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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.

You should consider doing a few things on your own that fall under the category of “good house cleaner etiquette” to prepare for your house cleaner. These include tidying counters, floors, and other surfaces, taking care of the dishes, moving laundry to the laundry room or a dedicated laundry basket, and putting away personal and private items. Think of your house cleaner as someone who brings your home from relatively tidy to organized and clean, and you should have no issues.

The main difference between a general cleaning and a deep clean is that a general cleaning focuses on regular maintenance, while a deep clean hones in on the nitty gritty details of cleaning that may not impact your day-to-day life. For example, it’s important to wipe down your counter and have a clean place to cook regularly, but you may not think twice about pulling out your stove to clean behind it until it’s time for a deep cleaning.

Most housekeepers are happy to tailor their cleaning checklist to fit your needs. Discuss your priorities and any special requests before the first visit. Be specific about areas of focus or spaces to avoid. Clear communication ensures your home is cleaned exactly as you like, maximizing the value of your investment.