The Challenge of Shared Living
Living with housemates means navigating different cleanliness standards. This guide helps you keep your student house manageable without constant conflict.
Setting Up a Cleaning Rota
Why Rotas Work
- Clear expectations
- Shared responsibility
- Reduces arguments
- Everyone knows what to do
Creating an Effective Rota
Weekly Tasks to Rotate:
- Kitchen surfaces and hob
- Bathroom clean
- Vacuuming common areas
- Taking bins out
- Mopping floors
Individual Responsibilities:
- Own bedroom
- Personal dishes (wash within 24 hours)
- Spills and messes you make
Tips for Success
- Keep it simple
- Pin it where everyone sees it
- Be flexible during exams
- Review and adjust as needed
- Don't be passive-aggressive about it
Quick Cleaning Wins
Kitchen Essentials
Daily:
- Wash your dishes (or at least soak them)
- Wipe the hob after cooking
- Empty bins before they overflow
Weekly:
- Clean fridge shelves
- Wipe cabinet fronts
- Mop floor
Bathroom Survival
Keep It Stocked:
- Toilet paper
- Hand soap
- Cleaning spray
Quick Cleans:
- Spray and wipe after shower
- Toilet brush weekly
- Bleach down toilet regularly
Living Areas
- Don't leave food around
- Weekly vacuum
- Wipe surfaces regularly
The Deposit Protection Plan
Your landlord will inspect the property at year end. Start protecting your deposit now.
During the Year
- Report issues in writing
- Take photos of existing damage at move-in
- Keep the property ventilated to prevent mould
- Don't cause damage you can't fix
Before You Leave
- Book professional end of tenancy cleaning
- Fill small nail holes
- Clean ovens thoroughly
- Defrost freezers
- Clean windows inside
Common Problems and Solutions
The Housemate Who Won't Clean
- Talk to them directly (kindly)
- Reiterate the rota
- Focus on communal areas
- Consider house meetings
Kitchen Carnage
- Washing up liquid by every sink
- One bowl rule (can't use another until you've washed)
- Designate shelf space
- Label food
Mould and Damp
- Common in student housing
- Open windows after showers
- Report to landlord (their responsibility if structural)
- Use bathroom extractor fans
- Don't dry clothes on radiators
Mystery Smells
- Check the fridge for old food
- Empty bins regularly
- Clean behind and under appliances
- Drain cleaner monthly
- Take rubbish out consistently
Budget-Friendly Cleaning
Essential Products (Under £10)
- All-purpose cleaner
- Washing up liquid
- Bleach
- Bicarbonate of soda
- White vinegar
DIY Solutions
Most cleaning can be done with vinegar and bicarbonate of soda:
- Glass cleaner: Water + vinegar
- Drain cleaner: Bicarbonate + vinegar + boiling water
- Surface cleaner: Water + vinegar + drop of dish soap
Shared Supplies
Split the cost of:
- Vacuum cleaner
- Mop and bucket
- Cleaning products
- Bin bags
End of Year Cleaning
The Checklist
Kitchen:
- ☐Oven clean (inside and out)
- ☐Fridge defrosted and cleaned
- ☐All appliances cleaned
- ☐Cupboards emptied and wiped
- ☐Floor mopped
Bathroom:
- ☐Toilet scrubbed
- ☐Shower limescale removed
- ☐Mirror cleaned
- ☐Floor mopped
Bedrooms:
- ☐Furniture wiped
- ☐Windows cleaned
- ☐Carpet vacuumed
- ☐Wardrobe emptied
Professional Cleaning
Worth it for:
- Getting your full deposit back
- Saving time during exam stress
- Guaranteed standard of clean
- Receipt for landlord
Split the cost between housemates for an affordable solution.