It's National Etiquette Week, and while most of you are likely marking this important occasion with a refresher course on which fork goes where in a place setting, perhaps some of you are wondering how you can be more considerate to those with whom you dwell. Here are a couple of suggestions on how to harness the power of cleaning in pursuit of a more perfect (roommate) union.

THE BATHROOM
You know what's nasty? Other people's toothpaste spittle. Be a pal and give the sink basin — and ledge if you're a sprayer — a quick rinse when you're done brushing your fangs. If you're an unbearded dude the same thing goes for those whiskers you leave behind when you shave. Wipe that mess up!

You know what's even nastier than other people's toothpaste spittle? Their pee-pee. If you tinkle on the seat, please wipe up after yourself. Even three year olds know how to do that. (That goes for you too, ladies. Mm-hmm.)

This last thing is hard to say, but you need to hear it: you might be at peace with your chronic hemorrhoid problem but maybe your roommate isn't so keen on that tube of Preparation H staring her in the face while she glues on her false eyelashes. So put your stuff away.

THE KITCHEN
One day you'll wake up and decide that you no longer want to be the sort of person who engages in passive-aggressive trash wars (you know, that game you play where you smoosh the trash down and/or pull the sides of the bag up in order to convince yourself that the barrel isn't full? Psst … you're not fooling anyone.) Let today be that day.

Leaving dishes in the sink isn't the worst crime in the world. But leaving them in the sink for more than — oh let's say 12 hours? Sure, let's go with 12 hours. — is kind of gross and also maybe someone else would like to use those dishes? Wash 'em in a reasonable timeframe. Oh and wipe those crumbs off the counter while you're at it. Thanks!!

YOUR BEDROOM
If you want to be a slob in the privacy of your own bedroom, I say go for it! Seriously. We all have free will and should live the way we want to, as long as it doesn't negatively impact others. So by all means, leave that bed unmade (that was extremely difficult for me to write) but consider keeping your door shut so that your roommate doesn't have to see those dirty underpants lying on the floor.

Jolie Kerr is the author of Ask a Clean Person, a weekly advice column on The Hairpin. You can follow her on Twitter @joliekerr.