first.
What about leftover building rubbish?
A move in clean doesn’t include removing building waste such as plasterboard offcuts, packaging and timber. If the builder has left rubbish behind, ask them to remove it, because your contract may cover it. For leftovers you’re responsible for, our rubbish removal service can load and take them away.
Our move in cleaning checklist covers the same steps for an existing home or a rental.
Key takeaways
- New build cleaning removes the fine builder’s dust that a basic builder’s clean leaves behind.
- Inspect the home and list defects on the handover sheet before anything is cleaned.
- Vacuum dust first, then wipe with a damp cloth, working top to bottom.
- Book the clean between handover and moving day, after the last trades finish.
- Some dust settling for a few weeks is normal; ducts and vents are the usual source.
FAQs
How long does a new build clean take?
It depends on the size of the home and how much dust was left. A new apartment may take a few hours, while a large double-storey house usually takes most of a day. Tell us the number of bedrooms, bathrooms and levels when you ask for a quote.
Is builder’s dust harmful?
Builder’s dust is very fine and can irritate eyes, noses and airways, especially for people with asthma or allergies. Ventilate the home while cleaning and wear a dust mask if you’re doing it yourself. Vacuum rather than dry-sweep, so less dust goes back into the air.
Can you remove stickers and labels from new fittings?
Yes. Sticker and glue residue removal is an add-on you can select in the quote form. Let us know roughly how many windows, appliances or fittings still have labels on them.
Do I still need a move in clean if the builder already cleaned?
Usually, yes. A builder’s clean is designed to make the site presentable for handover, not to clean inside cupboards, tracks and vents. If you check those areas and they’re clean, you may only need a lighter clean.
Get a free new build cleaning quote and we’ll confirm the price with you before anything is booked. Prices are quoted excluding GST.
General information only. Check your building contract and Consumer Affairs Victoria for your rights at handover.