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.

You can always use a homemade vinegar solution as a natural alternative to commercial cleaning products. To make and use a vinegar cleaning solution, fill a spray bottle with equal parts white distilled vinegar and warm water. Spray the solution liberally across the tub surface. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping it down with a non-abrasive sponge or cleaning cloth, then rinse with clean water. If a line of soap scum is still visible, spray it with the vinegar solution. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to gently scrub the residue away before wiping it down and rinsing again.

Yes. Baking soda and vinegar—when diluted with water—are safe to use to clean sticky laminate floors.

Yes, you can use baking soda to clean your water dispenser. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one quart of warm water, then use a sponge or cloth to wipe the solution on the inside and outside of the dispenser. For tougher stains and grime, you can also make a lightly abrasive paste of one part baking soda and one part water to gently scrub tougher areas. Then rinse the dispenser with water.