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The best way to help a family member or friend declutter their home is to hire a professional organizer or cleaner to do it for them. However, you can also help them make a plan to tackle the clutter. Sit down with them and sort through the items, making piles of what to keep, toss, and donate. Focus on one area at a time to avoid overwhelming them. If they have trouble letting go of some items, ask them when they last used each item, what its purpose is, and whether it has sentimental value. The answers to these questions can help you advise them on handling clutter.

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.

The cost of move-out cleaning averages $360 and can increase to $500, depending on the extent of the cleaning involved. The cost factors that vary move-out cleaning include home or apartment size, the level of cleaning, how many professionals it takes to clean, and the location. Add-ons include cleaning carpet, windows, fridge, oven, hardwood floors, tile and grout, garage, and junk removal.

Steam mops can be a better option than traditional mops because the steam can lift stubborn dirt from floors without using chemicals, and it also kills bacteria and dust mites. However, steam mops have drawbacks: they are more expensive, require an electrical outlet, and are not suitable for all flooring types, such as laminate or hardwood, which can be damaged by the steam.

Regular mopping can also sanitize floors effectively when done with the right cleaning products and techniques, though it may require more effort. The main advantage of a traditional mop is its versatility, as it can be used on any type of flooring. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your floor type, budget, and cleaning preferences.