My mate Sarah collected the keys to her renovated New Town flat last October, stepped inside, and immediately regretted not booking a cleaner. “There was plaster dust inside the brand-new kitchen drawers,” she told me over coffee. “Paint splatters on the windows. Cement residue ground into the bathroom tiles.” She spent her first weekend scrubbing instead of celebrating—and still found construction dust appearing for weeks afterward.
If you’ve just finished a renovation or new build anywhere from Leith to Morningside, you know the reality: builders might clean up after themselves, but they never leave it move-in ready. Here’s everything you need to know about hiring after builders cleaning services in Edinburgh, including honest 2025 pricing, the best local companies, and what actually makes the difference between “clean” and “spotless.”
What Is After Builders Cleaning?
After builders cleaning (also called post-construction or sparkle cleaning) is a specialized deep clean designed to eliminate the chaos construction leaves behind: cement dust, plaster residue, paint splatters, adhesive marks, protective film removal, and debris that settles into places you didn’t know existed.
Standard tasks include removing protective film from windows and new appliances, deep cleaning inside cupboards and drawers, scrubbing tile grout and removing cement stains, eliminating fine construction dust from every surface (including walls and ceilings), washing window frames and sills, deep cleaning all floors, and sanitizing kitchens and bathrooms to move-in standard.
Most Edinburgh cleaning companies recommend waiting 48-72 hours after the final builder leaves before scheduling your clean. This allows airborne dust to settle, making the cleaning process more effective and preventing you from paying twice.
Why Standard Cleaning Won’t Cut It
Construction dust isn’t like household dust—it contains silica particles, plaster compounds, and cement residue that standard hoovers and cloths simply spread around. Professional after builders cleaning in Edinburgh requires industrial-grade HEPA filter vacuums, specialist products for removing paint and adhesive, professional-grade scrapers and scrubbers for stubborn residue, and proper techniques (always vacuum before wet cleaning to avoid muddy disasters).
Attempting this yourself means you’ll likely spend an entire weekend achieving mediocre results, discover dust reappearing for months, and potentially damage new finishes with incorrect products. Edinburgh homeowners who skip professional cleaning typically report regretting it within days.
After Builders Cleaning Prices in Edinburgh (2025)
Edinburgh pricing typically follows three models, with costs varying slightly between city centre properties and outlying areas like Currie, Balerno, or Musselburgh.
Hourly Rate: £150–£250 per cleaner per hour, with most companies sending 2-3 cleaners for efficiency. A typical 3-bedroom Edinburgh flat requires 4-6 hours total, costing £1,200–£3,000 depending on the mess level and company.
Fixed Package Pricing: Many Edinburgh companies prefer transparent packages:
- Studio/1-bedroom flat: £180–£250
- 2-bedroom flat: £250–£350
- 3-bedroom house/flat: £300–£450
- 4-bedroom house: £450–£600
- 5+ bedroom house: £600–£700+
Per Square Metre: Less common in Edinburgh, but some companies quote £15–£30 per square metre depending on condition. A 100m² property would cost £1,500–£3,000.
Additional services like carpet steam cleaning (£80–£120 per room), external window cleaning (£150+ for higher floors or difficult access), and deep oven cleaning (£50–£80) typically cost extra. Always confirm what’s included in your quote.
7 Best After Builders Cleaning Companies in Edinburgh
1. MDC FlexiClean
Rating: ★★★★★ 5.0 (Multiple verified reviews on Bark)
Contact: 0131 551 6000 | Visit mdcflexiclean.co.uk
Address: 17 West Harbour Road, Edinburgh, EH5 1PN
Areas: Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, Dunfermline, Livingston, Linlithgow, entire Central Belt
Specialization: After builders cleaning, commercial and construction site cleaning
Founded: 2006
MDC FlexiClean is Edinburgh’s leading after builders cleaning specialist with nearly 20 years of experience. They work extensively with construction companies and property developers across Scotland, which means they understand tight deadlines and high standards. Customer reviews consistently praise their reliability: “I can always count on Flexiclean to provide an excellent service! The communication is great.”
Their accreditations include CHAS certification (Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme), demonstrating their commitment to safety standards. All staff are security checked, vetted, and insured—particularly important when they’re working in your newly renovated property.
