Deep Cleaning Your Dorm Room Before You Move In

August 15, 2024

Deep cleaning your dorm room before you (and perhaps your roommate) move in is never a bad idea. Even though dorms are expected to be spotless, sometimes the rooms are left just “good enough.” Not only does a spotless room feel good, but it’ll ensure you don’t need to do another deep clean until later in the semester. 

Here are some tips for cleaning your dorm room and how BKF can help you when moving into the dorms this school year!

Deep Cleaning Your Dorm Room

Plan Ahead

If possible, schedule your arrival before classes begin to give yourself time to concentrate on cleaning and organizing. This includes deep cleaning the room, organizing it, and adding personal touches to make it your own.

Have Your Supplies Ready

You’ll need a basket full of supplies, including the following:

• All-purpose cleaner
• BKF MORE Spray + Foam
• Disinfecting wipes & spray
• BKF Toilet Bowl Cleaner
• Trash bags
• Bar Keepers Friend Original Powder Cleanser 
• Lightweight vacuum
• Mop
• Soft-bristled scrub brush
• Sponges, rags, and microfiber cloths
• Broom and dustpan
• Toilet brush
• Bucket
• Gloves
• Air Freshener

Where to Start

Unlike when I went to college in the dark ages, many dorm rooms today, on campuses across America, have private or semi-private bathrooms. Some have toilets and sinks only, while others share a shower. If you’re lucky enough to have a private bathroom, it’s where I recommend you start your dorm cleaning. The reason is that it’s the dirtiest 

part of your room, and you most likely aren’t looking forward to cleaning it. So, get it out of the way. For the toilet, our go-to is BKF Toilet Bowl Cleaner. The angled spout makes it easy to get under the rim and thick formula clings to the sides of the bowl.  

For the sink and shower, I like MORE Spray + Foam. The foam setting clings to horizontal surfaces such as a shower door. It can even be used to clean window glass! All you do is spray it on and wipe it off. You can also use the original powder in the bathroom, kitchenette, and more.

Disinfect

While BKF is not a disinfectant, we do recommend performing this chore. Disinfect everything that has high contact. Use disinfectant wipes to wipe down frequently touched surfaces like door handles, light switches, and walls. However, the most essential item to disinfect is your mattress. After removing the sheets, vacuum the mattress. Next, spray it with disinfectant, and then let it dry. If you can put it in sunlight, that’s good, and a fan will help. Don’t forget to turn it over and clean both sides.

Sweep, mop, and clean.

Depending on the flooring—wood, laminate, or carpet—you may vacuum, dust mop, or wet mop your floor. Be sure to sweep or vacuum corners along walls where dust and grime collect. 

ProTip:  A personal handheld vacuum can make cleaning easier.

Dust

Use a damp microfiber cloth to remove dust from furniture, windowsills, and light fixtures. 

Wipe down your devices.

Wipe down screens on your phone, laptop, or tablet to remove dirt, oil, and germs, especially if they’ve been in the dorm room while you’re cleaning.

Freshen it up 

Spray some natural air freshener to make your room smell like home.

Remember the gloves on the list? Be sure to wear them when cleaning. You never know what can lurk in a dorm room, who lived there, and what they did before you. The good news is it doesn’t matter because you can make your dorm room sparkle with some planning and good tools.

Do you have any stories about cleaning your dorm room with BKF? If so, we’d love to hear about it. Submit your before and after photos on our website!

About the Author 

Randy Clark is a speaker, coach, and author. He publishes a weekly blog at Randy Clark Leadership.com. Randy is passionate about social media, leadership development, and flower gardening. He’s a beer geek, and on weekends (after COVID-19), he can be found fronting the Rock & Roll band Under the Radar. He’s the proud father of two daughters; he has four amazing grandchildren and a wife who dedicates her time to helping others. Randy is the author of the Amazon bestseller The New Manager’s Workbook: A crash course in effective management.