Cleanliness

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students in a clean room

Your roommates' contribution to a clean living space is lacking. You understand they’re busy, but you also have other things to attend to besides dishes piled up from the week. It’s starting to smell and messy shared spaces are not fun to be in. How do you politely tell people to pick up after themselves and get your nice apartment back? It may seem overwhelming, but with some simple supplies, a good schedule, and a couple of life hacks, you can maintain a clean apartment without spending hours scrubbing every inch.

What do I need?

There are many roads to get to the same destination, but some routes are faster than others. Using the appropriate supplies for what you are cleaning can greatly speed up the process, here’s a list of some of the most common…

Sample Cleaning Supply List:

  • All-purpose cleaner
  • Bathroom cleaner
  • Paper towels
  • Sponges
  • Scrub brush
  • Laundry detergent
  • Dish soap
  • Trash bags
  • Glass cleaner
  • Disinfectant wipes
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Broom and dustpan
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Mop (if you have hardwood or tile floors)
  • Stain remover (if you have carpets)
  • Air freshener (Optional)

How do I do it?

Once you have your supplies, there are a few things you can do to make the process of cleaning easier. Below you will find some practical advice on how to keep your apartment clean. With these tips and tricks, you can make cleaning a breeze and keep your dorm or apartment organized and spotless. Additional resources are linked at the bottom of the page.

Tip #1: Make a cleaning schedule

Create a cleaning schedule that works for you and stick to it. Assign specific tasks for specific days of the week and make sure to include a designated cleaning day for common areas such as the bathroom and kitchen. This way you’re not faced with a total disaster of an apartment that takes hours to clean. Instead, you can spend as little as 5-15 minutes a day targeting different areas in small doses to keep your apartment tidy.

Tip #2: Keep a cleaning caddy

It might seem meta, but one key to keeping a clean and organized apartment is having your cleaning supplies organized. Keep all of your cleaning supplies in a portable caddy so you can easily move from room to room. This will save you time and energy and make cleaning a more efficient process.

Tip #3: Use microfiber cloths

Microfiber cloths are great for cleaning because they are lint-free and can be used wet or dry. They are also great for picking up dust and pet hair. For example, you can wet one half of a microfiber cloth and wipe down a mirror, then take the dry side of the cloth and wipe it again. Doing this will help you see yourself better and cleaner too.

Tip #4: Use baking soda and vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar are natural cleaning agents that are great for tackling tough stains and grime. Mix baking soda and water to make a paste, then apply it to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing it with a microfiber cloth.

Tip #5: Make your own all-purpose cleaner

All-purpose cleaners are especially great for countertop. You can simply spray the surfaces. Let it sit for a minute, and then wipe it down with a microfiber cloth. Make your own all-purpose cleaner by mixing equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for a pleasant scent.

Tip #6: Follow product instructions

If you chose to buy rather than make your own cleaning supplies, read the instructions on how to use them. Many products will tell you to let it sit for a few minutes before wiping off for maximum effectiveness. Additionally, be wary of the damage that cleaning chemicals can cause when contact is made to sensitive areas such as the eyes. For some products, it may be wise to wear gloves.

Tip #7: Use a lint roller

A lint roller is a great tool for cleaning upholstery, carpets, and clothing. It's perfect for quick cleanups and removing pet hair. However, if a larger area needs to be cleaned, such as the living room floor, using a vacuum cleaner will be more time efficient.

Tip #8: Use Cleaning apps

Cleaning apps like Tody and Chorebuster can help you to keep track of your cleaning schedule and assign tasks to your roommates. These apps also have reminder features and allow you to track the progress of cleaning tasks.

Links and videos:

When do I clean?

Did you take out the trash last time? And the time before that? Or perhaps your roommates are nagging you to pick up your stuff when it’s not in anybody’s way. In any case, to ensure a comfortable and healthy living environment for you and your roommates, it is important to establish some cleanliness guidelines. Doing so will help your shared living space stay clean and organized.

There are a few ways of dividing tasks and scheduling cleaning. The following are just a few examples of how an apartment might share the responsibilities of cleaning.

Option 1: Rotating schedule

  • Monday: Bedrooms and common areas
  • Tuesday: Bathrooms
  • Wednesday: Kitchen
  • Thursday: Living room and common areas
  • Friday: Free day
  • Saturday: Free day
  • Sunday: Free day

Each student would be responsible for cleaning their own bedroom and the common areas assigned for the day. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, each student would also be responsible for cleaning the common areas of the apartment. On Tuesday, they would be responsible for cleaning the bathrooms, and on Thursday the living room. This schedule would rotate every week, so that each student would have a free day every week.

