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A small amount of diluted bleach is okay to pour down a garbage disposal. As part of your weekly garbage disposal maintenance, use 1 teaspoon of bleach with your concoction of ice cubes and lemon peels. Turn on the disposal and run the water until the blades chop up the ice cubes.

Any more bleach in your disposal can harden oils and greases in your drain, which can cause problems. Always wear gloves when working with bleach, and know that you really don’t need bleach at all—vinegar, baking soda, salt, and ice should do the trick.

Yes, you can use household cleaners on silicone caulk, but opt for mild, non-abrasive cleaners. Solutions like vinegar and water are effective for tackling mold and dirt. Avoid cleaners containing ammonia or harsh chemicals because they can damage the caulk. Always test a small area first to ensure the cleaner doesn’t cause any adverse effects.

While you might get away with once-monthly vacuuming in rooms you hardly use, it’s not ideal in other parts of your home. Your living spaces will look untidy, and leaving all that dirt lying around is not the most hygienic. Plus, the longer abrasive debris sits on your surfaces, the more chance of scratches or damage to carpet fibers. 

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.