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    How to Declutter Your Home Without Getting Overwhelmed

    Whether you’re planning a move or looking to streamline your space, figuring out how to declutter your home can feel intimidating. From piles of clothes in the closet to toys scattered around the living room, where should you start? As a home editor, I’m well versed in all things home and design, but decided to tap professional organizers to get into the nitty-gritty. Below, organizing expert Rachel Rosenthal and Laura Kinsella, founder of Urban OrgaNYze, share their advice for decluttering and helpful tips for every room — from kitchen storage to closet organization. First things first, give yourself patience and grace. Organizing your home can feel be a personal and vulnerable process, but the final result is worth the hard work! “Recognizing the areas that burden you is a crucial step toward crafting a plan for decluttering and achieving organization,” says Rosenthal, who adds that addressing physical clutter can help alleviate a sensation of heaviness or anxiety in your home environment.Tips for Decluttering:✔️ Anticipate the negative. “When you feel like you are the only one out there dealing with this type of clutter, it’s common to be embarrassed,” says Rosenthal. Remember that decluttering is a progress; your room or house will always look worse before it gets better.✔️ Rely on a buddy. It’s easier to accomplish your goal if you have someone to hold you accountable. Whether it be a spouse, partner, family member, friend or professional organizer, have a support system with you. ✔️ Start small: To avoid overwhelm and decision fatigue, start with a small, achievable task that takes no more than 20 minutes — like organizing a small junk drawer or a utensil drawer. “Decluttering is contagious, so as you build momentum, it will make it easier to tackle larger projects throughout your home,” says Kinsella. ✔️ Schedule time for it. Like you would for a dentist or doctor, schedule your organizing time! If you don’t make an appointment with yourself, you are bound to put something else in its place.✔️ Take it one room at a time. Choose one room to focus on at a time and touch every item in that room to determine how it should be categorized. If it’s not something you love or use on a regular basis, let it go.✔️ Reward your hard work. “Whether it’s indulging in a bottle of wine, treating yourself to a new piece of clothing after purging a substantial portion of your wardrobe, or taking a refreshing walk outdoors, incentives can provide the motivation you need to make progress,” says Rosenthal.How to Declutter Room by Room:The KitchenAbigail Jackson. Designed by Trinity Holmes of Circa 34.Rachel RosenthalThe “heart of the home” is where we spend most of our time, from entertaining guests to cooking and enjoying our favorite meals. Not only does kitchen clutter look unsightly, but it makes it challenging to find what you need as you cook, clean or host. If you’re not sure what may be lurking in the back of kitchen cabinets, drawers or the pantry, here’s how to start: ✔️ Take everything out of cabinets and drawers. “Empty cabinets completely when decluttering food items and kitchenware, like pots and pans,” says Rosenthal. As you sort through your belongings, check expiration dates and identify duplicates or items seldom used in meal preparation. Before returning everything back in cabinets, it’s a great idea to invest in a spice rack or organizer!✔️ Clean out the fridge. Start by taking everything out, then wipe down all shelves and racks. Throw away any old foods, ingredients and condiments that have been open longer than three months (some have a shorter or longer shelf life). ✔️ Be mindful of what you don’t use. Take stock of what you have, asking yourself if you’ve used it lately or whether it fits your current lifestyle. Purge any mismatched lids, stained or broken containers and chipped dishes.✔️ Place everything in categories. Whether in piles on the counter or baskets on the floor, group like items — think baking supplies, boxed foods, glassware, etc. Find every category a designated home, considering accessibility and how often you use the item. Give everything a quick wipe down before placing items back in the fridge, pantry or kitchen cabinets. The BathroomCourtesy of Urban OrganyzeAn organized bathroom makes your hair routine and nightly skincare regime a breeze. Not to mention, your cluttered bathroom is likely full of expired skincare and medications. Follow this advice to put everything in its place:✔️ Clear out drawers and storage space under the sink. Just as you did in the kitchen, touch every item to determine what stays and what goes. Go through the medicine cabinet as well, disposing of any expired medications. ✔️ Check for expired cosmetics and skincare products. Some products have expirations as early as three months from opening, especially eye products that can harbor bacteria over time. You can also toss bulky packaging to make more space as you restock. ✔️ Group items into categories, such as skincare, haircare and medications. As you put items back, keep daily essentials at eye level and put rarely used items on higher shelves or closer to the back of shelves. We also suggest organization systems, like decorative trays, apothecary jars and over-the-toilet organizers for added storage.