Option 2: Assigned tasks

  • Each student would be assigned specific tasks that they would be responsible for completing every week.
  • For example: Student 1: Kitchen, Student 2: Living room, Student 3: Bathroom 1, Student 4: Bathroom 2, Student 5: Common areas, Student 6: Trash and recycling.
  • This schedule could be modified to suit the needs of the specific apartment and students.
  • Each student would be responsible for keeping their designated area clean and tidy every week, and for completing the assigned tasks.

Both options can be adjusted to suit the needs of the specific apartment and students. It's important to have clear communication with all roommates and to establish clear expectations and responsibilities. It is also important to be flexible and open to make changes to the schedule if needed.

You can use an online calendar app or software, like Google Calendar, Outlook calendar, or iCalendar, to create a calendar and schedule the cleaning tasks. You can also share the calendar with your roommates so that everyone can see when tasks are assigned, when they are due and who is responsible for them.

You can also use apps like Chorebuster or Tody that are designed specifically for a shared cleaning schedule, which allow you to assign tasks, set reminders, track progress and communicate with your roommates.

Additionally, it may be helpful to have a visible reminder in the apartment of the cleaning assignments for the week. This can be as simple as a piece of paper on the fridge outline the rotation for the semester. Or it could display a smaller scale, such as a single week. Below are some examples that can be used. Alternatively, you can find an online template and fill it with the task division that works best for your apartment.

schedule sample 1
schedule sample 3
schedule sample 2

Please note that the above schedules are a general example, you can adjust and add more information according to your need, also the schedule should be agreed upon by all roommates.

What if I’m too busy/don’t want to do it?

We’ve all been there, some days are better than others, and sometimes you just don’t feel like cleaning. While missing a day here and there probably won’t render your apartment a total disaster, if you struggle to be consistent with your cleaning, it can quickly pile up into a big job. Here is some applicable advice for keeping your apartment clean when you are unmotivated.

  1. Break it down into smaller tasks: Instead of thinking about cleaning the entire apartment or doing all the dishes, break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. For example, focus on cleaning one room or doing just the dishes that you need for that day.
  2. Use a timer: Set a timer for a specific amount of time, such as 15 minutes, and focus on cleaning or doing dishes during that time. This can help you stay motivated and make cleaning more manageable.
  3. Create a cleaning routine: Establish a regular cleaning routine, such as cleaning the kitchen every morning or doing a quick tidy-up before bed. This will help make cleaning a habit and less daunting task.
  4. Use a checklist: Make a checklist of the tasks you need to accomplish and check them off as you complete them. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and help you stay on track.
  5. Make it fun: Play music or a podcast while cleaning, or make a game out of it by seeing how quickly you can finish a task. This can help make cleaning less of a chore and more enjoyable.
  6. Get help: Sometimes if you get overwhelmed, it's appropriate to ask for help. You can ask your roommates to help with cleaning and dishes. On the reverse side, studies show that service increases mental health and motivation, so in occasionally helping your roommate with their dishes you just may be helping yourself as well.
  7. Prioritize: Determine what cleaning tasks are most important, and focus on those first. For example, make sure the kitchen is clean and dishes are done, as this will help prevent pests and odors.

What about the dishes?

Although not all conflict is about the dishes, every apartment with dishes will most likely at some point experience conflict surrounding them. Dishes, according to surveys done on USU’s campus, are the straw that breaks the camel's back in cleaning conflicts.That is why it is important to note a few strategies to mitigate the stress, anxiety, and havoc dish cleaning preferences can wreck upon roommates.

  1. Establish clear expectations: Make sure that everyone knows what is expected of them when it comes to dishes. This includes who is responsible for washing dishes, when they should be done, and where dirty dishes should be placed.
  2. Communicate: Regularly communicate with your roommates about the dishes. Let them know when dishes are piling up, and encourage them to do their part in keeping the kitchen clean.
  3. Create a schedule: Consider creating a rotating schedule for washing dishes or assign specific days of the week for each roommate to do the dishes. This will ensure that dishes are done on a regular basis and that everyone is contributing.
  4. Lead by example: Set a good example by doing your dishes in a timely manner. This will encourage your roommates to do the same.
  5. Reward system: Consider implementing a reward system for roommates who consistently do their dishes. This could be something as simple as a gold star system or an informal agreement where the person with the most stars at the end of the month gets to choose a movie or a place to eat.
  6. Be respectful: Remember that everyone has different schedules and responsibilities, so be respectful of your roommates' time and workload.

Ultimately, it's important to remember that everyone has different habits and preferences when it comes to cleaning, but open communication and a little bit of patience can go a long way in helping your roommates do their dishes.

What are some additional resources?

For additional resources and help with cleaning, you may consider…

  • Contacting your RA
  • Reviewing the Housing Policies, Procedures, and Philosophy
  • Referring to the cleaning guide given in advance of semesterly cleaning checks
  • Searching on-line for additional resources that work for your apartment