Living in a dorm is a wonderful experience. Having meals prepared for you is a luxury every college student misses when they move out of the dorms and into their own apartment. However, just because dorms are meant to be low maintenance living does not mean you can get away with doing nothing. It is important to clean and care for your dorm room so that you don’t lose your security deposit. Having a clean room also keeps you and your roommates healthier and creates a more positive atmosphere. Here is cleaning guide to help you keep your dorm room in top shape!
Supplies
Dorm rooms are typically not very big. You don’t need a whole arsenal of cleaning supplies to get a proper clean. A few staples that are good to have on hand include:
- Disinfecting wipes
- All purpose cleaning spray
- Duster
- Dish soap
- Old towels designated for cleaning
- Air freshener spray (make sure to check with your roommates first to make sure they are okay with the use of air fresheners)
You will also need a vacuum or mop depending on the type of floor in your dorm room. However, most dorms will have these available for check-out at the front desk.
Cleaning
Cleaning is not a very fun or exciting activity, but it is necessary. Taking the time once a month to thoroughly clean everything in your dorm room will keep your place neat and save you time in the long run. A thorough cleaning includes:
- Dusting all decoration items and knick-knacks
- Using disinfecting wipes to clean surfaces such as desks, side tables, and cabinets
- Washing the bedding including sheets and pillow cases
- Using all purpose spray to clean heavily used or dirty items such as sinks and door handles
- Vacuuming or mopping the floor depending on the floor type your room has
Other Things to Consider
A once a month clean up is the best way to keep your dorm room in shape. With help from your roommates it can be completed fairly quickly. You should stay proactive between cleanups to keep your room fresh for as long as possible. Wash dishes immediately after you use them. Take out the trash and do laundry as needed to keep piles of dirty objects from building up in your room. Clean up any spills or messes immediately.
With a little work you can keep your dorm room clean and fresh all year long. Have any tips for keeping a dorm room clean? Leave them in the comment section below!