✔️ Don’t forget about the shower. Check for empty bottles, hair products you no longer love or use and any items that have expired. Good Housekeeping Organize Your LifeGood Housekeeping Organize Your LifeThe Bedroom + ClosetsRead McKendree; Design by Ryann SwanCourtesy of Urban OrganyzeA great night’s sleep might depend on your primary bedroom being clutter-free! From cleaning out dressers and night stands to organizing the closet, take it step by step:✔️ Clear out the night stand: Whether in drawers or on top, the nightstand can accumulate random clutter out of convenience, like miscellaneous chargers, books you’ve already read and old letters or paperwork. Remove anything that doesn’t belong, giving it a permanent home elsewhere or tossing it.✔️ Categorize dresser drawers: Sort through clothing and accessories in dresser drawers, pulling everything out. Purge any items you don’t use or love, categorize and put everything away, refolding clothing so it’s uniform or bringing in drawer organizers for accessories. ✔️ Purge clothing: Pulling items out of your closet allows you to assess them in a new way. “If you haven’t grabbed for something, be honest with yourself and consider why — is it less than flattering, doesn’t reflect your personal style or uncomfortable?” asks Kinsella. “Relocate aspirational clothing and prioritize your everyday wardrobe.” Moving forward, practice a one-in-one-out rule.✔️ Streamline hangers and storage containers. Swap in matching hangers (personally, I prefer velvet hangers. If you tend to think items that are out of sight are out of mind, opt for clear vessels for shoes or accessories, especially for items stored up high. Always position your favorites and in season items at eye level or arms reach. RELATED: DIY Walk-In Closet Ideas to Maximize Your SpaceThe Living RoomRaquel Langworthy; designed by Christina Kim Interior Design.The living room can accumulate clutter quickly, from children’s toys and books to chargers, remote controls and other miscellaneous wires. Once you tackle the main zones, try decluttering the living room for a few minutes every day — putting daily items back in place. ✔️ Give everyday items a home. Rather than leaving your current read on the sofa or children’s toys all over the floor, designate a spot for everything. Bring in ottomans with hidden storage, entertainment centers with plenty of cabinets, etc.✔️ Tuck visible clutter into bins. Think dog toys, blankets, books or even spare chargers tucked inside decorative bins, whether on shelves or sitting on the floor. What was once clutter turns into decor. ✔️ Go through books, board games and toys. If you’ve got puzzles or games with missing pieces, or you just never actually use them, toss or donate them. Also sort through children’s toys, random wires and your bookshelf, looking out for old books you’ll never read again or decor you don’t love.Kids’ SpacesRachel RosenthalLaura Metzler Photography; Design by grOH! PlayroomsNot only do children grow fast, but their tastes evolve quickly. Declutter their bedrooms, closets and playroom regularly — whether you donate items they’ve outgrown, or box it up for storage.✔️ Donate toys children have outgrown. “Regularly assess what your kids are actively playing with, plus be on the lookout for items that are broken or have missing pieces,” says Kinsella, who adds if you’re overwhelmed by the quantity, chances are your kids are, too!✔️ “Use bins labeled “too small” or “too big” for clothing and shoes” keeps everything organized and makes it easier when they suddenly shoot up a size,” says Kinsella. Try keeping a donation bag handy to make decluttering a natural part of your routine. ✔️ Sort through art supplies, tossing dried out markers, broken crayons, ripped coloring books or any incomplete sets. Laundry RoomsPhoto: Corinne Cobabe; Design: Organized by DesignLaundry rooms can quickly turn into the catch-all space for more than just laundry, becoming cluttered with items from around the house. But an organized space will make the dreaded chore much easier!✔️ Relocate anything that doesn’t aid with the laundry process. ✔️ Corral cleaning supplies in bins and baskets. Toss rags that are no longer plush and any supplies you don’t use. “Once you’ve identified what’s in your regular rotation, group similar items together, such as detergents or stain removers, and use bins or baskets to keep these supplies organized and easily accessible,” says Kinsella. “Don’t hesitate to make the most of your vertical space by adding simple shelving.”✔️ Invest in more than one laundry basket. Make laundry day a breeze by having separate bins for whites, darks and hand wash items. You can also create a “to do” bin that Kinsella suggests using for items that need to be dry cleaned, mended or stain treated, so you can circle back when you’ve got time. Related StoriesAlyssa 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. More

