Get matched with top cleaning & maid services pros in Pittsburgh, PA

Bleach isn’t the best choice to use while cleaning a refrigerator. Food absorbs odors, and bleach is known for its lingering smell, which can then lead to your fresh foods tasting off. Most people don’t safely dilute bleach, either. If you’re concerned about bacteria or mold from contaminated food, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using a bleach solution of 1 tablespoon of bleach to 1 gallon of water for sanitizing. Be sure to let the fridge air out for an hour or more afterward to let the fumes dissipate.

One of the best ways to prepare for a home biohazard cleanup is not to touch anything. Do not remove belongings, even if they are of value or importance, from the area as they are likely contaminated. It’s essential not to use any cleaning products of your own, as the cleaning company will be using chemicals that could interact with your products. 

One thing you can do to prepare is take pictures of your space and belongings that need to be cleaned, especially if you plan on filing a claim with your insurance company. In addition, take time to make a list of items that are valuable, sentimental, or otherwise important. The cleanup company must evaluate these belongings to make sure they are safe. 

How often you clean your garage depends on what you do in there and its overall level of disarray. You should clean the garage once every season, though some experts say every month. Decluttering and deep-cleaning once a year is enough for garages used primarily for storage, but if you do car maintenance or other hands-on project in the space, you’ll need to clean more frequently.  

Whether a scullery is worth it depends on how much you like to cook and entertain. If you frequently host gatherings—a scullery is likely worth the money. If you’re looking for ROI, it’s not so clear. It may not add significant value to your home, as it doesn’t increase square footage and may repurpose space that a buyer would have preferred to remain as-is (like a laundry room).