Care Guides · Home Care
Moving into a new flat: the post-interior cleaning checklist
By MIB Care Team · Last reviewed 23 October 2026 · 6 min read
Short answer: Clean a new flat only after the interior team has finished and the paint has had time to dry. Remove debris first, then dust from top to bottom, then remove paint, cement and adhesive marks, then clean inside every cabinet, and finish with the floors. Use the right remover for each surface, because acid cleaners can permanently damage marble.
Why post-interior cleaning is different
Interior work leaves fine dust in every cabinet, track and vent, plus paint splashes, cement haze, adhesive and stickers. Ordinary cleaning moves this dust around. A post-interior clean removes it in a planned order.
The right order
- Clear debris. Remove packaging, offcuts and leftover material. Ask your contractor to take away construction waste.
- Dry dust, top to bottom. Ceilings, fans, lights, false ceiling grooves, AC vents and the tops of wardrobes.
- Vacuum before you wet-clean. Wetting fine dust turns it into a paste that sticks to grout and tracks.
- Remove marks. Paint splashes, cement haze, silicone, adhesive and protective film, using the right remover for each surface.
- Inside every cabinet. Kitchen, wardrobes and bathroom vanities, inside and out, including drawer channels.
- Kitchen and washrooms. Tiles, fittings, sinks, sanitaryware and exhaust fans.
- Windows and tracks. Glass, frames, mesh and the sliding tracks where dust settles.
- Floors last. With the method suited to the floor: marble, vitrified tile or wood.
Surface by surface
| Surface | What to do | What to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Marble and granite | pH-neutral cleaner, soft pad | Acid-based cement removers, vinegar, lemon |
| Vitrified tiles | Cement residue remover made for tiles, then rinse | Metal scrapers that scratch the glaze |
| Glass | Plastic scraper with a lubricant for paint spots | Dry scraping, which leaves scratches |
| Laminate and veneer | Damp microfibre, mild detergent | Soaking wet cloths at the edges |
| Chrome fittings | Mild descaler, soft cloth | Abrasive powders |
Before you move in
- Air the flat for a few days after painting
- Run every tap and flush to clear debris from pipes
- Check that balcony and bathroom drains flow freely
- Clean AC filters before first use
- Line kitchen drawers before unpacking
- Plan wardrobes and storage before boxes arrive
Moving in is the easiest time to organise. Our organising team can set up wardrobes and the kitchen as you unpack.
When to call MIB Care Team
Home deep cleaning. Customised to your home, walls and ceilings included. Book online in 60 seconds.
Questions we hear often
How long after painting should I deep clean?
Ideally once the interior work is fully finished and the paint has dried for a few days, so the cleaning does not mark fresh walls.
Can cement stains be removed from marble?
Often yes, but only with methods safe for marble. Acid-based cement removers etch marble permanently, so test carefully or use professionals.
How much does post-interior cleaning cost?
MIB Care Team charges ₹15 per sq ft of floor area + GST, walls and ceilings included. Very heavy debris may need a larger team, but the rate stays the same.
Do you also organise the new home?
Yes. Wardrobe and cabinet organising is ₹1,200 per 7x3 ft unit + GST, with organisers at MRP only if you choose them.