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You should declutter first, then clean, especially when sorting through an entire estate. Decluttering reduces the number of items to clean and clears space to make cleaning easier. Once all items, such as large furniture, are relocated, you'll be able to clean efficiently. You can also hire a move-out cleaner to do a professional deep clean before you sell the home.

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.

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.

Professionals will use a range of bathtub cleaners, often depending on preference and the type of tub surface. However, there are many store-bought cleaners that consistently cut through tough grime and are still safe on a range of tub surfaces. Many of these will contain bleach or gentler disinfecting ingredients to ensure a deep clean.