Cleaning tips for living in University accommodation

Let’s be honest, cleaning probably isn’t at the top of your university bucket list. Between lectures, social events, and late-night library sessions, it can be easy to let chores slide. But keeping your space clean isn’t just about making it look nice, it’s about staying healthy, avoiding unwanted visitors (like insects or fines), and passing your room inspections with ease.

Here are some top tips to keep both your bedroom and communal areas clean, tidy, and ready for inspection without too much effort.

1.  Keep your bedroom and communal areas clean

Nobody likes a messy flatmate! A clean-living space makes everyone feel more comfortable and helps prevent arguments.

In your room, make your bed regularly, clear away clutter, and keep your desk and floor tidy. In shared spaces, like kitchens and lounges, take responsibility for your own dishes, wipe down surfaces, and don’t leave belongings everywhere.

Tip: Visit our Harmonious Living blog for advice on creating a cleaning rota so everyone does their fair share!

2.  Clean appliances after every use

Your oven, toaster, and air fryer all need regular attention. Grease, crumbs, and food debris can build up quickly, and not only does it smell bad, but it can also set off the fire detectors or even cause a fire.

• Oven: Wipe it down after each use and give it a deeper clean weekly. Make sure you wipe away any oven cleaning products fully before using it again.
• Toaster: Empty the crumb tray regularly - it only takes a minute.
• Air fryer: Give it a quick clean with warm soapy water after every use to prevent build-up.

Dirty appliances could land you a fine if it sets off your fire detector, or could cause you to fail your flat inspections, so stay on top of them. For more information, visit the Student Behaviour webpages.

3. Wipe down surfaces and floors

Keep kitchen counters, tables, and bedroom surfaces free of sticky residue, crumbs, and spills. Wipe them down regularly with antibacterial spray or wipes. Crumbs attract insects, and sticky surfaces make your flat look and smell unpleasant, so a quick daily wipe makes a big difference!

Don’t forget the floors: a weekly vacuum or mop keeps dust and dirt away and makes your space feel fresher.

4. Take the rubbish out

It might sound simple, but taking the bins out regularly is one of the most important parts of keeping your accommodation safe and clean. A build-up of rubbish can:

• Become a fire risk if it blocks exits.
• Create smells and attract insects or rodents.
• Cause tension with your flatmates.

Empty your kitchen bin as soon as it’s full, and don’t leave bags piling up by the door.

5. Keep shared bathrooms clean

If you’re in washbasin rooms or shared bathrooms, always clean the shower after you’ve used it. A quick rinse down and wipe helps keep it pleasant (and hygienic!) for the next person.

Wipe down any hair or soap residue too - your future self (and your flatmates) will thank you.

6. Wash your bedding regularly

Clean sheets don’t just smell nice, they’re also important for your health and sleep hygiene. Wash your bedding every two weeks (or weekly if possible). It helps prevent bed bugs, dust mites, and odours, and gives you a more restful night’s sleep.

7. Don’t forget to clean the cleaning tools

Believe it or not, your cleaning items need cleaning too! If your hoover isn’t picking up properly, it might be time to change the bag or clean the filters. Emptying the dust compartment regularly keeps it working efficiently and helps avoid nasty smells. If you get stuck, as a member of your Residences team.

Sponges, cloths, and mop heads should also be rinsed or replaced regularly as dirty tools just spread more dirt around.

8. Stay on top of laundry

Doing your laundry regularly helps you avoid the dreaded overflowing laundry basket (and running out of clean socks before lectures!) Aim to do a full wash load once a week or as needed. Always check washing instructions on your clothes, and don’t overload the machine: your clothes will come out cleaner and fresher. Dry clothes properly too - don’t leave damp washing sitting around, as it can cause mould and musty smells.

9. Clean out the fridge

Fridge cleaning is one of those tasks that’s easy to forget but makes a huge difference.

• Check expiry dates weekly and throw out anything that’s gone off.
• Wipe down shelves with warm soapy water or antibacterial spray.
• Label your food if you share a fridge to avoid mix-ups.
• If you can’t finish something, try freezing it before it goes bad.

Staying on top of fridge hygiene helps avoid nasty smells and unwanted science experiments.

10. Personal hygiene matters too

Keeping your room clean is only half the story: personal hygiene is just as important.

• Shower regularly.
• Brush your teeth twice a day.
• Wear clean clothes.
• Keep deodorant, soap, and toiletries stocked up.

Good hygiene helps you stay healthy, confident, and respectful toward your flatmates.

Final Thoughts

A clean, tidy flat isn’t just about passing your room inspections, it’s about creating a space where you actually enjoy living. By staying on top of small daily and weekly tasks, you’ll avoid last-minute cleaning stress and keep your accommodation a comfortable, welcoming place for everyone.

So grab your cloth, put on your favourite playlist, and get cleaning! 

 

Changing your hoover bag

Changing your bedding

Passing room inspections

Hoover hacks