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If you don’t want to use dishwasher pods, you can use liquid or powder dishwasher detergent or dishwasher tablets. Alternatively, you can make a DIY dish detergent by putting two or three drops of liquid dishwashing soap in the dispenser and filling the rest with baking soda. You should never use laundry detergent, household all-purpose cleaners, or a full dispenser of liquid dish detergent.

Yes, if you’re strapped for supplies, boiling hot water can be a great alternative for getting rid of soap scum. However, as this method calls for a bit of soaking, it’s best used when cleaning your bathroom sink or bath basin (or on small objects you can submerge). All you have to do is plug your sink or bathtub drain and pour in enough boiling water to cover the soap scum. Allow it to soak for five minutes, drain, and follow up with an additional hot water rinse to remove any lingering residue.

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.

Ideally, you should do a cleaning once every week. Make your fridge cleaning a part of your weekly Sunday chores, if possible. This will prevent bacteria from breeding and help your fridge work more efficiently; spilled food can cause food to build up near the fridge vents, which forces your fridge to do more work to stay at an optimal cold temperature.