If you don’t want to remove the sink stopper, pour ½ cup of baking soda and 2 cups of boiling water down the drain. Start by pouring 1 cup of boiling water, then the baking soda, followed by the remaining cup of boiling water. Use caution as boiling water can damage PVC or other plastic piping. Using a scrub brush or slightly abrasive sponge, clean the top of the stopper, and run the faucet to ensure the drain is clear and the stopper is clean. 

The time it takes to complete a move-out cleaning depends on the size of your home and its current condition. However, a four-person cleaning crew can usually clean a 1,000-square foot space in one hour. If you tackle this project yourself, it might take multiple days to complete, depending on your home size and needs.

A toilet in a guest bathroom that doesn’t get used very often can usually be cleaned less frequently, but toilets that are used regularly should be cleaned every week. Cleaning your toilet more frequently than once per week is usually unnecessary.

Whether or not a cleaner brings supplies also depends on their preference. Some cleaning services require the homeowner to supply cleaning products and a few basic materials (sponges, paper towels, rags, a mop, and vacuum, for example), but others bring everything they need to get in, clean, and get out.

You can always ask whether or not they bring their cleaning supplies, and if so, make sure you’re comfortable with what they use. If you prefer organic or natural products, for example, you may need to supply them or pay a premium.