Living in university accommodation is an exciting milestone, but keeping your space clean is essential for a comfortable and healthy living environment. Whether you’re a first year in modern student accommodation like Cityheart Living or you’ve moved to a shared house, having the right cleaning products will make your life much easier. Here are the must-have cleaning essentials every university student should own.
Multi-Surface Cleaner
A good multi-surface cleaner is your best friend. It’s perfect for wiping down desks, tables, kitchen counters, and even bathroom surfaces. Choose an antibacterial version to keep germs at bay, especially if you’re living with housemates. You can easily pick one up somewhere like Home Bargains for really cheap.
Disinfectant Wipes
For quick and easy cleaning, disinfectant wipes are a lifesaver. Use them to wipe down door handles, light switches, and other frequently touched areas to prevent the spread of germs – especially during (freshers’) flu season.
Washing-Up Liquid
If you don’t have a dishwasher (which most student accommodations don’t), washing-up liquid is essential. It’s not just for dishes – you can also use it to clean greasy surfaces and even as an emergency stain remover for clothes. Pick a nice scented one, as this really does make doing the dishes a bit more fun…
Sponges and Microfibre Cloths
A sponge is great for scrubbing dishes, while microfibre cloths are perfect for dusting, wiping surfaces, and drying dishes. They’re reusable and more eco-friendly than disposable paper towels. Again, they’re super cheap – even Primark do them, in really cute patterns that allow you to bring some personality to your student cleaning kit.
Toilet Cleaner and Brush
If you have your own bathroom, keeping it clean is a must. A good toilet cleaner will help prevent limescale and bad odours, while a toilet brush ensures you can scrub away any grime. Opt for toilet cleaners that clip onto the bowl, so you don’t even have to think about it!
Glass Cleaner
For streak-free mirrors and windows, a glass cleaner is essential. If you don’t want to buy a separate product, a mixture of white vinegar (CleanTok’s favourite product) and water works just as well.
Limescale Remover
Hard water can cause limescale build-up in kettles, showers, and taps. A limescale remover (or a DIY mix of vinegar and baking soda) helps keep these areas clean and functioning properly. Cleaning these regularly is a good habit to get into!
Vacuum Cleaner or Handheld Hoover
Most university halls provide a communal vacuum, but if you’re in a private house, consider investing in a small hoover to keep carpets and floors dust-free. A handheld hoover is also useful for quick clean-ups in smaller spaces, and for stairs.
Broom and Dustpan
For hardwood or tiled floors, a simple broom and dustpan set is a cheap and effective alternative to a vacuum cleaner. They’re so quick to use, too!
Laundry Detergent and Stain Remover
Doing laundry is unavoidable, so stock up on detergent, fabric conditioner, and a stain remover for those inevitable food and drink spills. Opt for eco-friendly versions, and be sure to avoid overly scented products if you have scented skin.
Air Freshener or Fabric Spray
Keeping your room smelling fresh is just as important as keeping it clean. An air freshener or fabric spray can help eliminate odours, especially in smaller student rooms. This means your space will always feel fresh and be welcoming for guests.
Final Tips
- Clean little and often – leaving everything until the end of the term makes the job much harder.
- If you’re sharing a house, create a cleaning rota to fairly split responsibilities.
- Look out for supermarket value brands to save money while still keeping your space fresh.
Having these essentials on hand will make student living more pleasant and help you avoid the dreaded end-of-term deep clean. Happy cleaning!
Photo credit: JEShoots
