Cleaning Care
Your health and safety, and that of your community, is important. Follow these guidelines to ensure the best standards of cleanliness are maintained. Please care for your home by cleaning up your garbage, supporting our recycling efforts and reporting maintenance issues and vandalism.
Contract cleaners regularly clean common areas such as stairwells and community areas. Cleanup of personal items and extraordinary or deliberate messes is not part of this regular service. You are responsible for ensuring the cleanliness and tidiness of your unit, in addition to the common areas surrounding your unit.
Routine Cleaning
Personal cleaning kit
To keep your unit clean and fresh, you’ll need some basic cleaning products.
- Disinfecting wipes (Clorox or Lysol Disinfecting Wipes)
- Multi-surface cleaner (Fantastik, Lysol, Mr. Clean, etc)
- Shower, tub, and tile cleaner (Vim, CLR, Lime Away, Scrubbing Bubbles, etc)
- Toilet bowl cleaner (Lysol, Clorox, etc)
- Window cleaner (Windex, etc)
- Cleaning cloths (rags, microfiber cloths, J-cloths, etc.)
- Sponges with abrasive side
- Mr. Clean Magic Erasers
- Rubber gloves
- Broom, mop, bucket or pail
You may want to discuss sharing the cost with your roommates.
Do:
- Wear rubber gloves when using cleaning supplies.
- Wear a mask and ensure proper ventilation.
- Let cleaning products soak, especially in ovens.
Dont:
- Mix cleaning products, as they can become toxic.
- Use metal scours or abrasive chemicals as they can damage surfaces.
- Use excessive force on painted surfaces, which can remove the paint.
- Pour grease, oil or food down drains to avoid clogs.
- Bring furniture from garbage areas into your unit, as it may contain pests.
Living room
Daily
- Clear area of clutter and tripping hazards Pick up personal items, remove dirty dishes Clean spills on carpet - blot excess moisture and treat area with stain remover and cleaner Keep emergency door free and clear of large bulky items
Weekly
- Vacuum floor and baseboards
Monthly
- Dust light fixtures Wash and dust windows and blinds Wipe scuffs and marks from walls
Kitchen
Daily
- Wash dishes Clean food and spills from tables and counters Wipe splatters from cooking and washing areas Take garbage bags and recycling to Waste/Recycle Centres
Weekly
- Sweep and mop the floor and baseboards Wash linens (dish cloths, towels, etc) Wipe down cupboard fronts Wipe excessive oil and grease from walls and backsplash Clean Fridge (expired food, spills, etc) Sanitize work surfaces
Monthly
- Dust light fixtures Pull out the fridge and stove to sweep and mop. Check for signs of pests. Wipe scuffs and marks from walls
Bathrooms
Daily
- Clean any urine, stains, and spills from floor Wipe standing water, toothpaste, gels, etc. from counters
Weekly
- Sweep and mop the floor Remove soap scum from tub and tiled surfaces Wash glass shower doors and mirrors Wash linens (towels, washcloths, and floor mats)
Monthly
- Dust light fixtures Wash soap scum from shower doors Wipe vanity cupboards and shelves Wipe scuffs and marks from walls
Entrance
Daily
- Clear area of clutter and tripping hazards
Weekly
- Sweep and mop the floor and baseboards
Monthly
- Dust light fixtures
- Remove old notices and tape from door
- Wipe marks and dirt from both sides of door
- Wipe scuffs and marks from walls
Hallway/stairs
Daily
- Clear area of clutter and tripping hazards
Weekly
- Vacuum floor and baseboards
Monthly
- Dust railings Dust light fixtures Wipe scuffs and marks from walls
Storage
Daily
- Clear area of clutter and tripping hazards
Weekly
- Sweep and mop the floor and baseboards
Monthly
- Remove large abandoned or unused items Dust light fixtures Wipe scuffs and marks from walls
Waste + Recycling
Please dispose of your waste, recyclables, and organics in the appropriate bins. To prevent pests, rinse recyclables and empty your garbage frequently. Using bags for recyclables or organics is optional.
- Broken glass: Place broken glass in a separate, clearly labeled bag. Leave this bag next to the garbage cans in your service center. After it's collected, carefully clean up any remaining pieces. Notify your RA if the glass was residence property or if you need help with the cleanup.
- Large furnishings: Donate furniture in good condition during Eco Move Out or by bringing them to or . Items that cannot be donated must be taken to the . Abandoning furniture during move-out will result in a minimum charge of $100.
- Hazardous waste: Do not put chemicals, car batteries, or other hazardous materials in university bins. These must be taken to an .
If improper waste disposal is traceable to you, you will be charged a fee for its removal. A second offense will incur an increased charge, and persistent offenders may be evicted. Removal costs for untraceable waste left in a shared stairwell or hallway may be charged to all residents of that area.
Pest Control
Residence Services has a comprehensive pest management program in place. We work closely with our pest control partners to address issues immediately with recommended and safe treatment for your circumstances.
If you see a pest, immediately submit a maintenance request.
and the best methods of prevention and treatment.
Tips for avoiding pests in residence:
- Take out garbage and recycling frequently
- Clean crumbs and spills immediately
- Wash dishes regularly – do not leave them overnight
- Dispose of food that has passed it’s “best before” date
- Clean your bathroom regularly
- Do not prop open building entrances
- Report any leaking faucets
Windows
Keep windows closed when temperatures drop below freezing. Open windows can quickly lead to frozen pipes, which can burst and cause flooding. Damages will be charged to the student(s) responsible.
Appliances
In applicable residences, clean your fridge and stove regularly, including behind and inside. Unplug the fridge to melt any frost that has accumulated in the freezer.
Only use store-bought liners for under the stove elements, as aluminum foil can cause electrical shortages.
Damages
You will be charged for any damage to your unit or for any missing equipment or appliances.
Deliberately damaging or destroying university property, or the property of a fellow resident, may result in eviction.
Tampering with fire and safety equipment, such as smoke detectors or fire alarms, is a serious offense that will result in criminal charges.
Balconies, Yards + Basements
In applicable residences, you are responsible for the cleanliness and upkeep of adjacent outdoor spaces. This includes your balcony, patio, yard and any shared common areas. Failure to maintain these spaces will result in fees.
- Outdoor spaces: Keep all patios and yards clean and free of garbage and indoor furniture. If you have a fenced yard, you are responsible for mowing the grass. If you have a private sidewalk, you must clear it of snow.
- Balconies: Your personal balcony should always be clean. Never hang, shake, or throw anything from the balcony—this is a serious safety risk that could lead to eviction. Shared balconies are fire exits so keep them clear.
- Shared areas: Common areas, such as entrances, sidewalks, passageways, stairways, landings, vestibules and planter areas, should be kept clear of personal belongings, furniture or garbage. Any items left in these areas will be removed at the resident's expense.
- Basements: Basements are not to be used for storage or garbage disposal. Keep the area free of clutter, as this is a fire safety issue that could result in eviction.