Are appliance interiors cleaned on an Ottawa post-build clean?

Appliance interiors are generally not included in a standard Ottawa post-construction cleaning package, but the answer depends on what was agreed to in your cleaning contract — which is exactly why reading the scope of work carefully before signing matters enormously.

What a Standard Ottawa Post-Build Clean Typically Covers

In the Ottawa market, a post-construction final clean focuses on removing construction dust, debris, adhesive residue, paint overspray, grout haze, and other trade-related contamination from the home's surfaces. This means ceilings, walls, windows, floors, fixtures, cabinetry exteriors, countertops, and bathrooms. Appliances — refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, microwaves, and range hoods — are typically wiped down on the exterior as part of the standard scope. The interior cavities are a different matter entirely.

Most Ottawa cleaning contractors treat appliance interior cleaning as an add-on service, priced separately from the base post-build clean. This is a reasonable industry practice because appliance interiors require different products, more time, and a different approach than construction dust removal. Expect to pay an additional $20 to $60 per appliance if you want interiors included, depending on the appliance type and its condition.

There is also a practical reason appliance interiors are often excluded from post-build cleans. In a new build, appliances are typically delivered and installed near the end of construction, meaning their interiors have had minimal exposure to the heavy construction dust that coats everything else in the home. The exterior, however, can accumulate significant dust and fingerprints during installation, which is why exterior wiping is standard.

That said, Ottawa's winter construction season creates an exception worth knowing about. When renovations happen during heating season — roughly November through March — indoor humidity drops to 15 to 20 percent, and the extremely fine drywall and concrete dust generated in those dry conditions can find its way into appliance interiors through vents and gaps, especially in range hoods and dishwashers. If your renovation happened during winter months, it is worth specifically asking your cleaning contractor to inspect and clean appliance interiors rather than assuming they are unaffected.

The practical advice here is straightforward: before signing any cleaning contract, ask explicitly whether appliance interiors are included and get the answer in writing as part of your scope of work. A reputable contractor will be clear about what is and is not covered. If appliance interiors matter to you — and for a new build where you want everything truly move-in ready, they should — request that they be added to the contract with a specific line item and price.

If you are ready to connect with cleaning professionals who handle Ottawa post-build cleans, the Ottawa Construction Network directory at justynrookcontracting.com lists cleaning contractors serving the Ottawa area. Browsing the directory and reaching out to a few contractors to compare their standard scope of work is a great way to find someone whose service matches what you actually need.