How to Clean a Dorm Room

You’ll need tools and materials on-hand before you get started with cleaning, whether it’s the first time or for ongoing maintenance. Use this list of suggestions to guide you with your purchases for dorm room cleaning.

Materials:

• All-purpose cleaner
• Disinfecting wipes
• Toilet bowl cleaner
• Laundry detergent
• Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Trash bags

Tools:

• Small or lightweight vacuum
• Mop (with cleaning pads or traditional)
• Soft-bristled scrub brush
• Sponges, rags and microfiber cloths
• Broom and dustpan
• Toilet brush
• Hamper or laundry bag
• Bucket
• Gloves

Even if your dorm room looks clean on move-in day, it’s possible some things were missed during its last cleaning by the custodial staff. At the very least, some dust may have collected. Take the time to deep clean your new home before you unload your belongings.

• If your dorm room comes furnished with a mattress, disinfect both sides of it.
• Disinfect all high-touch items, including the mattress frame, dresser knobs/handles, door knobs/handles, light switches, desk, chairs, walls and all surfaces. Disinfectant wipes work well, or you can fill a bucket with a disinfectant solution.
• Use a damp microfiber cloth to dust window sills, ledges, window treatments and other out-of-the-way surfaces.
• Finally, thoroughly sweep and mop the floor with a floor cleaner.

Dorm room cleaning doesn’t end with the initial deep clean on move-in day. Your dorm room will function as your house or apartment for many months, and it will need to be kept clean on a continuous basis. Some tasks are best kept up with every day, while others are easier on a weekly basis.

Daily

• Make your bed when you get up. This helps the room feel cleaner, and it’s easier to use it for seating when it’s made.
• Take out garbage and all food-related items. Don’t forget to replace the trash can liners.
• Wash any dishes.

Weekly

• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, including light switches, door knobs and chairs.
• Wash your laundry.
• Sweep and mop the floor.

The school year has several breaks that last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. For the longer breaks, consider deep cleaning your dorm room to keep dust, grime and germs at bay. This cleaning will be similar to daily and weekly tasks, but more in-depth.

• Dry and damp dust, starting at the top of the room and working your way down toward the floor. This way, nothing that’s been dusted will get dust from items above.
• Disinfect surfaces, including your mattress, door knobs/light switches/drawer pulls, counters, computer keyboard and mouse and anything else that gets frequent contact.
• Sweep the floor and wash it with a strong cleaner.
• Launder everything, including comforters, blankets, pillows and that pile of laundry that never gets smaller.
• Gather every piece of trash and garbage, then throw it all into an outside bin.
• Wash every single dish and eating utensil.
• Put everything in its place. When you get back after the break, your room will already be ready for the first day of classes.

Your dorm room may have an attached bathroom, and you may have to share it with a few others. Many students also keep a refrigerator and microwave in their rooms. Create a daily, weekly and before-break cleaning schedule for yourself and the others you share with.

Bathroom:

• Pay extra attention to disinfecting faucet handles, sinks, door knobs, the toilet seat, the toilet flushing handle, the shower floor, the main floor and countertops.
• For breaks, the bathroom needs to be cleaned and disinfected thoroughly from top to bottom. Include the shower walls and fixtures, all parts of the toilet and any community items like liquid soap containers.

Refrigerator:

• On a weekly basis, clean out old food from the fridge and clean the shelving and the exterior.
• If you leave for breaks, empty the refrigerator and wash it out. Take out any accessories to clean them properly and clean the exterior also.
• Follow any manufacturer’s instructions as far as leaving it on while it’s empty and for any cleaning specifics.

Microwave:

• Clean spills and messes as soon as they happen.
• Cover food with a paper towel or plate to minimize spatters.
• Wipe down the inside and outside with food-safe cleaners.

Note: Keep in mind that disinfectants are for killing harmful viruses and bacteria, while regular cleaning washes away dirt and bacteria. Use disinfectants sparingly to reduce your exposure to the chemicals. Most things are safe when they are only cleaned. If you want to disinfect, first clean the area to remove dirt, debris and bacteria. Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for any disinfectants you use.