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Cleaning your trash cans lightly once per week and then disinfecting and doing a deep clean at least once per month is the best way to prevent trash can odors. You can also invest in some garbage can deodorizers to combat odors or lay down a dryer sheet or a thin layer of baking soda in the bottom of the can under the bag. Replace the deodorizer once every month or every other month, depending on how well it works over time.

If you don’t want to remove the sink stopper, pour ½ cup of baking soda and 2 cups of boiling water down the drain. Start by pouring 1 cup of boiling water, then the baking soda, followed by the remaining cup of boiling water. Use caution as boiling water can damage PVC or other plastic piping. Using a scrub brush or slightly abrasive sponge, clean the top of the stopper, and run the faucet to ensure the drain is clear and the stopper is clean. 

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’ll often find mildew and soap scum in the same place, but they are very different substances. Mildew is a substance composed of living fungi, whereas soap scum is primarily an accumulation of mineral deposits. Mildew needs chronic moisture to thrive, while soap scum is unaffected by damp conditions (though it is a residue left behind by the water).