What cleaning products a building site needs: degreaser, paint stripper and air freshener

Not all site residues are cleaned with the same product: general site dirt, ingrained paint or mortar stains, and residual solvent odour need different solutions, each with its own risk if applied wrongly.

Degreaser: dilute according to the manufacturer's data sheet

The degreaser or site cleaner is a general-purpose product for site dirt on washable surfaces: floors, tiles, sanitaryware, water-resistant furniture. Always dilute according to the manufacturer's data sheet before using it on delicate surfaces: a very concentrated product can dull or damage glossy finishes instead of just cleaning them.

Stripper: always test first in an inconspicuous spot

The stripper for paint or cement residues on floors removes splashes that normal mopping doesn't, with a specific product (acid or solvent depending on the case). Check first in an inconspicuous spot that the product doesn't attack the flooring itself, especially on natural stone or very porous stoneware: some strippers can stain or alter the floor finish as much as the splash you want to remove.

Air freshener: ventilate before applying

The air freshener or odour neutraliser treats residual odours from paint, solvent or site products before final handover to the client. The usual mistake: applying it without ventilating first. Ventilate the space well before applying any air freshener — mixing a strong perfume with residual solvent odour usually worsens the sensation instead of improving it, creating an even more unpleasant combination of smells.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use degreaser undiluted on any surface? It isn't advisable on delicate surfaces: a very concentrated product can dull or damage glossy finishes; always respect the dilution in the manufacturer's data sheet.

Why should I test the stripper before using it on the whole floor? Because on natural stone or very porous stoneware, some strippers can stain or alter the finish as much as the stain you want to remove.

Is it a good idea to apply air freshener directly over solvent smell without ventilating? No: mixing strong perfume with residual solvent odour usually worsens the sensation instead of improving it. Ventilate first, apply the air freshener afterwards.

Conclusion

Each end-of-work cleaning product carries its own risk if applied carelessly: degreaser can damage finishes undiluted, stripper can stain porous surfaces, and air freshener without prior ventilation can worsen the smell instead of removing it. Testing first and following the manufacturer's instructions is what guarantees a handover that smells and looks as good as expected.