Maintaining a clean and hygienic living space is essential for any student, whether you live in a dormitory or rent an apartment. Deep cleaning your student accommodation goes beyond just tidying up and can have numerous benefits for your health and well-being. In this article, we will explore the importance of deep cleaning, the tools and supplies you need, and provide step-by-step guides for cleaning different areas of your accommodation.
Deep cleaning of your student accommodation has several benefits. Firstly, it helps to eliminate dust, dirt, and allergens that can accumulate over time. This is especially important for individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions. Deep cleaning also helps to prevent the growth of mould and mildew, which can cause health issues and damage to your living space. Additionally, a clean and organised living space can improve your mental well-being and productivity.
Preparing for a Deep Clean: Essential Tools and Supplies
Before you begin deep cleaning your student accommodation, it’s important to gather the necessary tools and supplies. Some essential cleaning tools include a vacuum cleaner, mop, broom, microfiber cloths, scrub brushes, and a squeegee for windows and mirrors. It’s also helpful to have a caddy or bucket to carry your supplies from room to room.
Organising your cleaning supplies is crucial for efficiency. Consider using a storage container or caddy to keep all your cleaning products in one place. This will make it easier to find what you need and prevent clutter. Additionally, label your cleaning products to avoid confusion and ensure that they are used correctly.
When choosing cleaning products, opt for eco-friendly options whenever possible. Many conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to both your health and the environment. Look for products that are labelled as non-toxic, biodegradable, and free from harmful ingredients such as bleach or ammonia.
Tackling the Bathroom: Step-by-Step Guide to a Sparkling Clean
The bathroom is one of the most important areas to deep clean in your student accommodation. It is a high-traffic area that can quickly become dirty and harbour bacteria if not cleaned regularly. To thoroughly clean your bathroom, follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Start by removing any items from the bathroom, such as towels, rugs, and shower curtains. These can be washed separately.
- Dust and wipe down all surfaces, including countertops, shelves, and cabinets. Use a microfiber cloth or a damp cloth with a mild cleaning solution.
- Clean the shower and bathtub. Use a bathroom cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water to remove soap scum and grime. Scrub the surfaces with a brush or sponge, paying attention to corners and crevices. Rinse thoroughly.
- Clean the toilet. Use a toilet bowl cleaner and scrub the inside of the bowl with a toilet brush. Don’t forget to clean the seat, lid, and exterior of the toilet as well.
- Clean the sink and faucet. Use a mild cleaning solution or vinegar and water to remove stains and grime. Scrub with a brush or sponge and rinse thoroughly.
- Clean the mirrors and glass surfaces using a glass cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water. Wipe with a microfiber cloth or newspaper for a streak-free shine.
Cleaning the Toilet: Tips for a Sanitised and Odour-Free Bowl
Keeping the toilet clean and sanitised is crucial for maintaining good hygiene in your student accommodation. Here are some tips for deep cleaning your toilet:
- Start by applying a toilet bowl cleaner to the inside of the bowl, including under the rim. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to loosen any stains or grime.
- Scrub the inside of the bowl using a toilet brush. Pay special attention to the waterline and under the rim. Flush the toilet to rinse away the cleaner.
- Clean the toilet seat and lid using a mild cleaning solution or disinfecting wipes. Wipe down the entire surface, including the hinges and underside.
- To remove stubborn stains or odours, try using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Sprinkle baking soda into the bowl, then pour vinegar over it. Let it fizz for a few minutes before scrubbing with a brush and flushing.
- For extra freshness, consider using toilet bowl tablets or drops that release cleaning agents with each flush. This can help keep your toilet smelling clean and prevent a buildup of stains.
Shower and Tub Cleaning: Removing Mould, Mildew, and Soap Scum
Regularly cleaning your shower and tub is essential to prevent the growth of mould, mildew, and soap scum. Here are some tips for deep cleaning these areas:
- Start by removing any items from the shower or tub, such as shampoo bottles or loofahs.
- Use a bathroom cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water to spray the surfaces of the shower and tub. Let it sit for a few minutes to loosen any dirt or grime.
- Scrub the surfaces with a brush or sponge, paying special attention to corners, grout lines, and areas prone to mould or mildew growth.
- For stubborn stains or soap scum, try using a paste made from baking soda and water. Apply it to the affected areas and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.
- Rinse thoroughly with water to remove any cleaner residue.
- To prevent future mould or mildew growth, consider using a shower spray or squeegee after each use to remove excess moisture from the surfaces.
Sink and Countertop Cleaning: Keeping Surfaces Shiny and Hygienic
Keeping the sink and countertop clean and hygienic is important for maintaining good hygiene in your student accommodation. Here are some tips for deep cleaning these areas:
- Remove any items from the sink and countertop, such as toothbrushes or soap dispensers.
