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It’s a problem no one wants to deal with, but it’s unfortunately pretty common. If you’re wondering how to remove mold from house surfaces, we’ve got step-by-step instructions on how to banish mold from walls, bathrooms, and other surfaces in your home. We’ve tested plenty of mold and mildew removers and tried different methods to determine the best way to eliminate it from your home (and keep it from coming back). Certain types of mold, like Stachybotrys chartarum a.k.a. “black mold” can cause allergy symptoms like sneezing and skin rashes, so it’s important to get mold issues handled quickly. Here’s how to remove mold from any surface and create an environment where it won’t grow back. How to prevent mold growth It’s always ideal to stop mold before it starts. The key to prevention is controlling the moisture inside your house, be it fixing small leaks, investing in a dehumidifier or properly ventilating your house. Follow these tips to create an environment where mold can’t grow: Bring in a dehumidifier or two. Humidity levels should not exceed 50%. Be sure to run a dehumidifier that’s right for the area you’re treating. A dehumidifier with a 10-pint removal capacity is ideal for a 500-square-foot room. You’ll need an additional four pints for every additional 500 square feet.Vent moisture-generating sources to the outside. Bathroom fans and clothes dryers should have vents to the outside.Open doors and windows during showers. This will aid your bathroom exhaust fan during and after showers by allowing moisture to escape. Keep your shower open after showering. When your curtain or door is closed, moisture takes longer to evaporate and dry. You should also partially stretch out the shower curtain, so it dries faster. Reseal bathroom tile grout lines. Repeat the sealing process every year to help waterproof your walls and floors.Avoid storing items in damp places. Keep linens, books and furniture out of your basement or attic if air-tight storage containers aren’t an option. How to get rid of mold in the showersdominick//Getty ImagesMold breeds in warm, wet conditions, making it possible to grow on shower tiles, grout and plastic curtain liners. With the right cleaning solution, it’s easy to save your shower from unsightly mold spots.Take safety precautions. Wear protection on your eyes and hands and if you are particularly sensitive to fumes, consider wearing a mask. Open the window and flip on the bathroom fan for proper ventilation.Spray cleaner on mold spots. Apply a grout cleaner or mold remover according to the manufacturer’s directions. For the curtain liner, spray a mold cleaner that’s safe for plastic, like Clorox Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover, while it’s hung up. Wait up to five minutes for the stains to disappear. Mold spots should start to fade quickly. Make sure to move to a well-ventilated area while the magic happens. If spots persist, use a non-scratch scrub sponge or grout brush to scrub the spots away. Use a handheld showerhead to rinse the entire shower with hot water. If you don’t have a handheld sprayer, fill a cup with water and pour it on shower walls, in all corners to rinse grout and the length of your plastic curtain liner.Leave the shower curtain halfway open to air dry. Position the curtain or liner so there are loose folds, which allows the surface and the shower itself to air dry completely.Expert Tip: You can wash plastic shower curtains and liners in your washing machine. Choose the delicate or short normal cycle with warm or hot water, then add laundry detergent and fabric-safe bleach. Wash it with some old towels to help with scrubbing. Place it in the dryer on low heat for only a few minutes (never leave it unattended), then re-hang it to finish drying.How to get rid of mold outdoorsWhether you’re dealing with a humid climate or areas of your exterior that tend to collect moisture, you may notice mold growing outside the house. This may look like mold stains on concrete floors, sidewalks, siding or wood decking. The best way to treat mold outdoors will depend on the surface you’re treating. Put on protective gear, which is equally as important when working outdoors. You should also move nearby furniture or decor that may get damaged as you spray or scrub.Spray equal parts bleach and water directly to concrete floors, siding or sidewalks to tackle mold. Use a scrub brush and move in a circular motion to remove mold stains. If you prefer a store-bought solution, we recommend Jomax house cleaner for siding and Mold Armor concrete cleaner for sidewalks, patios and concrete. Apply an outdoor cleaner to delicate surfaces, such as outdoor furniture and deck flooring. We recommend Carbona’s Outdoor Cleaner, which is safe around children and pets and has a built-in brush applicator.Rinse the area throughly with the hose or a bucket of clean water. You can also use a power washer for a deeper clean or rinse. How to remove mold from walls Ekspansio//Getty ImagesIf you spot mold on walls or ceilings made of sheetrock or plaster, you can make them disappear without replacing any materials. But if mold appears on a very porous surface, such as a ceiling tile, it’s best to replace it right away. Expert Tip: It’s important to wear eye protection to prevent cleaners from splashing in your eyes when removing mold from ceilings or overhead areas.Clean the surface. Apply your protective gear and make sure the area is well-ventilated. Mix a little dish detergent, like Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid, and