Student Accommodation Deep Cleaning Tips

Whether you’re moving out of your student home or simply want to do more than a spring clean, deep cleaning can be a tough but rewarding process.

There are some things that you’re likely to forget, as deep cleaning your student home takes a lot of time and effort, but we've put together our tips to get your house looking spick and span.

This guide covers everything from preparation to the actual nitty-gritty, so you can make sure you get every nook and cranny in your home. We’ve included a checklist in this student accommodation deep cleaning guide, too, so you can make sure you don’t forget anything.

The preparation

Having a proper deep clean isn’t an easy feat. By prepping yourselves and your home beforehand, you can actually cut down a lot of time in the long run.

It's a good idea to declutter before you start cleaning. Your student home will likely get worse before it gets better, so have a quick tidy up around the house and put everything back in its place before you start cleaning. Hang your clean clothes up, or even stick a wash on to get ahead of the game. Take out the rubbish, stick some music on and get ready to get your hands dirty.

The equipment

Going headfirst into a deep clean won’t be effective unless you have the right equipment, so make sure you’re armed with the correct sponges and soaps beforehand. We recommend having the following at a minimum:

• A dustpan and brush
• A vacuum cleaner
• A mop and bucket
• Multi-purpose cleaner
• Window and glass cleaner
• Microfibre clothes
• Bleach
• Dish soap
• Scourer and oven cleaner

Student accommodation deep cleaning tips before you start

Here are some things you should consider before you start, to make deep cleaning a little bit easier.

Separate the jobs between housemates

Deep cleaning is much easier with a few mates on board, so it’s a good idea to get together and do it as a team. Figure out your game plan and divide the jobs up between housemates. It’s probably easier to do a room or area each, and to deep-clean your own bedroom yourself.

Do it in stages

Doing the whole house in one go will probably take way longer and be way more tiring than if you do it in stages. Have regular breaks throughout so you don’t burn yourself out, and try to do communal spaces last. It's also a good idea to start decluttering a few weeks before you move out.

Start from the top

It's a good idea to start from the top and work your way down when deep cleaning. This goes for both the house and each individual room. Vacuum the top stairs first, and clean any windows and surfaces before cleaning the floors.

Don't forget...

Don't forget to clean inside any rubbish bins, move furniture back to its original position, and to crack open a window to let out any strong cleaning smells.

How to deep clean each room

Here's a step-by-step guide to cleaning each area in your home.

The bathroom

• Start with the shower: Spray it down with multi-purpose cleaner and leave it to soak. Use a microfibre cloth to remove dirt and clear hair from the drain.
• Don’t forget the shower head: Scrubbing this down can remove excess oils or grime.
• Laundry: Collect hand towels, mats, and curtains for the washing machine.
• Clean the toilet: Add bleach to the bowl and let it sit while you wipe down the seat and tank.
• Windows and mirrors: Use glass cleaner and a squeegee to remove streaks.
• Check the corners: Scan for dusty windowsills and shelves before finishing with a mop.

The kitchen

• Start with the cabinets: Remove items, clean the shelves, and wipe down doors.
• Clean the oven: Scrub with a scourer and oven cleaner. It doesn't have to be perfect, but it will look much better.
• Microwave trick: Heat a bowl of water and lemon juice for five minutes to loosen food buildup.
• Fridge and freezer: Wipe down shelves and defrost the freezer if you are moving out.
• Surfaces and sink: Clean behind appliances like the kettle and finish by disinfecting the sink.

The living room

• Declutter: Clear out any housemate junk first.
• Soft furnishings: Wash cushion covers and blankets.
• Vacuum deep: Pull out the sofas and tables to vacuum underneath and behind cushions.
• Wipe down: Clean surfaces, lamps, and shelves.

The bedrooms

• Laundry: Wash your bedding and towels first thing.
• Storage: Wipe down the top and inside of wardrobes and drawers.
• The Desk: Clear the surface entirely before wiping it down to catch every nook and cranny.
• Floor: Pull out furniture to clean the spaces usually hidden away.

🎥 Watch: Watch our latest cleaning guide on TikTok

Deep cleaning checklist

• Clean the insides of cupboards and shelves
• Clean kitchen appliances, including the fridge and oven
• Clean inside the kitchen and bathroom bins
• Empty the freezer and any ice cube trays
• Move any furniture and clean behind and underneath it
• Remove any Sellotape or Blu Tack from the walls
• Shake door mats outside and wash with warm, soapy water
• Empty the Hoover and throw away the mop once done
• Bonus: Spray air freshener for the final inspection!

So there you have it! Now your student home should be properly deep-cleaned. Whether you're moving out and want your deposit back, or you simply want to feel clean for the coming months, your home will be spick and span.

If you're looking for student accommodation, don't forget to check out UniHomes' range of property listings to get started. Filter by location, number of bedrooms, and budget to find what you're looking for!