Posted 1 day ago
Sun 01 Feb, 2026 12:02 AM
Flat kitchen inspections are coming up and we're here to help make sure that you pass with some of our best cleaning tips.
If you pass you'll be in to win a takeaway night in, more information about the competition at the end of the article.
Note: This is for University of Leeds managed residences only. If you are unsure if your accommodation will be taking part, contact the Residence Life team.
What are Flat Kitchen Inspections?
Between February and March, you will have your flat inspected to check whether they are clean or not, with a pass or fail depending on the cleanliness.
You will be told when you inspection will take place so it is your responsibility to make sure that you work with your flatmates to clean your flat ready for the inspection to take place.
Working with your housemates
The inspection relies on all flatmates working together to clean the kitchen.
Since the kitchen is a communal area, it is unfair to expect only a few people to do the brunt of the work.
Here are some ideas and things to consider for your own kitchen clean:
To avoid resentment and arguments between flatmates, we recommend doing a 'cleaning agreement' together.
This is where you sit down with your flatmates and decide who will clean what, and when they will do it until everyone is doing their fair share.
Some flats have found it easier to do 'cleaning parties' to make this more fun!
This is where you put music on and clean together so it becomes a more enjoyable activity where everyone can help one another at the same time.
Cleaning supplies cost money so another thing to consider is that you will need to decide how these items will be purchased.
For example, will one person buy everything and divide the cost up afterwards, or will you all go together and get a few items each instead?
However you do it, agree in advance to avoid conflict as some people might be happier to do one way over another.
What counts as 'clean'?
Your version of clean may differ from your flatmates, here are some examples of what clean spaces will look like for your inspection.
The microwave is clean when the interior surface has been cleaned including the ceiling, walls, spinning plate and door edge.
The exterior should also be cleaned of any stains.
A Hob is clean when any loose debris has been removed from the surface and the surface has been cleaned of any grease, stubborn stains and burned-on food.
Dirty kitchenware should be removed from the surfaces, cleaned and put away in cupboards.
The surfaces should be wiped down so they are clean of any food and stains and anything that doesn't belong on the surfaces should be removed to their proper spaces, such as someone's bedroom.
The oven should be free from dirt, grease and burnt-on carbon.
Signs of dirt after cleaning includes a dull finish, a sticky feel or a lack of visibility through the oven door.
Top tips for cleaning
How to keep your kitchen clean
You can also download a cleaning checklist to use with more in-depth information for cleaning your kitchen:
Flat kitchen inspection competition - How to win!
Think your the best flat around, prove it?
Each residence will have it's own unique winners. To ensure you are in with a chance to win, all you have to do is pass your flat inspection using the handy tips above.
Once you've passed, your flat will be entered in to a prize draw with a chance to win a Takeaway night in*.
*each residence will have their draw with an allotted amount of winning flats. To learn more about your residence, speak with your site team.
