How to keep your student accommodation clean during COVID? Tips and tricks

This post was written during the pandemic and contains information specific to it.

Keeping a student accommodation clean may sound like a daunting task, especially during these crazy pandemic times, but don’t get too overwhelmed by this! There are just a few things to remember and if you put them into practice, you can certainly feel safe in your shared accommodation.

1. Disinfect touch points regularly

This is the first and the most important step that is often forgotten. When cleaning, we usually only remember things that are visibly dirty, but points that are being touched frequently throughout the day, especially by different people, can be a home for many germs. Therefore it is really important to clean and disinfect them at least once a day!

Examples of frequently touched points

• Door handles
• Light switches
• Desks
• Sinks
• Toilets

How to clean the touch points?

A simple dish soap and water is completely enough, you don’t need any fancy products! You just need anything that will reduce germs on these surfaces.

2. Wash your hands

This may sound like an obvious one, but it’s a very simple step and wow, what a difference it makes! Washing your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds will effectively reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus.

3. Ventilate rooms frequently

Make sure that fresh air comes through the windows to your room and shared spaces. It has been scientifically proven that viruses spread less easily when the areas are adequately ventilated! This will also make the place feel better as it won’t feel so stuffy.

4. Clean as you go

Try not to leave cleaning until the last minute when it gets really dirty. Cleaning as you go will improve the process of keeping your accommodation safe and clean. You will also not feel as worn-out as you would be when cleaning the entire building for an hour (or even more).

So, grab a simple cloth, a spray, and let’s get cleaning!

Must-have cleaning products

• Bleach spray – just watch out for your clothes as it can destroy the fabric dye (for example, if you’re wearing black it can turn into orange)
• Microfibre cloths – they are great for dusting!
• Glass spray – for mirrors, windows and stainless steel
• White vinegar – it smells but works miracles, trust me!
• Dish soap – top tip: not only for dishes though! If you mix it with water, you can clean pretty much all the surfaces
• Pink stuff – it’s cheap, you can buy it in Wilko and it works for.. everything that needs scrubbing

If you’d like to invest in some eco-friendly cleaners, try Miniml! Below is my collection of their products and I really love it, they’re affordable and you can refill them in Lincoln Eco Pantry shop which is located in Steep Hill!

What to do when someone in your accommodation gets tested positive for COVID?

Overall, try to clean and disinfect the areas more frequently throughout the day. In addition, follow the below steps to ensure your accommodation is kept safe:

• It would be the best if the isolated person used the bathroom last and thoroughly cleaned it after the use
• If you mix laundry from the sick person with another person’s clothes, it is safe to use laundry disinfectant in place of fabric conditioner. It smells lovely!
• Make sure that the air from the sick person’s room is not mixing with the air from other areas

See? Keeping your student accommodation clean and safe during COVID doesn’t sound that difficult anymore!