Okay, Wendy's point about the steamer is dead on. That's the tool for opening things up. The high frequency wand is for after you clear a pore, you zap it to calm the redness and kill any bacteria you might have stirred up. Using it first is a waste of time and does look pretty silly.

Bring bug spray, they swarm like tiny flying clowns.

Always check the grounds first, saves so much time.

Baking soda paste got the smell out for me.

Moisture meters are non-negotiable, even on a tight schedule. That quick scan can save you from a total disaster later. It's the only way to be sure.