Aurelia Butler

Mildew thrives in moist, damp spaces — think dark spots on your clothes, powdery clusters on wood furniture or black gunk in the corners of your shower. The disgusting fungus may be hiding in neglected areas of your home, such as the garage, basement or under the kitchen sink. You can spot mildew during early stages as white or gray powdery dots, but the fungus can also turn yellow, brown or dark gray. “Mildew is not only unsightly, but can be irritating, especially to family members with allergies or other respiratory sensitivities,” says Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab. “If it’s not addressed promptly, it can quickly spread to become a more dangerous and serious situation.” It’s often the first clue that something needs to be handled, like fixing a leak or controlling your home’s humidity level.Luckily, we’ve rounded up expert advice for mildew removal — whether you’ve got a situation growing on walls, upholstery, carpets, clothes or more! Follow our step-by-step instructions to stop mildew in its tracks. Plus, keep scrolling for prevention tips, the difference between mildew and mold growth and a few of our favorite cleaning products. Remove Mildew From Upholstery Upholstered furniture, like a mattress or sofa, that’s been damaged by water or may have mildew growing inside should be discarded. If you’re dealing with a small mildew stain, here is the best way to tackle it: Vacuum the entire surface. For remaining stains, sponge the surface with a cloth moistened in equal parts rubbing alcohol and warm water. We suggest doing a spot-test first to make sure the fabric won’t damage. (Note: If your cushions are removable, remove the cover before cleaning. But, look out for any mildew that may have spread to the cushion.) Wipe the upholstery with a water-dampened sponge. Fan dry the upholstery for several hours; sprinkle on and brush in baking soda to help remove odors.Spray the surface with a disinfectant, like Lysol, to kill spores that can linger. RFStock//Getty ImagesDue to the moisture, mildew thrives on bathroom walls and grout. Remove Mildew From WallsMildew tends to linger on walls, tiles and grout, especially in the bathroom where ventilation is poor. It’s important to stop growth during early stages. Here’s how:Mix ¾ cup bleach with one gallon of water (equal to 3 tablespoons bleach to one quart water for smaller areas).Apply mixture with a soft scrub brush for walls or a stiff brush for grout (don’t forget to wear gloves).Let the solution penetrate for 15 minutes before rinsing with water.Wipe dry. Then, use a fan to dry the surface thoroughly.Expert Tip: When cleaning mildew, always wear a face covering, long rubber gloves and protective eyewear.Remove Mildew From ClothingYou may notice a mildew scent or mold spores on clothing or linens that have been stored in a moist attic or basement. Luckily, if you follow these steps, you may not have to throw away mildewed clothing.Use a stiff brush to remove mold spores (we suggest doing so outdoors).Sun dry the item for about three hours.Check the care labels and if safe, use chlorine bleach or pre-soak colored fabrics for 30 minutes in liquid non-chlorine bleach. For mild stains, you can instead soak the area in equal parts white vinegar and water.Rinse and machine wash as usual.Remove Mildew From Shower CurtainsIf you step into the bathtub and notice that your shower curtain is dotted with mildew, take action quick. Quick prevention tip: Spread out your shower curtain or lining to help it dry.Wash plastic liners or plastic shower curtains in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with the regular amount of detergent — you can also add bleach. Add two to three bath towels for extra cleaning agitation. (If your shower curtain is fabric or decorative, wash according to the care instructions).Hang curtain to dry or put it the dryer on low for a few minutes to remove excess moisture. Never leave a plastic liner or curtain in the dryer unattended.Farah Kilani//Getty ImagesFor larger mildew stains, try a steam cleaner on carpets.Remove Mildew From CarpetsWhether you’ve experienced a little flooding or a room is overly damp or humid, mildew can grow on carpets. You may notice a musty smell or greenish stains. Carpets and rugs that are completely saturated by dirty flood water, should be discarded.Make sure the space is dry. Use a wet-dry vacuum to remove water. If possible, hang rugs or carpets outside in the sun to dry. If it’s not possible, open windows and use fans. to air out the space. Try to pick up wet sections if you can to make sure the padding and flooring underneath dry thoroughly.For small stains, use a carpet stain remover. Or, clean and rinse the carpet with a steam cleaner for larger stains.For lingering odors, spray a mixture of one part vinegar and two parts warm water onto the carpet. Allow it to sit overnight. Sprinkle the area with baking soda, and vacuum it up after a few minutes. You may also spray the carpet afterwards with Lysol disinfectant spray, according to label directions to sanitize the surface.Remove Mildew on Wood SurfacesWhen exposed