Tag Archive for: student

Student Cleaning Supplies: What to Pack for University

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Starting university brings many first experiences. A new room, new acquaintances, new routines, and often the responsibility of maintaining their own space.

As Freshers’ Week nears, having a few essential cleaning items can make this transition much easier.

There’s no need to pack a full cupboard of products — a few key cleaning supplies for students should handle most everyday messes, dust, dishes, and general tidying.

Here is the recommended packing list from the Merry Maids team.

What Cleaning Supplies Does a Student Need?

Multi-purpose cleaner

A good multi-purpose cleaner is an essential tool for students. It assists with regular cleaning on desks, worktops, and various surfaces. Always read the label and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions. Microfibre cloths can be used for effective cleaning.

A couple of reusable microfibre cloths are useful for wiping surfaces and picking up dust.

Use different cloths for different jobs, especially if you will be cleaning a shared kitchen or bathroom.

Washing-up liquid

Even catered students are likely to gather mugs, glasses, plates, and cutlery.

For those moving into shared accommodation with a kitchen, washing-up liquid is essential. It’s also worth packing a washing-up sponge or brush.

Bin bags

Student bedrooms can serve multiple purposes, such as bedrooms, study areas, dining zones, and social spaces.

Keeping bin bags nearby simplifies waste management and prevents rubbish from accumulating.

Kitchen roll

Kitchen roll is convenient for spills and quick cleans, especially in the initial weeks as students adapt to sharing kitchens and living areas.

While it shouldn’t replace reusable cloths, it’s helpful to keep on hand.

A small vacuum

If an accommodation does not already include one, a small handheld or cordless vacuum can be handy for cleaning crumbs and daily dirt.

Before purchasing, confirm what cleaning tools the university or landlord already supplies.

Laundry detergent

Laundry can be a significant part of adjusting to university life.

Portable detergents or laundry capsules are convenient for carrying to shared laundry rooms.

Store them properly and follow the packaging instructions.

Fabric softener is optional, so consider saving space in your bag if you don’t usually use it.

What About Disinfectant Products?

Disinfectant wipes or sprays can be effective for specific surfaces, especially in shared areas.

However, using more products does not necessarily make a room cleaner.

Students should adhere to each product’s instructions, apply it only to appropriate surfaces, and avoid mixing different cleaning agents.

For most daily cleaning tasks, regular cleaning with the proper product and a clean cloth is sufficient.

How Can Students Keep Their Room Clean?

The easiest approach is to stop small jobs from becoming big ones.

A simple routine might include:

  • Putting rubbish in the bin each day
  • Washing mugs and plates after use
  • Wiping the desk and other regularly used surfaces
  • Doing one load of laundry each week
  • Vacuuming regularly
  • Changing bedding regularly
  • Giving the room a quick tidy before the weekend

Five or ten minutes at a time is usually much easier than facing several weeks’ worth of accumulated mess.

What Should Parents Check Before Move-In Day?

Before packing your cleaning supplies, verify what your accommodation already provides.

University halls and private student housing might offer different equipment, so check if there’s already a vacuum, mop, bin, or cleaning cupboard available.

It’s also helpful to review the accommodation guidelines, as some halls may restrict certain electrical appliances or cleaning products.

And if you are looking for more ideas before packing, take a look at our guide to the best tools for home cleaning.

Moving Into or Out of a Private Student Home?

If you are moving into or out of a privately rented student flat or house, an end-of-tenancy clean can take one big job off your list.

Merry Maids can help with end-of-tenancy cleaning for private student flats and houses, leaving the property clean, tidy, and ready for the next tenant.

Find your nearest Merry Maids business or call 0800 021 3072 today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cleaning products should a student take to university?

Start with a multi-purpose cleaner, microfibre cloths, washing-up liquid, bin bags, kitchen roll and laundry detergent. Check what the accommodation already provides before buying larger cleaning equipment.

Do students need their own vacuum at university?

Not always. Many halls and shared houses already provide one. Check before buying a vacuum to avoid taking something that is already available.

How often should students clean their room?

A quick tidy throughout the week can prevent jobs building up. Vacuuming, changing bedding and cleaning surfaces regularly will help keep a student room manageable.

Should students take lots of different cleaning products?

No. A few suitable products will usually cover most everyday jobs. Always follow product labels and never mix cleaning products

Cleaning Supplies Every Student Must Have

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Get ready for freshers’ week with these essential cleaning supplies.

The days of cleaning your child’s room while they’re out with friends are about to be a thing of the past. That’s right, it’s almost freshers’ week!

While this is arguably the most exciting time in any young person’s life, it’s also one of the most stressful. Now, your not-so-little one is in charge of everything from getting their coursework done to keeping their new home clean. Luckily, the first step to a tidy room is having the right supplies.

In this blog post, the experts from Merry Maids UK break down the cleaning supplies every student must have.

Cleaning Supplies Every Fresher Needs

  • Paper Towels: Paper towels are a university student’s best friend — they’re napkins, hand towels, dish rags, and about 20 other things. If you can, send your student off with a couple of rolls. Trust us, they’ll go fast!
  • All-Purpose Cleaner: When in doubt, an all-purpose cleaner can tackle most messes.
  • Disinfectant Wipes: Is your child not one to clean very often? Disinfectant wipes are the foolproof way to get a sparkling finish with just one product.
  • Washing up Liquid: Even if your child’s university has a canteen, most students like to bring a few plates and cups with them for late-night snacks and cooking. Dishes are also a necessity for anyone moving into an off-campus house or apartment.
  • Microfiber Cloth: Is your child sneezing throughout your weekly call? If so, it might not be because of their allergies. Paper towels don’t pick up dust as well as a microfiber cloth, so we suggest throwing one into your student’s bags. Encouraging them to use it just once or twice a week will go a long way in eliminating dust.
  • Small Vacuum: A handheld or cordless vacuum should provide enough cleaning power for any bedroom or flat.
  • Bin bags: There’s a good chance your child’s room will function as a bedroom, living room, dining room, and kitchen, which means they can never have enough bin bags.
  • Laundry Detergent and Fabric Softener: If their washing facilities are on another floor of the house, lighten your child’s load (literally) by grabbing them some portable detergent.

Need a refresh for your fresher?

Did last year’s tenant leave your kid’s room less than sparkling clean? If so, give your local Merry Maids a call or book online! We’ll have their new home away from home looking beautiful in no time and give them the chance to focus on what matters most (coursework, hopefully!)