Best For: Property developers, landlords, and homeowners who need guaranteed results and flexible scheduling around construction deadlines.
2. Hello Cleaners Edinburgh
Rating: ★★★★★ (Highly rated for post-construction work)
Contact: Book via hellocleaners.co.uk
Areas: Edinburgh and surrounding regions
Specialization: Post-renovation cleaning, construction dust removal, plaster cleanup
Pricing: Transparent online quotes based on property size
Hello Cleaners offers a modern, tech-forward approach with instant online booking and transparent pricing. Their after builders cleaning service specifically covers plaster and dust removal, paint and smudge cleaning, and building debris tidy-up (they gather materials neatly but don’t remove them from property—confirm disposal arrangements with your builder).
What sets them apart is their clear package structure: you select your property size online, see exact pricing, choose your date, and confirm—no phone tag required. Reviews highlight their efficiency in removing construction dust and debris thoroughly.
Best For: Tech-savvy Edinburgh residents who prefer transparent online booking and fixed pricing with no surprises.
3. HQ Cleaning Group Edinburgh
Rating: ★★★★☆ (Established Edinburgh presence)
Contact: help@hqcleaning.co.uk | Visit hqcleaning.co.uk/edinburgh
Areas: Edinburgh and Lothians
Specialization: After builders cleaning with 100% satisfaction guarantee
Pricing: From £180 for 1-bedroom properties
HQ Cleaning Group positions itself as Edinburgh’s quality-focused option with a dust-free guarantee. Their service includes complimentary basic oven and standard fridge/freezer cleaning—extras that many companies charge for separately. For American-style fridges or heavy-duty oven cleans, additional services are available.
Customer testimonials emphasize their attention to detail: “The house looked like new and smelled so good. Awesome customer service.” They use specialized equipment designed to remove paint and plaster without scratching glass or damaging new finishes.
Best For: Homeowners who want comprehensive coverage including appliance cleaning, with a satisfaction guarantee backing the work.
4. Polished Scot
Rating: ★★★★★ (Excellent client feedback)
Contact: Via polishedscot.com
Based: Edinburgh (established 2014 by Tomek Durlak)
Areas: Edinburgh, particularly new developments in Gilmerton, Straiton, The Whisp, Sheriffhall
Specialization: Builders cleans for new-build homes and domestic renovations
Polished Scot specializes in Edinburgh’s growing southern suburbs and works closely with property developers on new-build estates. They understand the tight turnaround between construction completion and handover, typically allocating teams of 1-3 people depending on property size.
Their builders clean covers ceilings, carpets and flooring, windows and sills, skirting boards, and room-specific deep cleaning (bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms). One letting agency client states: “Their response is always first class and the job they carry out is always of a very high standard.”
Best For: New-build homeowners in South Edinburgh developments or anyone needing coordination with letting agencies.
5. NOVA CLEAN Edinburgh
Rating: ★★★★★ (Premium service)
Contact: Via cleaning-company-edinburgh.com
Areas: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Specialization: Eco-friendly after builders cleaning with bespoke solutions
Focus: Sustainability and environmental consciousness
NOVA CLEAN brings years of industry experience with a commitment to environmentally friendly cleaning products that are effective yet safe for families, pets, and the planet. They use specialist equipment designed to remove paint and plaster from glass without scratching—a crucial consideration for Edinburgh’s many period properties with original glass features.
Their meticulous approach targets every nook and cranny where post-construction dust infiltrates, removing all traces of dust, debris, paint splatters, adhesive residue, and construction grime. They pride themselves on exceeding client expectations through attention to detail and dedication to quality.
Best For: Environmentally conscious homeowners and families with young children or pets who want green cleaning products.
6. Clean Team Scotland
Rating: ★★★★☆ (Reliable and thorough)
Contact: 0141 363 0349 | Via cleanteamscotland.uk
Areas: Edinburgh and surrounding areas
Specialization: Post-construction cleaning for residential and commercial properties
Equipment: Professional-grade tools for all surface types
Clean Team Scotland emphasizes their extensive experience tackling “forgotten spaces” that harbour lingering dust—light switches, vents, behind radiators, window frames. Their comprehensive service covers high-use areas like kitchens and bathrooms plus often-overlooked spots like skirting boards and light fixtures.