to moisture, mildew can grow on wood cabinets, paneling or furniture in the form of white powdery spots. Vacuum loose spores with the soft brush attachment.Clean small areas using a well-wrung cloth dipped in a few squirts of dishwasher detergent mixed with a gallon of water.Rinse with a clean, water-dampened cloth and dry immediately with a fan. Be careful, not to oversaturate the wood as it could warp or damage the finish.Apply a thin coat of Good Housekeeping Seal holder Weiman Furniture Polish to restore the shine and protect the finish.Expert tip: After vacuuming mildew spores, toss the filter and bag to prevent spores from escaping into the air next time you vacuum.What are the best products for cleaning mildew?What’s the difference between mold and mildew?Mildew, a type of mold, is easier to remove and tends to less dangerous than other types of mold (think black mold). Although, both microscopic fungi can cause health problems and damage to your home. Mildew is typically more visible during early stages and pops up as white or gray powdery dots. It may turn yellow or brown, but generally remains pretty flat. Mold appears darker, often in shades of red, green or black and can have a fuzzy texture. While the mold and mildew can be treated in similar ways, read our tips for removing stubborn mold spots if you suspect a mold outbreak. How can I prevent mildew?Use a top-tested dehumidifier to keep damp areas, like the basement or bathroom, dry and maintain indoor humidity levels.Open the bathroom door during and after showering to allow moisture out.Dry or squeegee shower walls, floor and tub after showering to remove excess moisture and help surfaces dry faster.If you have bathroom tiles, seal grout lines every year to waterproof the surface. Avoid storing linens, books or furniture in damp basements or attics.Don’t leave damp towels or gym clothes in bags or closets.Track down and fix leaks as soon as possible.Related Stories..Lauren is a senior editor at Hearst. She was previously the senior editor at WomansDay.com and the home editor at GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com. Her book club, ramen, and jean jackets are a few of her favorite things.Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York. More

Score a brand-new look for your bathroom with a super-convenient upgrade from this GH Seal star that takes the stress out of renovation and upkeep. Bath PlanetBath PlanetWHY IT EARNED THE GH SEALBath Planet products proved a smart pick for nearly every style and need in our engineers’ extensive review thanks to the fade and mold-resistant design, easy setup, and more. QUICK PRO INSTALLATION The long-lasting, customizable bathtub, shower or walk-in tub solutions are installed by a professional within the footprint of your existing bathing space, so there’s no serious demo required. Installation is often under two days.QUALITY CONSTRUCTION The high-tech polymer surfaces are scratch-resistant and non-porous, which helps keep mold and mildew from growing. They’re also designed to ward off the pesky staining and yellowing that can be common with other options.EASY-CARE MATERIALS The durable surfaces won’t show wear and tear — simple wipe downs with a non-abrasive household cleaner is all that’s needed to keep them looking new.TONS OF VARIETY No matter what you’re looking for, the brand offers many great options for an upgraded bathroom, including their patented REVEAL laser-etched tub and shower surrounds that resemble designer tile, without the maintenance demands of porous grout. Complete your dream bath makeover with a range of accessories, including seats, shelving and more.Go to bathplanet.com for more info and to set up a consultation. More

You spend a huge amount of time in your bathroom every day — so it really ought to be a space that suits your style and makes you happy. And yet many of us, daunted by the hassle and high cost of remodeling, live with outdated tile or a tub that’s seen better days. But you can sidestep all the inconvenience with the fast, professional installation provided by Bath Planet, a recipient of the Good Housekeeping Seal; some projects can even be completed in a single day. And the company’s proprietary technology and industry-leading collection of colors and design options mean you can have the luxurious oasis you’ve always wanted without getting soaked.Elevated design, down-to-earth priceCourtesy of Bath PlanetBath Planet products are constructed of a scratch-resistant, ultra-durable polymer — the same tough material bowling balls and football helmets are made of — that’s available in a virtually unlimited array of colors and patterns. You love the look of travertine or marble? It’s yours — and for a fraction of the usual cost. You like the mental image of bathing au naturel in a crystal-clear stream? Opt for a river-rock pattern to make your mornings feel revitalizing without a deal-breaker price tag. Plus, the Bath Planet polymer is both nonporous, keeping mold and mildew at bay, and engineered to resist the scratching, staining and yellowing that can develop on other bath materials, so you’ll