The 3 cleaning essentials every fresher needs for university

Before I became Ideal Home’s Cleaning Editor, I was a uni student learning the hard way that it is possible to burn microwave meals and that the cleaning fairy (AKA my mum) wouldn’t magically come to clean my uni room every day. And it’s safe to say that I’ve learnt a lot since then.

But while it’s now my job to test the best cleaning products and understand the most efficient way to maintain a clean and tidy living space, I also appreciate that uni students aren’t like regular homeowners. They don’t have a practised cleaning schedule or a steady income to stock up on cleaning tools; they’re rookies with limited time, space and money.

That’s why I thought I’d use my years of experience as both a student and a Cleaning Editor to keep things simple. Below are the three cleaning tools I think every uni student should have, and most of these non-negotiables will get the job done without costing a fortune. I’ve also added some handy extras if you want to go the extra mile.

1. A damp duster

Dust is the one thing that no one, not even uni students, can ignore. And while a regular duster can cut the mustard, I’ve found during my dedicated dusting tests (yes, this really is my job) that damp dusters are always the better option.

That’s because damp dusting removes more dust than dry dusting, capturing the dust particles instead of just pushing them around. And the beauty of this cheap-but-cheerful cleaning tool is that it can be reused time and time again by simply washing it clean under the tap.

They are incredibly affordable, too, with retailers like Dunelm selling packs of 3 for just £3. And the damp duster can clean almost everywhere, from windowsills and desks to skirting boards and mirrors in uni halls or student houses. It helps that it also looks way cooler than a regular duster…

2. A handheld vacuum

Although I had a shared kitchen at uni, I spent a lot of time eating snacks and meals in my bedroom. Couple that with my long hair, my mattress and floors took the brunt of these crumbs, hair and everyday dirt. That’s why I’d suggest every university student have one of the best handheld vacuums to hand.

These appliances are typically better suited to smaller spaces and messes, making them perfect for uni halls and shared houses where storage space is limited. And as there are so many things you didn’t know you could clean with a handheld vacuum cleaner, I have no doubt that students will use it more than you think.

One of my favourite new handheld vacuum cleaners is the Shark PowerBoost Handheld Vacuum Cleaner (£229.99 at Shark), thanks to its impressive suction power. However, it is on the pricier side, so if you’re after a cheaper option, I’d suggest the Beldray model below.

3. Multi-purpose sprays

I will always remember the day my parents dropped me off at university with bottles upon bottles of cleaning products. Especially as my mum had to take most of them back with her when she realised that I had nowhere to store them in my tiny halls of residence.

And while I’m personally a fan of room-specific cleaning products now that I have my own house and the means to add them to my cleaning regime, uni students just don’t need them. Instead, multi-purpose sprays can be used on any surface or room and will do just as good a job.

Just opt for an anti-bacterial all-purpose spray if you want to keep the spread of fresher’s flu to a minimum, and make sure you use a pack of high-quality cleaning cloths – like these SEEP Eco All Purpose Cloths (£9.50 at Amazon) – to dedicate one cloth per room or space.

University extras to consider

The three products above are my non-negotiables for all new and returning university students. But if you have wiggle room in the budget and want to make uni life even sweeter, these are the extras I’d consider.

Are you or a loved one heading off to uni soon? Make sure you take these university cleaning essentials with you!