College Dorm Cleaning Checklist: Helpful Cleaning Tips to Share With Your Teen

The Dorm Room Cleaning Checklist

Make the Bed, Every Day

Yes—every day! It doesn’t have to be perfectly tucked and folded, but even just pulling the comforter up and fluffing the pillows will look worlds neater. In a small space like a dorm room, making your bed makes a big difference in how the room feels; it makes the space more inviting and also creates extra seating for movie nights.

Utilize Smart Storage

Small-space dwelling means it’s time to get clever with storage. Take advantage of the space underneath the bed with under-bed storage containers (Bed risers can help create even more room!) and maximize drawer space with drawer dividers. For the closet, utilize tiered hangers for clothes and over-door organizers for shoes and accessories. Use easy-to-remove adhesive hooks for things like hats and jackets. These efforts to organize will make for a room that feels more spacious and more comfortable.

Tidy Up as You Go

There’s nothing worse than getting home after a long day and being greeted by a mountain of dirty laundry or dishes. Take care of messes as you make them to help out future-you. Rather than leaving dirty plates and bowls overnight, take ten minutes to do the dishes after you eat. When it comes to laundry, toss all your dirty clothes in a hamper that doubles as a tote, so when it’s time for laundry day, you’re already ready to go. Aim to do laundry roughly once a week, depending on your schedule—and don’t forget to wash your towels and bedsheets, too.

Clean Your Mini-Fridge and Microwave

Make a habit of regularly going through your mini-fridge and throwing out anything that’s expired. Every once in a while, go the extra mile and wipe down the interior and exterior with an easy Everyday Cleaner and reusable cleaning cloth. While you’re at it, do the microwave too. (Bonus points with the roommate if you do this immediately after a splatter.)

Communicate With Your Roommate

This is as much a life tip as it is a cleaning tip. Learning to communicate effectively and respectfully, even if it’s about the unfortunate and too-frequent presence of dirty socks, is important. Maybe your arrangement is “you keep your side clean, I’ll keep my side clean,” or maybe it’s more collaborative. Either way, work together to establish who’s in charge of which tasks and where boundaries lie.