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    Designers Declare Aluminum Furniture the Hot New Furniture Trend

    If aluminum furniture pieces have been catching your eye lately, you’re certainly not alone. According to a recent Pinterest trend report, this material (and other metallics) is making major waves in the design world, particularly among millennials and Gen-Zers. And interior designers agree that aluminum is most definitely having a moment this year. “The aluminum furniture trend is starting to trickle in as an exciting new thing for design,” says Linda Hayslett, the founder of LH.Designs. However, she explains that this material could easily be seen as “too trendy” and “could date a place if you’re not cautious about it.” As a result, Hayslett advises those who are curious about embracing aluminum to be mindful about their purchases. “Make sure to get something that’s interesting that almost acts like a work of art instead of just getting something just for the sake of getting something,” the designer adds. “If you treat this trend like a showpiece, then it won’t feel out of place and insignificant later.” Many designers appreciate that aluminum pieces can function both indoors and out. “If your home is designed for indoor-outdoor living especially, it can be nice to have some material overlap between them for continuity,” says Adnan Anwar, the founder of Adnan Anwar Design. He adds that furnishings made from this material are lightweight and therefore easy to move around the house as desired, which is particularly ideal for those who like to redecorate their spaces often. Pamela NastRaili Clasen, the founder of Raili CA Design, enjoys when aluminum pieces are powder-coated in colorful hues — by no means does one have to stick with a traditional silver shade. Unable to source brightly colored aluminum furniture that you love? Rosanna Bassford offers another suggestion. “Pair it with wood tones for warmth and color for a playful touch,” offers the founder of Memmo Interiors, who notes that aluminum can have the tendency to appear cold if not styled thoughtfully. You can certainly play with textiles, too. “Adding upholstered cushions, using one of the many outdoor fabrics now available, gives you all the comfort of indoor furnishings and seamlessly extends your design style outdoors,” says designer Pamela Nast. Nast also appreciates aluminum due to its versatility (she notes that it’ll shine in modern and traditional spaces alike) and adds that it’s built to last, too, given that it’s weather-resistant and won’t fade or rust. Be mindful that aluminum can corrode, though, so it’s worth investing in higher quality, more durable pieces. Shop Aluminum FurnitureAluminum Bistro SetAluminum Indoor-Outdoor TableAluminum Garden BenchOutdoor Aluminum Side TableRelated StoriesSarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelancer who produces interior design, travel and lifestyle content. Her work is featured in outlets including Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, MyDomaine, The Washington Post and The New York Times. Plus, her personal spaces have appeared on Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, Houzz and more. More

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    The H&M Home x Pantone Collection Is a Must for Spring

    From dinner parties to outdoor barbecues, these colorful home products are perfect for warm-weather entertaining. Serve up crisp spring salads in bright porcelain bowls, rest refreshing cocktails on vibrant coasters and present summer desserts on side plates. We always look forward to Pantone’s Color of the Year, but this eye-catching capsule offers a fresh way to bring the brand’s curated shades into your home. The new collection, which marks the second time H&M Home and Pantone have teamed up, launches today in select stores and online. Not to mention, these lively tabletop essentials start at only $10. Elevate the dining table with stoneware pedestal bowls, tall porcelain jars and decorative vases, all available in two different color palettes. Reminiscent of tangy oranges and crisp bell peppers, the Sweet & Juicy colors include a spicy red and strong orange. Meanwhile, the Zesty & Fresh shades are revitalizing green, a fresh lime and bright yellow.Shop the H&M Home x Pantone Collection”The vitality of color is essential to the effect it has on our emotions, senses and how easily it transforms our living spaces with just a lick of paint,” says Evelina Kravaev-Söderberg, head of design and creative at H&M HOME. “For this second edition, we have explored the connection between food, taste and color. Perhaps you strictly favor the freshness of green and yellow, or simply want to mix it up adding the spice of red and orange as well — the choice is yours.”Zesty & FreshSweet & JuicyIntroduce a splash of personality in your dining room with this uplifting collection. Or, try a scented candle in the kitchen, living room or bedroom. Pink grapefruit is the essence of the red, while the orange candle smells of sweet mandarin gelato, the yellow of lemon verge and the green offers notes of basil. Now it’s time to find a decorative item that complements your aesthetic!Related StoriesAlyssa 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. More

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    10 Best Mops of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

