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:

  1. Make Your Bed: Start your day by making your bed. It instantly makes your room look neater.
  2. Declutter: Spend a few minutes picking up any items that are out of place and putting them back where they belong.
  3. Wipe Surfaces: Quickly wipe down surfaces like your desk, bedside table, and shelves with a damp cloth to remove dust.
  4. 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.
  5. Empty Trash: Empty your trash bin daily to prevent odors and pests.
  6. Dish Care: If you have a mini-fridge or microwave, clean up any food spills promptly.

Weekly Tasks:

  1. Dust: Dust surfaces such as your electronics, decorations, and light fixtures. Use a microfiber cloth or a duster.
  2. 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.
  3. Change Bedding: Strip your bed of sheets and pillowcases and replace them with clean ones. This helps maintain hygiene and a fresh environment.
  4. Bathroom Cleaning: If you have a shared bathroom, clean up after yourself, ensuring sinks, mirrors, and toilet areas are tidy.
  5. Desk Organization: Organize your study area, putting away any papers, books, or stationery that have accumulated.
  6. Fridge Check: Dispose of any expired or spoiled food from your mini-fridge or snack stash.

Monthly Tasks:

  1. Deep Clean: Dedicate a day to deep cleaning. Move furniture to clean underneath, wipe down walls, and clean any hard-to-reach areas.
  2. Mop Hard Floors: Clean the floors with a microfiber mop to remove all the dirt and dust that has accumulated over time.
  3. Closet Tidy-Up: Organize your closet, donating or storing items you don’t need. This prevents clutter from accumulating.
  4. Tech Cleaning: Gently clean your electronics, including your laptop, monitor, and keyboard, to remove dust and fingerprints.
  5. Window Cleaning: Wipe down your windows and window sills to let in more natural light and maintain a fresh look.
  6. Inventory Check: Review your supplies and toiletries. Restock on items you’re running low on.
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When to Deep Clean Your Dorm

Your dorm room should always be deep cleaned under these circumstances:

  • After someone is sick
  • Before you go home for break
  • When you are moving out

To deep clean, follow all the steps outlined above, plus disinfect surfaces with disinfecting wipes.

How to Deal with a Messy Roommate

If your roommate always leaves a mess behind, or doesn’t help you to maintain the space, it’s important to have a conversation with them about it. Confronting a messy college roommate requires tact, communication skills, and empathy. Here are some effective ways to approach the situation:

  1. Choose the Right Time: Find a time when both of you are calm and not rushed. Avoid confronting them during stressful periods like exams or when they’re already agitated.
  2. Be Calm and Respectful: Maintain a calm and respectful demeanor throughout the conversation. Avoid being confrontational or aggressive.
  3. Use “I” Statements: Frame your concerns using “I” statements to avoid sounding accusatory. For example, say “I’ve noticed that the room gets cluttered” instead of “You always make a mess.”
  4. Choose Your Battles: What frustrates you the most? Be specific about that and ask if they can focus on tackling that task. For example, say “I was wondering if you could do me a big favor and wash your dishes in the sink everyday.”
  5. Find Common Ground: Start by acknowledging that everyone has different cleaning habits. Emphasize that you both share the space and want to find a solution that works for both of you.

Remember, consistency is key. Creating a cleaning routine and sticking to it will make the process more manageable. Additionally, involve your roommate if you have one, so you can both contribute to keeping the space clean and enjoyable. By following this guide, you’ll create a welcoming and organized dorm room that improves your on campus living experience.