How to safely clean up after renovating expensive flooring
13 January 16:36
After renovation, expensive surfaces are left with not only visible dirt, but also microabrasives: construction dust, particles of putty, cement, and grout. These are the most common causes of scratches and “dullness” when washed incorrectly. This is especially critical for parquet, marble, and decorative plaster, where even a minor mistake can lead to expensive repairs.
In such cases, it is advisable not to experiment with household products, but to consider professional cleaning services after renovation work in Kyiv, where the selection of chemicals, pH level, and tools are determined taking into account the specific type of coating and its finish layer. This is according to experts from the cleaning company WHITE CLEAN, as reported by Komersant Ukrainian.
General rules for cleaning delicate surfaces after renovation
First, dry dust removal, then wet cleaning
Before any wet cleaning, remove as much dust as possible: it acts like sandpaper. Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush/floor attachment and microfiber, which collects dust rather than smearing it.
If you start with a wet cloth on a dusty surface, you will get micro-scratches and stubborn stains. This is particularly noticeable on marble and lacquered parquet.
Test on an inconspicuous area and check the pH
Any chemical should first be tested on 1–2 cm² in an inconspicuous area. This is a safety standard for expensive coatings after renovation, when it is not known exactly what materials and impregnations were used.
pH is important: neutral or slightly alkaline compounds are safer for most surfaces. Acidic agents often “conflict” with stone and joints, and strong alkalis — with varnishes and paints.
Tools that do not damage the surface
The safe minimum: soft microfiber, melamine (carefully and only where permitted), rubber squeegee, soft brushes. Hard sponges, metal brushes, abrasive powders — risk of scratches and matting.
Separately: steam cleaners are not universal. For parquet, there is a risk of swelling/deformation, for decorative plaster — a risk of stains and “washing out” the texture.
Parquet after renovation: how to clean without swelling, stains, and scratches
Moisture — in moderation, chemicals — for wood
Parquet (varnish/oil) does not like excess water. After renovation, remove dust, then wash with a well-wrung microfiber mop, without “puddles” and with short contact of moisture with the surface.
The benchmark for chemicals is pH neutral or slightly alkaline, specifically for wood. Products containing ammonia, chlorine, and concentrated alkaline compounds can damage the finish and cause white spots or “clouding.”
Spot removal of paint and glue — without scraping
Traces of paint/primer on parquet should not be “scraped off” with a dry blade — this removes the varnish. Work in a targeted manner: soften with a suitable agent, control the time, and gently remove with a soft tool.
If the coating is oil-based, the approach is even more cautious: solvents can extract oil and cause “dry” spots. In such cases, it is better to use a professionally selected composition and perform local restoration.
Marble after repair: how not to damage the stone with acids
What is prohibited for marble
Marble is a calcite stone, it reacts with acids. “Cement” and “scale” removers, vinegar, citric acid are typical causes of etching (dull spots) and loss of shine.
The best option is neutral or special stone cleaners, plus non-abrasive mechanical cleaning. If there are cement residues, the method is chosen so as not to damage the polish and joints.
Finish: rinsing and protection
After cleaning, it is important to remove any remaining reagents and dry the surface. Protective impregnations are often advisable for stone (if necessary) — they reduce dirt absorption and simplify further care.
Decorative plaster after renovation: how not to “wash away” the texture
Consider the type of coating and its degree of resistance
Decorative plaster can be mineral, silicone, acrylic, with or without protective wax/varnish. There is no universal “one size fits all” solution: what is normal for acrylic may leave stains on a mineral base.
Usually, dry dust removal (soft brush/vacuum cleaner) is used, followed by minimal damp wiping or spot cleaning without strong friction so as not to remove the top decorative layer.
Table: pH and tool selection for delicate surfaces
| Coating | Recommended pH | Safe tools | What not to use |
| Parquet (varnish/oil) | ~7–9 | Vacuum cleaner with soft attachment, microfiber, well-wrung mop | steam cleaner, abrasives, chlorine/ammonia, lots of water |
| Marble/natural stone | ~7–8 (neutral) | microfiber, soft brushes, special stone cleaners | Acids (vinegar, “anti-scale”), abrasive powders/sponges |
| Decorative plaster | ~7 (depending on type) | soft brush, dry microfiber, spot cleaning | hard sponges, strong alkalis/solvents without testing, intensive wetting |
When to order professional cleaning
Prices from the cleaning company WHITE CLEAN, as the company itself notes, will “pleasantly surprise you.”
“…because they work with delicate surfaces in a technological sequence: first, safe dry dust removal, then controlled wet cleaning and local work with complex post-renovation stains without damaging the material.
WHITE CLEAN in Kyiv performs post-renovation cleaning with a focus on preserving surfaces,” the company emphasizes.
Practical advantages of professional cleaning:
- selection of chemicals according to the material and type of contamination;
- minimization of the risk of scratches/dulling;
- localized work on difficult stains without “scraping” the coating;
- checking the result at the end (corners, joints, baseboard area, texture).
