Explanation of Housekeeping Accessories

This article continues from What to Take to University: Housekeeping.

Catered

Clothes Airer

University tumble dryers are renowned for being useless and sometimes you just can't fit all of your clothes in them anyways (or maybe they just aren't tumble dryable). Buying a clothes airer is a good idea. If you are like me and expect to be doing your washing infrequently then you might want to buy a big one (subject to room space). Explore your options here.

Hangers

Don't expect there to be too many hangers for your clothes when you arrive. Best to turn up with some of your own.

Iron

Unfortunately clothes don't iron themselves (though if you have your own bathroom try hanging your clothes in there after you have a shower - the creases disappear!). It's up to you to decide how much you want to spend but remember you will likely be using it for three of more years. Most of the irons here would be fine.

Ironing Board

Find out whether your university provides you with one first, it would look a little silly turning up with an ironing board if there was already one there. If you don't get given one then you might want to wait until you arrive and buy one with your flatmates.

Laundry Basket

I've seen students improvise all sorts of objects into laundry baskets/bags. I would definitely recommend having a proper one because they are easier to carry and it keeps your room looking tidy. Go for a bag to make it easier to carry around with you (or a bin if you don't like any of the bags!).

Washing Powder and Fabric Softener

To keep your clothes clean and soft (for those of you that don't know you add both of these to the washing machine when you are doing the laundry).

Non-Catered

Kitchen Roll

Nobody in our kitchen invested in any of this and it was a big mistake. If everyone turns up with one at the beginning of term it should last you a good while.

Washing up Liquid

Unfortunately not many universities provide dishwashers (in which case you should be buying dishwasher tablets instead). So, to prevent the spread of all sorts of horrible things best clean your dishes with washing up liquid.

Washing up Sponge

Grab a pack of sponges (they get ruined fast) to scrub your plates and pans with.

En-Suite

Bathroom Cleaning Fluid

To kill the bacteria you are going to need a bathroom cleaner. Something like Mr. Muscle Toilet and Bathroom Cleaner or Cillit Bang Power Cleaner Grime & Lime are what I am thinking of.

Bleach

To clean the toilet and get rid of any stains.

Sponge

You are going to have to scrub a little, so buy a good sponge with a rough side to it.