How to Give a Dorm Room a Deep Cleaning

How to Deep Clean a Dorm Room Before Moving In

Even though the custodial staff will have cleaned the dorm room after the last student moved out, there are a few things you should do before bringing in your stuff. As a courtesy to the staff, follow the same steps after you've removed your belongings.

1. Disinfect Surfaces

   Use a disinfectant wipe to clean surfaces that are touched frequently—light switches, door handles, desk tops, and drawer pulls. If you have a private bathroom, wipe down countertops and toilet seats.

2. Freshen Surfaces

   Use a microfiber cloth and an all-purpose cleaner to wipe down the furniture, window sills, and light fixtures. If you see dust and smudges on walls or doors, clean them as well.

3. Clean the Floors

   Lastly, use a wet or dry mop or vacuum to capture dust and dirt that may have fallen onto the floors. Don't forget the baseboards!

How to Deep Clean an Occupied Dorm Room

1. Gather Dirty Laundry

   Start by gathering up any dirty laundry from the floor, bed, bathroom, or hamper. Don't forget your towels and sheets. Head to the laundry room and get one or more loads started. You clean your room while the washer and dryer are doing their jobs.

2. Make the Bed

   Making the bed instantly makes a room look neater and you may find that lost book you've been looking for.

3. Grab Two Trash Bags

   Start at one corner of the room and move clockwise with two trash bags in your hand—one for trash and one for recyclables. Gather food wrappers, expired food, cans, bottles, unneeded papers, and broken items. Take the bags immediately to the dorm waste disposal area.

4. Gather and Wash the Dishes

   If you have dishes, utensils, or cooking equipment in the room, gather them up. Fill a dishpan with hot water and some dishwashing liquid. Put the dishes in the pan and let them soak for a few minutes then wash, rinse, and dry them.

   Clean the interior of the microwave, mini-fridge, and coffeepot.

5. Organize Clutter

   Take a few minutes to put items back where they belong. If you have books and papers scattered everywhere, move them to the desk. Put away clothing that can be worn again without washing.

6. Dust Surfaces

   Use a damp microfiber cloth to remove dust from the furniture, light fixtures, and window sills.

7. Clean and Disinfect Surfaces

   Now that the dust is removed, use a disinfecting wipe or an all-purpose cleaner to clean any surfaces that are dirty or covered with fingerprints and smudges.

   If you have a private bathroom, clean and disinfect the sink, mirror, toilet, and shower.

8. Clean the Floor

   Use a vacuum or mop to clean the floor and capture all of the dust and dirt that has fallen during your cleaning spree.

Tips to Keep Your Dorm Room Clean Longer

• Place uneaten food, cans, and trash in the trashcan daily and empty the can frequently.
• Wash dishes after every use.
• Make your bed every day.
• Use a disinfectant wipe to clean frequently touched areas every day.
• Don't allow dirty laundry to accumulate for too long.
• Wipe down the sink and shower after each use with a microfiber cloth.
• Dust, vacuum, or sweep the floor and clean the bathroom (toilet, sink, shower) weekly.