This post is all about what needs to be cleaned in your dorm room
Dorm rooms—tiny spaces filled with big dreams, late-night snacks, and…bacteria. Whether you’re a first-time college student or a seasoned dorm dweller, there are some areas in your room that desperately need attention. Trust me, your future self (and probably your roommate) will thank you.
Here’s the ultimate guide to tackling the grossest culprits in your dorm, with a sprinkle of humor because cleaning doesn’t have to suck.
1. Your Desk (a.k.a. The Crumb Collector)
You eat there. You study there. You spill your coffee there. Yet, when was the last time you actually wiped it down?
What to Do:
- Use disinfectant wipes to tackle crumbs, smudges, and whatever that sticky stuff is (seriously, what is that?).
- A mini vacuum works wonders for those keyboard crevices where crumbs go to die.
Pro Tip: Don’t eat spaghetti while typing your paper. Just don’t.
2. Dust all surfaces
Take a cloth and some of that all-purpose cleaner and go over all surfaces including your bed, desk, lamps, dressers, etc.
Especially if you have closets, bookcases, and cupboards that don’t go all the way up to the ceiling, stand on a chair and get the surfaces cleaned. They’re magnets for dust.
3. Your Bed (Yes, You Have to Wash Your Sheets)
Your bed is the one place in your dorm you probably think is clean. Spoiler: It’s not. Between sweat, crumbs, and maybe last week’s pizza grease (no judgment), your sheets are a bacteria playground.
Therefore, wash your sheets! Preferably every two weeks.
Kudus to you if you also clean your mattress!
You spend hours on it every night, and yet it’s probably never been cleaned. Dead skin, sweat, and dust mites galore.
How to clean it: Vacuum it with an upholstery attachment, then sprinkle baking soda all over and let it sit for a few hours to absorb odors. Vacuum it again, and boom—a fresher bed.
4. Clean all mirrors
This one is simple but clean your mirrors. It will remove the dust and make it seem more clear when you use it next! The all-purpose cleaner will work great for this.
Blog Post: Home remedy for clean mirrors
5. The Mini Fridge
If your fridge smells like science class, it’s time to address the situation. Old leftovers, spilled drinks, and forgotten yogurt cups aren’t just gross—they’re potential biohazards.
What to Do:
- Remove everything. Yes, even the questionable Tupperware you’re scared to open.
- Wipe down all surfaces with soapy water or disinfect spray.
- Keep a box of baking soda inside to neutralize odors.
Pro Tip: Label leftovers with dates. “Mystery meat” should never be on the menu.
6. The Trash Can (The Secret Smell Culprit)
You empty it… sometimes. But when was the last time you actually cleaned it? That lingering smell isn’t going anywhere unless you scrub it down.
I would personally spray my all-purpose cleaner all over the trashcan and rub it in with a paper towel. I would then take my disinfect spray and let it sit for however long your directions say.
For a more natural remedy: Scrub the trashcan with soapy water or vinegar, then let it dry completely before putting it in a new bag. Sprinkle some baking soda at the bottom to keep odors at bay.
A little tip: One of the number one things that have helped not make my room smell like a full-on dump is Febreze trash bags.
7. Door Handles and Light Switches (Touched by Everyone, Cleaned by No One)
These high-touch areas are germ magnets. Imagine how many hands (and sneezes) have made contact. Gross, right?
What to Do:
- Wipe them down weekly with disinfectant wipes or a cloth soaked in vinegar.
Pro Tip: If you’re sick, clean these daily to avoid re-infecting yourself.
8. The Bathroom (if You’re Lucky Enough to Have One)
Ah, the dorm bathroom. It’s either yours alone (congrats) or shared with roommates (condolences). Either way, it needs more love than you’re giving it.
What to Do:
- Scrub the sink, toilet, and shower weekly. Yes, weekly.
- Use a squeegee to prevent mold on shower tiles.
- Toss that damp bath mat in the washer regularly.
Great products:
- Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner Gel: This powerful cleaner disinfects and removes stains. It also helps with tough germs and odors.
- Clorox ToiletWand Toilet Cleaning Kit: This cleaning kit has been highly popular and remains a constant bestseller.
- Toilet Bowl Fresheners: This one is not only functional but also cute!
9. Wash your towels
Please do your best to wash your towels once a week!
Just think about everything your towel has touched. Those community bathroom walls? Yep. The bathroom floors? Maybe. These are all things that are just accumulating germs and then you go out them all over your body.
Towels should generally be washed at 40°C to 60°C (104°F to 140°F) to effectively clean and sanitize them while maintaining their softness and longevity. Here’s a breakdown:
Why 40°C (104°F)?
- Best for lightly soiled towels or towels made from delicate fabrics like bamboo or certain types of cotton.
- Saves energy while still removing odors and light dirt.
Why 60°C (140°F)?
- Ideal for heavily soiled towels, such as gym towels or those used in the kitchen or bathroom.
- Kills more bacteria and removes stubborn stains.
10. The Microwave (A.k.a. The Explosion Zone)
If your microwave looks like a Jackson Pollock painting, it’s time for a cleanup.
What to Do:
- Heat a bowl of water with a slice of lemon for 2 minutes. The steam will loosen dried-on food.
- Wipe everything down with a sponge or cloth.
Pro Tip: Cover your food with a microwave-safe lid or plate to avoid splatter disasters.
11. Your Laptop and Phone (The Real MVPs)
These are probably the dirtiest things in your dorm. Think about it: You touch them after eating, sneezing, and doing…who knows what.
What to Do:
- Use a microfiber cloth and a bit of rubbing alcohol to clean screens and keyboards.
- Sanitize your phone daily with disinfectant wipes.
Pro Tip: Don’t eat Cheetos while scrolling TikTok. Orange dust + electronics = regret.
Bonus Tips:
- Set a cleaning schedule so you’re not tackling everything at once (or worse, ignoring it).
- Invest in some good cleaning tools: microfiber cloths, a sturdy vacuum, and rubber gloves.
- Play your favorite playlist or podcast while cleaning to make it less dreadful—it’s a vibe.
- Reward yourself afterward (coffee, chocolate, a Netflix binge). You earned it.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your dorm doesn’t have to be a full-day event, but it does have to happen. Start with these eleven areas, and you’ll breathe easier (literally). Bonus? Your mom will be so proud.
Remember, a clean dorm is a happy dorm. Now grab those disinfectant wipes and get to work. You’ve got this!
