We’ve rounded up our top dorm room cleaning tips to help you keep your dorm room spotless. Or, at least clean enough to impress during parents’ weekend.
You’ll clean more often if your supplies are organized and easy to find. We suggest putting together a cleaning kit that contains some essentials. That way, when it’s time to clean, you just grab and go. Minimally, a cleaning kit could include: all-purpose cleaner, disinfecting wipes, glass cleaner, dish soap, utility rags, and paper towels.
Two words. Baking soda. Keep an open box in your fridge to soak up off odors from spilled Red Bull and leftover take-out. You can thank us later. We also recommend emptying out and wiping down your fridge regularly. Gently wet paper towels with warm water and scrub the walls, floor, and door. For sticky stains, use a dollop of mild dish liquid mixed with water, or a small sprinkle of baking soda. Make sure to rinse after using the dish soap and wipe the surface clean.
Whether you’re working on a laptop or desktop, it’s so important to stay on top of cleaning your computer. It’s all about avoiding dust. Not only is dust a sign of infrequent cleaning, it can also be harmful to your precious machine. Let’s break it down:
- Unplug or turn off your computer before cleaning.
- Remove dirt and fingerprints from your monitor using a lightly moistened paper towel.
- Unplug or disconnect your keyboard, then turn it upside down and gently shake out excess dust and dirt. Then, lightly spritz a paper towel with all-purpose cleaner (not too much!) and wipe down the tops, sides, and between the keys.
- Use the same method for cleaning the body of your laptop or desktop. Just make sure to be extra-careful when working with liquids near a computer.
As always check with your machine's user manual to check for all relevant safety protocols prior to cleaning.
Long study sessions are the norm in college, which means your desk will get dirty quickly. Stay on top of things by regularly disposing of trash, papers, cans, and chip bags. Trust us, you’ll work better in a clean workspace. Keep some Seventh Generation's botanical Disinfecting Wipes in your cleaning kit. Once a week, clean off your desk and wipe down the surfaces, working to the corners. And don’t forget those knobs, handles, lamps, cords, and chargers.
From hoarding quarters, to studying the flow of traffic, to knowing which machines are the most reliable, doing laundry in college is a bit of an art form. Step one is to stock up on plant-based Laundry Detergent Packs. They’re lighter and less messy than liquid, and there’s no measuring involved. Visit our full, in-depth guide on how to do laundry in college and learn all the details about sorting, folding, and washing your clothes in the dorms.
Depending on your dorm set-up, you may be responsible for keeping a shared bathroom clean. Work with your crew to divvy up responsibilities, make a schedule, and stay on top of things. For heavily used surfaces like countertops, and high-touch spots like switches and handles, Seventh Generation Disinfectant Spray is your new best friend. It kills 99.9% of common household germs. Be ready for the upcoming cold & flu season. It comes in refreshing scents like Lavender Vanilla & Thyme scent and Fresh Citrus & Thyme scent. And, best of all, there’s no rinse required. One step disinfecting and deodorizing - great for use in your dorm room. For general cleaning that doesn’t need disinfecting power we recommend our free and clear all-purpose cleaner