Get matched with top cleaning & maid services pros in Colts Neck, NJ

Most washing machines will not remove gum. In fact, running an item with gum on it through a washing machine will make the matter worse. The combination of water, movement, and detergent can cause the gum to break down. Instead of it remaining in one piece, the gum can spread and stick to other items during the wash cycle. If you’re lucky, the gum will stay in the pocket it was left in, so you only have one item to fix. 

You can remove stubborn stains from your toilet by scrubbing with a store-bought cleaner appropriate for the toilet’s material. If you’re looking for a homemade solution, you can also use vinegar and baking soda—just pour 2 cups of white vinegar around the edges of your toilet. Once the bowl is wet with vinegar, sprinkle 3 tablespoons of baking soda, concentrating on the stains. Scrub the bowl with a toilet brush and flush to clean the mixture. 

Just a note: While combining baking soda and vinegar is OK, never mix that solution with any other cleaners.

House cleaners typically charge by the hour, with average rates ranging from $40 to $50 per hour per cleaner. The total cost depends on factors like the size of your house, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and the specific services you request.

A standard cleaning session generally costs between $120 and $240. However, the price can be significantly higher for very large homes or comprehensive services. Keep in mind that add-on services, such as cleaning windows or ovens, will cost extra.

Deep cleaning is more expensive than a standard session—often at least twice the price—because it involves more time and effort, such as moving furniture to clean underneath and reaching difficult areas. Due to the cost, some recommend hiring professionals for seasonal deep cleans while managing regular weekly or biweekly upkeep yourself.

In between deep cleanings, you really only need to clean the filter, the drum, and the door. Run a sanitization cycle and then wipe down the exterior of the machine. You can skip cleaning the drain hose and the detergent tray, as these steps only need to happen once or twice a year, depending on how often you use your washing machine.