Dirty clothes overflowing from the hamper.
Dishes in the bathroom sink.
Wet towels in a pile on the floor.
Bed sheets that haven’t been changed in weeks.
A dirty dorm can be more than unsightly, it can be downright unhealthy.
While heading off to college is an exciting time - living on your own, meeting new people, starting your adult life - it also means taking care of the dirty work and acting responsibly to keep yourself healthy and safe.
If you’re sending your child off to college for the first time, here are a few key items you’ll want them to pay close attention to:
BED & SHEETS
There are all sorts of things lurking in bed sheets that could pose a threat to your health if cleanliness isn't maintained.
Let’s face it, a college freshman spends a lot of time catching z’s, so it makes sense that their bed, pillows and sheets experience a lot of wear and tear. New linens every couple of weeks is a good rule of thumb, or perhaps more frequently if they’re sleeping without showering after exercise or getting over a cold or flu.
Prompt them to hit the dorm’s laundry facility more frequently by including small detergent packets or nice smelling dryer sheets in their next care package.
SINK
A bathroom sink, whether in the dorm room or in a communal bathroom space, is going to be tasked with some kitchen sink duties - water for microwavable meals, washing dishes, etc. Keeping the sinks clean and unclogged can go a long way in keeping your child from picking up unwanted bacteria, which can stay alive on surfaces for up to four days.
Send your child off with plenty of dish-scrubbing sponges - these things are brightly-colored, havens for germs. If they’ve got an ample amount, they won’t wait so long to swap them out.
SHOWER
Community bathrooms are a rite of passage for many college freshmen. Part of dealing with these new, shared spaces is protecting yourself from indirect infections like athlete’s foot.
Shower shoes or sandals are recommended when using the community bathroom. Remember to keep your footwear clean (with bleach or other disinfectant regularly) and dry when not being used as well.
LAUNDRY
Just because their clothes have hit the laundry basket doesn’t mean they’re in the clear. Sweaty workout clothes and wet towels sitting for extended periods of time could allow mildew or mold to develop.
Mold can be problematic for those with asthma, allergies and other respiratory conditions and it thrives in warm, wet conditions. Advise your child to hang damp clothes or towels to dry and encourage a weekly laundromat trip.
While at school, the cold, flu and stomach viruses are more common as well. Don’t forget to remind your child about the importance of frequent hand washing or use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.