Let’s face it—between exams, late-night pizza, and group projects, cleaning your dorm or apartment probably isn’t at the top of your to-do list. But a clean space can help reduce stress, improve focus, and even make you a better roommate. The good news? It doesn’t have to take hours. Here are some easy, time-saving cleaning hacks perfect for busy college students.
If you are new to the blog, welcome! I blog and make videos about cleaning, decluttering, and organizing. You can find my free printables to help you get organized in the drop down menu under the Printables category at the top of this page. Also, check out this post on 10 things people with clean homes do every day.
You can get your printable Daily Housekeeping Routine and Cleaning Checklists here. This 15 page printable kit is delivered digitally to your email for you to print and personalize.
Also, check out my post here on 7 Cleaning Tips for Singles: How to Keep Your Space Spotless Without Losing Your Weekend.
10 Easy Cleaning Hacks for College Students
1. The 10-Minute Tidy
Set a timer for 10 minutes each day and pick up as much as you can—trash, laundry, dishes. You’d be surprised how much cleaner your space will feel with just a daily reset.
2. DIY All-Purpose Cleaner
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and add a few drops of essential oil (like lemon or lavender) if you want a fresh scent. It’s safe, cheap, and works on most surfaces—from your desk to your mini fridge.
3. Microwave Deep Clean
Place a bowl of water with a few slices of lemon in the microwave. Heat it for 2–3 minutes, let it sit for another minute, then wipe it down. The steam loosens gunk, and the lemon cuts odors.
4. Use a Lint Roller Everywhere
Lint rollers aren’t just for clothes—they’re great for picking up crumbs on desks, dust on lampshades, and hair off bedding or furniture.
5. Sock + Ruler = Dusting Wand
Slip an old (clean) sock over a ruler or coat hanger and secure it with a rubber band. You’ve just made a perfect tool to dust blinds, vents, and other hard-to-reach spots.
6. Keep Disinfecting Wipes Handy
Having a tub of wipes in your room makes it easy to clean up spills or swipe down surfaces regularly—no excuses.
7. Laundry Sorting Shortcut
Use two hampers—one for lights and one for darks. This way, you’re already halfway done when laundry day rolls around.
8. Freshen the Trash Can
Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of your trash can before putting in the liner. It helps absorb odors and keeps things smelling fresher longer.
9. Put Things Away with a Basket Sweep
Grab a basket and walk through your space, tossing in anything out of place. Then redistribute items to where they belong—it’s faster than cleaning one area at a time.
10. Clean as You Go
The easiest way to avoid major messes is to clean a little at a time. Wash dishes after you eat, put away clothes when you change, and wipe down surfaces after use.
You don’t need fancy supplies or hours of free time to keep your space clean. These quick hacks can fit into your busy schedule and make your dorm or apartment feel a lot more like home.
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