7 Steps to a Healthier Dorm Room

Featured Article, Growth and Development, Health and Safety

7 Steps

With college students moving into their new digs, it’s important for parents to understand (and accept) that dorm rooms aren’t exactly the cleanest, most sanitary spaces. However, we can all agree that optimal health is crucial to school success. Before you leave your baby bird to fend for himself, do one final thing to ensure he’s safe and set up to succeed: provide him with these simple products suggested by healthy space designer Robin Wilson. Simple steps can make shared space more healthy.

1. Disinfecting Wipes

Leave your child with ample supply of disinfecting wipes (and remind him to use them). They’re invaluable for removing germs, bacteria and countless other nasties you find lurking in a dorm room.

2. Toothbrush Sanitizer

Clip-on toothbrush sanitizers fit any standard or electric toothbrush and kill germs for up to 3 months…no cables or batteries required! And with bacterial meningitis fear at an all-time high—especially for kids in shared spaces like college dorms—this one should be non-negotiable.

3. Hypoallergenic Bedding

To fight the dust mites, dirt and other bacteria living in old dorm room mattresses, make sure you purchase hypo-allergenic pillows, comforters, mattress covers and fiber beds.

4. Non-toxic, All-Purpose Cleaners

All-purpose green cleaners are inexpensive and good for disinfecting baths, showers, toilets, sinks, windows, desks, countertops and more.

5. Hand Sanitizer

Mini-hand sanitizer bottles are great on-the-go products for students. With all of the places on campus they’re likely to visit—dorm rooms, classroom, student unions and public restrooms—one small squirt can fight germs and keep your child healthy.

6. Air Purifier with HEPA Filter

Available at most major retailers, air purifiers with HEPA filters can deliver up to 99.97 percent efficient air cleaning and filtration, which helps eliminate odors, pollutants and allergens.

7. High-Quality Stainless Steel Water Bottle

For students on-the-go, get them outfitted with BPA-free, high-quality, stainless steel bottles that won’t leach toxins or funky flavors into water, juice, smoothies or any other drinks of choice. Just remind them to wash them with anti-bacterial dish detergent from time-to-time!

Once you’ve done your final hands-on work outfitting your college student for a fantastic year, grab some Kleenex and say your farewells. You’ve done your best, and now it’s time to watch that baby bird fly!

 

Healthy space designer Robin Wilson is president of Robin Wilson Home in New York City and one of the pioneers of the eco-friendly movement.  She also serves as the ambassador to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and the spokesperson for consumer giant Panasonic’s line of products for the home.

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