As a busy college student, a clean dorm room is likely not your first priority. Okay, it’s probably last on your list, but a clean dorm can have a major impact on your studies and social life.
While dorm rooms are small spaces, they can be difficult to keep clean, especially when you are sharing the space with a roommate. That is why we’ve created this checklist to help you keep up with regular dorm cleaning. Below you will find all the items you will need, along with a daily, weekly, and monthly checklist to keep you on track.
Reasons to Clean Your Dorm Room
A clean and organized living space can help reduce stress and anxiety, making it easier for you to focus. Secondly, a clean room can help prevent germs from spreading and getting you sick. A tidy room can also create a welcoming atmosphere for guests, which can improve your social life because no one wants to hang out in a messy room.
Dorm Cleaning Supplies You Need
Cleaning Supplies
- Dish Soap
- Laundry Detergent
- Disinfecting Wipes
- All Purpose Cleaner
- Window Cleaner
Cleaning Equipment
- Dish Sponge
- Dish Towels
- Microfiber towels or Paper Towels
- Broom and Dustpan or Vacuum
- Microfiber Duster
- Garbage Bags
- Caddy for Supplies
Brands that we recommend include Clorox, Scrub Daddy, Mr. Clean, and Lysol.
Your college dorm will receive a deep cleaning before you move in, but we still recommend that you wipe down surfaces with a disinfecting wipe before you begin unpacking your things.
Dorm Cleaning Routine
By breaking down tasks into daily, weekly, and monthly routines, you can maintain a tidy environment without feeling overwhelmed. Here’s a thorough guide to help you stay on top of your dorm cleaning:
Daily Tasks:
- Make Your Bed: Start your day by making your bed. It instantly makes your room look neater.
- Declutter: Spend a few minutes picking up any items that are out of place and putting them back where they belong.
- Wipe Surfaces: Quickly wipe down surfaces like your desk, bedside table, and shelves with a damp cloth to remove dust.
- Laundry Management: Place dirty clothes in a designated hamper or laundry bag to avoid clutter. If you have a small load, consider doing laundry more frequently.
- Empty Trash: Empty your trash bin daily to prevent odors and pests.
- Dish Care: If you have a mini-fridge or microwave, clean up any food spills promptly.
Weekly Tasks:
- Dust: Dust surfaces such as your electronics, decorations, and light fixtures. Use a microfiber cloth or a duster.
- Vacuum or Sweep: Vacuum the floor if you have carpeting, or sweep and mop if you have a hard floor surface. Pay attention to corners and under furniture.
- Change Bedding: Strip your bed of sheets and pillowcases and replace them with clean ones. This helps maintain hygiene and a fresh environment.
- Bathroom Cleaning: If you have a shared bathroom, clean up after yourself, ensuring sinks, mirrors, and toilet areas are tidy.
- Desk Organization: Organize your study area, putting away any papers, books, or stationery that have accumulated.
- Fridge Check: Dispose of any expired or spoiled food from your mini-fridge or snack stash.
Monthly Tasks:
- Deep Clean: Dedicate a day to deep cleaning. Move furniture to clean underneath, wipe down walls, and clean any hard-to-reach areas.
- Mop Hard Floors: Clean the floors with a microfiber mop to remove all the dirt and dust that has accumulated over time.
- Closet Tidy-Up: Organize your closet, donating or storing items you don’t need. This prevents clutter from accumulating.
- Tech Cleaning: Gently clean your electronics, including your laptop, monitor, and keyboard, to remove dust and fingerprints.
- Window Cleaning: Wipe down your windows and window sills to let in more natural light and maintain a fresh look.
- Inventory Check: Review your supplies and toiletries. Restock on items you’re running low on.