    The most effective type of mop is the one that works best for your specific floors — there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and each type of mop on the market has its own advantages. And you may want to consider having several on hand for different uses. ✔️ Steam mop: If you’re looking to kill germs on your floors without the use of cleaning solutions, a steam mop is the answer. It can reach high enough temperatures to kill bacteria on hard floors in places that may need more attention like bathroom floors and pet areas. They are also very effective at loosening sticky messes like jelly or muddy footprints without the scrubbing regular mops require. The one downside: We don’t recommend steam mops for hardwood floors. Few hardwood floors are in perfectly sealed condition and if steam seeps under the finish, it can damage them.✔️ Spray mop: This type of mop is a great way to wash away grime and clean sticky stains from floors without the mess of a water-filled bucket. Plus, because you control how much cleaner is dispensed, it is a safe and easy way to prevent over-wetting and damaging wood floors. Simply pop on a pre-filled canister of cleaning solution or fill the onboard bottle with your own water-and-cleaner mix. Then, just spray and mop. Spray mops use disposable or washable microfiber pads. ✔️ Dust mop: A dust mop is an excellent option for picking up dry dirt and debris. Lightweight and easy to maneuver, they are less cumbersome than lugging out a vacuum. Since most dust mops are made with microfiber materials, they are also a good option for floors that may scuff easily with a vacuum’s rotating brush roll or plastic wheels. They take either disposable or washable microfiber pads and because they are so slim and flat, they can slip into tight spaces and under low furniture where a vacuum often can’t go. Dust mops can also be used to clean baseboards, crown moldings and walls. ✔️ Sponge mop: These mops come in handy when cleaning up a spill since the sponges — either of cellulose, synthetic or PVA — absorb liquid fast. Most sponge mops are also slim and lightweight, making them a good option for someone who finds other types of mops too heavy or awkward to use or doesn’t want to deal with disposable or washable pads. They come with either a roller or butterfly wringing design, and can require a fair bit of strength to thoroughly squeeze out the sponge. Be sure to rinse them well during use before storing them to control germ growth and odors. They are generally used with a bucket for cleaning and once the sponge mop head gets too dirty to use or it falls apart, it’s time to replace it.✔️ Vacuum mop: The newest category of floor cleaning appliance, vacuum mops can pick up dry dirt, wet messes and wet-clean floors all at the same time and are revolutionizing the way we wash floors. Most are rechargeable, have separate clean and dirty water tanks and mop floors by dispensing a cleaning solution onto the floor via a spinning microfiber brush roll. Self-cleaning models are the easiest to maintain and most have app connections, multiple cleaning modes and voice prompts to guide you. They are convenient, easy to use and always ready when you need them. They do take up a fair bit of storage space, though, so keep that in mind before you buy. ✔️ Spin mop: Spin mops can be manual or electric. They either have round heads with microfiber strings that clean in all directions or they are electric appliances with round spinning microfiber pads. Electric spin mops, like our recommended Bissell, use two rotating microfiber pads to scrub floors with either plain water or a cleaning formula that you dispense from the appliance. The pads are machine washable and reusable and can even be used dry for buffing floors to a shine.Manual spin mops are more like regular string mops. They have round heads with microfiber strings and come with a bucket and a spinning mechanism to make wringing easier and more thorough than you can achieve by hand. Manual spin mops provide 360 degrees of floor cleaning and are easy to maneuver into tight spaces and corners. More

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    Retro Kitchens Are Making a Comeback — in a Very Surprising Color