- Use a mild cleaning solution or vinegar and water to spray the surfaces. Let it sit for a few minutes to loosen any dirt or grime.
- Scrub the surfaces with a brush or sponge, paying special attention to corners, edges, and areas around the faucet.
- For stubborn stains or discolouration, try using a paste made from baking soda and water. Apply it to the affected areas and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.
- Rinse thoroughly with water to remove any cleaner residue.
- To keep the sink and countertop shiny and germ-free, consider using a disinfecting wipe or spray regularly.
Mirror and Glass Cleaning: Achieving a Streak-Free Shine
Cleaning mirrors and glass surfaces are important for maintaining a clean and polished look in your student accommodation. Here are some tips for achieving a streak-free shine:
- Start by removing any dust or dirt from the surface using a microfiber cloth or duster.
- Spray a glass cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water onto the surface.
- Wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth or newspaper, using circular motions to remove any streaks.
- For stubborn fingerprints or smudges, dampen the cloth with a cleaner or vinegar solution and focus on those areas.
- Finish by buffing the surface with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any remaining moisture.
Dealing with Grout and Tile: Removing Stains and Discolouration
Cleaning grout and tile regularly is important to prevent stains and discolouration in your student accommodation. Here are some tips for deep cleaning these areas:
- Start by removing any loose dirt or debris from the grout lines using a brush or vacuum cleaner.
- Mix the paste using baking soda and water, then apply it to the grout lines. Let it sit for a few minutes to loosen any stains or discolouration.
- Scrub the grout lines with a brush, paying special attention to any areas that are particularly stained or discoloured.
- Rinse the grout lines with water to remove any cleaner residue.
- For stubborn stains, consider using a commercial grout cleaner or a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Apply it to the affected areas and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.
- After cleaning, consider applying a grout sealer to protect the grout from future stains and discolouration.
Mastering the Kitchen Clean-Up: From Greasy Stovetops to Fresh Fridges
Keeping the kitchen clean and hygienic is crucial for maintaining good health in your student accommodation. Here are some tips for deep cleaning different areas of the kitchen:
✔️ Stovetop
Remove any loose debris from the stovetop using a brush or vacuum cleaner. Use a degreaser or a mixture of vinegar and water to spray the surface. Scrub with a brush or sponge, paying special attention to any greasy or sticky areas. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry with a cloth.
✔️ Oven
Remove any racks or trays from the oven and clean them separately using warm soapy water or an oven cleaner. Use an oven cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water to spray the inside of the oven. Let it sit for a few minutes to loosen any baked-on grease or food particles. Scrub with a brush or sponge, paying special attention to any stubborn stains. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry with a cloth.
✔️ Fridge
Remove all items from the fridge and clean the shelves and drawers separately using warm soapy water. Use a mild cleaning solution or vinegar and water to wipe down the interior of the fridge, paying special attention to any spills or stains. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry with a cloth. Don’t forget to clean the exterior of the fridge as well.
✔️ Other Kitchen Appliances
Clean other kitchen appliances, such as the microwave, toaster, and blender, using warm soapy water or a mild cleaning solution. Wipe down the surfaces, paying special attention to any stains or spills. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry with a cloth.
Maintenance Tips: Keep Your Student Accommodation’s Bathroom and Kitchen Clean and Tidy
Once you have deep cleaned your student accommodation’s bathroom and kitchen, it’s important to maintain a clean and tidy living space. Here are some tips for daily and weekly cleaning routines:
✔️ Bathroom
Wipe down surfaces, such as countertops and sinks, daily using a mild cleaning solution or disinfecting wipes. Clean the toilet bowl and seat regularly using a toilet brush and cleaner. Sweep or vacuum the floor weekly and mop it with a mild cleaning solution.
✔️ Kitchen
Wipe down surfaces, such as countertops and stovetops, daily using a mild cleaning solution or disinfecting wipes. Clean dishes and utensils immediately after use to prevent buildup. Sweep or vacuum the floor daily and mop it with a mild cleaning solution weekly.
✔️ Preventive Measures
To prevent mould, mildew, and other common problems, ensure that your bathroom is well-ventilated by opening windows or using an exhaust fan during showers. Wipe down surfaces regularly to prevent moisture buildup. In the kitchen, clean up spills immediately to prevent stains or odours.
Conclusion
Deep cleaning of your student accommodation is essential for maintaining a clean and hygienic living space. It has numerous benefits for your health and well-being, including eliminating allergens, preventing mould and mildew growth, and improving mental well-being. By following the step-by-step guides and maintenance tips provided in this article, you can achieve a sparkling clean living space that will enhance your quality of life as a student.