never have to spring for costly repairs or upkeep.Another way Bath Planet stands out from its competitors is with its patented Reveal series, in which a decorative tile design is intricately engraved on the product surface. The laser-etched grouting patterns can replicate the look of classic subway tile, grand 12-by-24-inch Roman blocks, diamond and hexagonal tiles — there are nine patterns in all. And since the surfaces contain no porous traditional grout, they are more cost-effective to install and more resistant to mold and mildew.Affordable accessories and accentsCourtesy of Bath PlanetBath Planet also offers sophisticated add-ons that can take your bath-and-shower remodel to the next level while keeping costs in check. The company partners with design-conscious manufacturers for stylish fixtures such as rain shower heads and faucet sets in your pick of finishes, and also has a full complement of available accessories to put the finishing touch on your new favorite place to start (and end) the day: Shower seats in several styles — there’s a bench in the same finish as your walls, a mod silhouette seat that folds up when not in use and the folding teak option shown above — invite you to soak as long as you wish. Bars and footrests in a variety of finishes (like the matte black above) add stylish stability. Sleek rectangular or corner shelves provide plenty of toiletry storage. And since Bath Planet’s product line has a variety of price points, it’s easy to incorporate the details that suit your aesthetic and your bank account alike. “The bathroom is one of the trickiest rooms to renovate, given all the moving parts,” says Dan DiClerico, director of home improvement & outdoor at the Good Housekeeping Institute. “Bath Planet’s one-stop service, combined with its expert-vetted products and materials, make it a smooth, seamless process.” More

Remodeling portions of your home can be disruptive. There’s the dust. And the noise. But the biggest downside might be losing the use of that space for weeks, maybe months — especially when the space in question is your bathroom. But your new dream bath doesn’t have to involve all that downtime. With Good Housekeeping Seal holder Bath Planet, you can come home to a fully finished shower-and-bath area ( “wet area,” in designer parlance) in mere days. Often in just one day, in fact. Here’s how.A highly professional crewYou’ll first work with a Bath Planet designer to choose the right style for your bathroom from a wide range of options (more on those below). Next, the company’s experts take detailed measurements of your existing bath or shower and surrounding walls and create a customized remodeling plan, retrofitted precisely to your existing space to facilitate seamless installation.Finally, the installation team arrives to execute the project. Bath Planet’s technicians are factory-trained and certified as well as fully insured. This is a company that stands behind the quality of its work, offering a limited lifetime warranty that lasts as long as you own your home — and can even be transferred to a new owner if you sell it within two years. Bath Planet also prides itself on respecting homeowners’ time, so your bathroom remodel is completed exactly when you expect it to be—frequently, within a day.High-tech, easy-upkeep materialsCourtesy of Bath PlanetYour new wet area will be constructed of an innovative, ultra-durable polymer. Unlike porcelain, fiberglass or enamel surfaces, Bath Planet’s high-quality tubs and shower surrounds are nonporous, which keeps mold and mildew at bay, and also resistant to the scratching, staining, and yellowing that can be an issue with other materials. “Engineered specifically with bathrooms in mind, the tough materials should stand up to everyday wear and tear over the long haul, based on our extensive lab tests,” says Dan DiClerico, director of home improvement & outdoor at the Good Housekeeping Institute. In addition, the grout-free designs not only facilitate fast installation, they also make your new bathroom gratifyingly easy to clean.A superior selection of stylesCourtesy of Bath PlanetBath Planet offers an industry-leading array of finishes, colors, and styles, all made in the U.S. There are 25 wall-color options, available in a matte or glossy finish, and the surfaces can echo the sophisticated look of quartz, granite, and even marble.But the real game-changer is the company’s patented laser-etched Reveal series, which delivers the look of designer tile, elevating Bath Planet’s products beyond the rest of the market. Your new bath can be finished with a clean, classic subway-tile pattern, the sophisticated symmetry of 12-by-12-inch squares, the fine detail of a 6-inch hexagonal design, or one of six other stylish patterns, each laser-engraved to replicate the look of grout—without any of the maintenance headaches traditional grout entails.Bath Planet can turn the look you’re envisioning into reality in a matter of days. In fact, the most time-consuming part is likely to be deciding which of the hundreds of available design variations will make this the bathroom of your dreams. More