    Neutrals may have dominated the world of kitchen design for a good while, but the design pendulum is swinging in the opposite direction and making room for a colorful kitchen trend — pink retro kitchens. According to this year’s Pinterest Predicts report, “kitschens” — short for kitchy kitchens — are trending and the search term “pink retro kitchens” is up by 40%. History tends to repeat itself, and that’s certainly the case when it comes to retro styles, as the comeback of this nostalgic 1950’s aesthetic proves. Pink may be an unexpected choice when it comes to kitchen design, but the cheerful color is actually surprisingly versatile. “Pink provides that unique retro charm and is a hue that doesn’t go out of style,” says Mattia Salia, product manager at SMEG, known for its vintage-inspired kitchen appliances. “While playful, pink is also a unique and stylish choice for the kitchen, setting it apart from more traditional colors like white or beige.”Whether pink retro kitchens are right up your vintage-loving alley or you’d rather incorporate the cotton candy hue in more subtle ways, keep reading to learn how to implement whimsical pops of pink into the heart of your home.Photo: Simon-Pierre Grand; Design: Renard FlareWhat is a kitschen?Kitschens epitomize all things kitchy — they blend old-school charm and retro style with fun colors and a touch of sentimental nostalgia. Describing the throwback design trend, Sydney Stanback, global trends and insights lead for Pinterest, says, “People will elevate their kitchen designs and cooking areas with thrifted finds, vintage appliances and eye-jarring pops of paint as they are looking for ‘eclectic kitchen decor,’ ‘kitschy kitchens,’ ‘retro pink kitchens’ and more.”How to get in on the trend:Pair pink with neutrals for visual balance.If you’re itching to try the retro pink kitchen trend but are nervous about it being overpowering, interior designer Julie Arnold of J. Raine Design shares practical advice for implementing the color in a balanced way. “Adding neutrals in strategic places and pairing pink with complementing colors in lighting and flooring is a great way to create a well-balanced look,” says Arnold. Juxtapose pink cabinets with the warmth of butcher block kitchen countertops, refrain from using other brights in the space, opt for a soft shade of pink and layer in plenty of white surfaces for an elevated take on retro charm.Design by Dane Austin Design, Photo by Sean LitchfieldIncorporate pink through unexpected accents.”Incorporating pink into your kitchen can be a fun and stylish way to add personality to the space,” Salia says. But, you don’t have to go with all-pink-everything to implement the retro color trend. For a more subtle approach, use pink in strategic smaller doses through a contrasting kitchen island, a fun accent wall, a statement backsplash or as Salia suggests, “through small countertop appliances and fridges that do not require a huge financial or design commitment.” Pink Silicone Utensils SetSMEG Retro Electric KettlePink Coffee MatPink Arabesque TilesMerge charm and character with modern comforts.As the home’s natural gathering spot, kitchens are inherently warm and inviting. The right shade of retro-inspired pink adds personality, a unique mood-boosting energy and a touch of coziness, and Salia adds that “it evokes feelings of whimsy and nostalgia that provide a warmth to the kitchen.”When it comes to blending the old with the new, Arnold says, “Retro-inspired kitchens are a fun option for era-appropriate homes because they blend fun colors and classic looks with modern comforts.” She stresses the importance of keeping the original character and charm of the space in mind during the design process and striking the right balance between retro design and contemporary style. “It’s all about preserving that original vibe but adding a touch of today.”Photo: Mark Hurrish; Design: J. Raine DesignRelated StoriesMaria Sabella is a lifestyle writer with a passion for home and interiors — from paint colors and holiday decor to the latest design trends. Her work has appeared in outlets including Better Homes & Gardens, The Spruce, BuzzFeed and Bustle.  More

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    10 Best Toilet Bowl Cleaners, Tested by Experts

    ✔️ Type: When it comes to selecting a cleaner for inside the bowl to tackle hard water rings, rust stains and more, the options are endless and there’s no one-size-fits-all product. Thick liquids are formulated to cling to vertical bowl surfaces to coat and dissolve stuck-on stains so they are easier to brush away. While some people may prefer a traditional liquid toilet cleaner and toilet brush, others may like the convenience of a toilet wand with a disposable cleaning head that’s pre-loaded with cleaner. There are also tablets and gels that either go in the toilet tank or attach inside the toilet bowl to help keep your toilet clean in between deep cleanings by automatically dispensing a bit of cleaner with every flush to clean continuously and keep soil from accumulating. Look for cleaners specifically geared toward your toilet’s problem stains. For example, rust is best taken care of with a cleaner that’s specifically formulated to remove rust.✔️ Ingredients: While certain ingredients, like bleach, are great for removing tough stains and disinfecting the toilet, they may not be the right choice for homes with kids or pets, or those who do not want to be exposed to a chemical smell. Also, some gels and tablets may be safe for toilet tanks or septic systems while others may not be recommended. Despite any manufacturer claims around safety, concentrated cleaners are best used in toilets that are flushed regularly. Be sure to check the labels to ensure the cleaner fits your lifestyle and needs.✔️ Longevity: The lifespan of toilet cleaners can vary, especially with tablets and gels. Some tablets and gels can last anywhere from a week to a few months. Make sure to read the label for how long the manufacturer says the product in question lasts so you’ll know how frequently you need to replace them. More

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    How to Remove Mildew From Walls, Fabric, Wood Furniture and More

    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

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    GH Seal Spotlight: Bath Planet by BCI

    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