The answer to whether it’s safe to use a moldy dishwasher is: It depends. Mold exposure affects people differently. It’s possible that even a small amount of mold in your dishwasher could contribute to respiratory issues and other health problems, especially if you have an underlying health condition. Mold is capable of surviving the high heat and detergent used in a dishwasher cycle, so it’s important to ensure that you act quickly at the first sign of mold, or contact a house cleaner near you to stay on top of any potential mold problems.

Yes, you should clean your toilet tank at least once every six months or once every three months if you live in an area with hard water. Toilet tanks often go ignored, which can lead to issues with mineral deposits from the water causing issues with the moving parts. A routine cleaning twice a year with vinegar will help keep the tank clean and prevent excessive mineral deposits from causing issues.

You can clean a bathroom in five minutes, but you won’t be able to do a deep or thorough cleaning. Five minutes is not enough time to properly clean and disinfect a bathroom, but can allow you to touch up the space before guests arrive. You can surface clean a bathroom in five minutes by wiping down the countertop, faucet, sink, and mirror, along with quickly scrubbing the toilet and wiping down the handle and toilet seat.

Bleach isn’t the best choice to use while cleaning a refrigerator. Food absorbs odors, and bleach is known for its lingering smell, which can then lead to your fresh foods tasting off. Most people don’t safely dilute bleach, either. If you’re concerned about bacteria or mold from contaminated food, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using a bleach solution of 1 tablespoon of bleach to 1 gallon of water for sanitizing. Be sure to let the fridge air out for an hour or more afterward to let the fumes dissipate.