Customer feedback highlights their reliability and thoroughness. They’re equipped to handle all surface types (glass, wood, tile) and guarantee properties will be completely dust-free. Whether you’re a homeowner ready to move in or a business owner preparing to reopen, they deliver fresh, hygienic, ready-to-use spaces.
Best For: Commercial property owners and business renovations requiring professional presentation.
7. Adele Cleaning Agency Edinburgh
Rating: ★★★★☆ (Quality-focused)
Contact: Via adelecleaningagency.co.uk/edinburgh
Areas: Edinburgh and Lothians
Specialization: Post-renovation cleaning with eco-friendly products
Online Booking: User-friendly system with instant quotes
Adele Cleaning Agency offers hassle-free online booking where you select after builders cleaning, enter your property details (number of bedrooms is essential for accurate quotes), and add any extras required. They provide all cleaning products and equipment except step ladders.
On cleaning day, ensure cupboards, fridges, and freezers are empty and defrosted, and furniture is moved 20-30cm from walls for thorough cleaning behind. Reviews emphasize their professionalism: “I’m super happy with the service your cleaning company has provided!”
Best For: Edinburgh residents who prefer online booking convenience and want clear preparation guidelines.
What’s Actually Included?
Standard after builders cleaning in Edinburgh should include: removing all construction debris and rubbish from rooms, industrial vacuuming of all surfaces (walls, ceilings, floors), removing protective films and stickers from windows and appliances, cleaning inside all cupboards and drawers, washing all internal windows, scrubbing tile grout and removing cement stains, mopping all floors, dusting and wiping all surfaces (doors, skirting, switches), and sanitizing bathrooms and kitchens.
Often extra (confirm before booking): External window cleaning, carpet steam cleaning, inside appliance cleaning (ovens, fridges), balcony or external areas, and upholstery cleaning.
Common Mistakes Edinburgh Homeowners Make
Booking too early: Cleaning while dust is still settling wastes money. Wait 48-72 hours after builders finish.
Not getting a site visit: Photos don’t capture the full extent of construction mess. Reputable Edinburgh companies will visit before quoting.
Choosing on price alone: The cheapest quote often means corners cut. One thorough clean costs less than hiring someone twice to fix poor work.
Unclear scope: “After builders cleaning” varies between companies. Get written confirmation of exactly what’s included.
Using regular domestic cleaners: Standard cleaners lack the industrial equipment and expertise for cement dust and construction residue.
Expert Tips for Hiring in Edinburgh
Get three written quotes detailing scope of work, total cost or hourly rate, number of cleaners, estimated time, what equipment/products are included, and what’s excluded.
Book at least 7-10 days ahead—post-construction cleaning is in high demand, especially in Edinburgh’s busy property market and popular areas like Morningside, Stockbridge, and Leith.
Verify insurance coverage. Reputable companies carry public liability insurance.
Confirm whether they provide cleaning materials—most Edinburgh companies include this, but verify products won’t damage your specific finishes.
Request references for after builders work specifically, not just general cleaning testimonials.
Who Should (And Shouldn’t) Hire Professionals
Definitely hire if: Your renovation involved dust-generating work (plastering, tiling, cutting, demolition), you have new high-end finishes requiring careful handling, you’re on a tight move-in deadline, you value your time more than £300–£500, or you have health concerns about construction dust exposure.
Consider DIY only if: Work was minimal (single room paint refresh), you already own industrial cleaning equipment, you’re on an extremely tight budget with available time, or your builder contractually guaranteed to leave the property clean (get this in writing).
Final Verdict
After builders cleaning in Edinburgh typically costs £300–£450 for a standard 3-bedroom property—money well spent when you consider the alternative of weeks discovering plaster dust in every corner. The seven companies listed above all have proven Edinburgh track records with satisfied customers.
My recommendation? Get quotes from MDC FlexiClean (most established with construction company experience), Hello Cleaners (best for transparent online booking), and HQ Cleaning Group (comprehensive with satisfaction guarantee). Compare what’s included, read recent reviews, and choose based on communication quality and your specific needs.
Your newly renovated Edinburgh home deserves to shine from day one. Don’t let construction dust ruin the moment you’ve been waiting for.
Next step: Contact 2-3 companies today for quotes. Most Edinburgh cleaners respond within 24 hours, and booking early ensures you can move in on schedule—dust-free and sparkling.