Cleaning up after cooking

Your ultimate guide to kitchen cleaning

Tidying up after cooking in a shared student accommodation prevents unwanted pests, smelly communal areas and a tense flatmate atmosphere.

The number one golden rule to go by is to "clean as you go" and wash all items immediately, rather than letting dirty pans sit on the side while you continue watching 'just one episode'.

The 15-minute cleanup routine

🧼 Soak and scrub: wash plates, cutlery, and pans thoroughly after eating using washing-up liquid and hot water. For stubborn burnt food, let pans soak rather than leaving them in the sink.

🧼 Wipe surfaces: clear away all food debris, crumbs, and grease from worktops and tables using a disinfecting kitchen spray and a clean cloth or kitchen paper.

🧼 Clear the hob: give your cooking rings or hob a quick wipe down once they have cooled to prevent stains from cooking and food splatter.

🧼 Empty food waste: scrape food scraps straight into your kitchen bin to avoid smells. If you couldn't eat all of your dinner, make sure you pop it in a container in the fridge to prevent any waste and save yourself from buying another meal the next day.

🧼 Take out the bins: if the general waste or recycling is full, tie the bag and take it to the main disposal area.

Surviving shared kitchens

✅ Avoid the sink standoff: Leaving a huge pile of dishes is only going to create friction. It's highly advised to wash up straightaway to keep the peace and avoid any conflicts. It's a part of being a good flatmate.

✅ Use a cleaning rota: To avoid clutter building up, many student flats draw up a weekly schedule for cleaning jobs like taking out the bins and wiping down shared microwaves.

✅ Mind your storage: Only keep what you need in shared cupboards and the fridge to ensure everyone has enough space.

Cooking in halls should be fun, but it should be fun for everyone. Be respectful and considerate to your flatmates by keeping it clean.