water. Use a sponge or brush to apply the solution in small circular motions. Rinse and let dry. Clean the sponge thoroughly, then dip it into clean water and wring it out well before wiping the surface clean. Let it air dry completely.Follow with a solution of water and bleach: Mix ¾ of a cup of chlorine bleach with a gallon of warm water, or 3 tablespoons of bleach in 1 quart of water for smaller spots. Wearing rubber gloves, apply the water-bleach mixture to the stains with a sponge or cleaning brush.Let sit for five minutes, then scrub. Give the water bleach solution time to penetrate the moldy spots, then move the sponge or brush in small circles to gently agitate the area. Rinse completely and air dry. Use warm water to wash the area clean and blot dry with a clean cloth before letting it air dry.How to remove mold from wood In areas where there’s higher humidity and poor ventilation — such as the kitchen, bathroom or basement — you may discover mold on cabinets, vanities, furniture or paneling made of wood, especially if the surface is losing its finish or seal.Vacuum up any loose spores. Apply your protective gear and make sure the area is well-ventilated. Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter, go over the spots a few times with the soft brush attachment.Sponge on a soapy solution. Mix a few drops of dish detergent with some water and dab the solution onto the surface with a sponge, being careful not to saturate the wood. Rub gently to remove mold spots.Rinse with a clean, damp cloth. Dip a cleaning cloth into clear water and wring it out well before wiping the surface clean.Follow with a clean, dry cloth. You don’t want the wood to stay wet for long, which could damage the finish, so work quickly and wipe dry any remaining moisture.How to get rid of mold on fabricmrs//Getty ImagesWhen clothing, towels or stored fabrics are exposed to humidity or dampness for a prolonged period, mold can appear and flourish. Follow these steps when you find mold on fabric items that are machine washable. Expert Tip: If you find mold on fabric that is not machine washable, take it to your dry cleaner for help removing these stubborn spots.Brush off the excess mold. First, bring the item outside to prevent excess mold spores from getting inside your home. Apply protective gear, then gently move a dry cloth, brush or paper towel back and forth a few times over the area to loosen and free any mold from the surface. Treat spots with liquid laundry detergent. Rub a drop or two in with your gloved fingers. Wash it in the washing machine on the hottest setting that’s safe for the fabric, adding chlorine bleach or non-chlorine bleach, as specified by your item’s care instructions. (Check the care label to be sure.)Air dry. Avoid tumble drying the item until you are certain the mold spots are removed. FAQWhat’s the difference between mold and mildew?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 mildew is typically less dangerous than certain types of mold (think black mold), both microscopic fungi can cause health problems and damage to your home. While the mold and mildew can be treated in similar ways, read our guide to getting rid of mildew if you suspect that’s the issue at hand.What are natural remedies for removing mold?If you’re looking for a natural solution to remove mold, hydrogen peroxide and vinegar are two options to try. Keep in mind, though, that they may take more time to work than bleach and may not remove stains or be as effective on all types of mold or on all surfaces:Hydrogen peroxide: Pour a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle and apply it to the affected area. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub the mold away.Vinegar: Pour undiluted white vinegar into a spray bottle and apply to the moldy area. Let it sit for an hour, then wipe the area clean with water and allow it to dry.When do I need a mold removal company?If the moldy area is widespread and larger than approximately a 2-foot by 2-foot area, call in a pro to have it removed safely. When you’re contending with more than a few mold spots, it could be a sign of a bigger moisture problem. Call a contractor who specializes in water damage restoration or waterproofing to assess and address the issue. Jamie Ueda is a consumer products expert with over 17 years of experience in areas of product development and manufacturing. She has held leading roles at both mid-size consumer goods companies and one of the most notable and largest apparel brands in the world. Jamie has contributed to several of the GH Institute Labs, including Kitchen Appliances, Media and Tech, Textiles and Home Appliances. In her free time she enjoys cooking, traveling, and working out.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

This organizing pro swears skipping laundry day can actually help you declutter.She calls it the “lazy girl laundry test.”Read on for how the method can help you clear out your closet.Almost every morning, I struggle deciding what to wear. While my closet is basically packed to the brim with clothes, it feels like half of my wardrobe is invisible to me. A few minutes go by, and I end up wearing one of my “go-to” outfits once again. Finally, someone has come up with a solution to the common dilemma that actually helps you clear out the clothes you don’t reach for. Organizing pro Dr. Regina Lark of A Clear Path calls it the “lazy girl laundry test”—and it’s actually genius. Ahead, Lark shares how and why the decluttering method works, plus what to do with your unwanted clothes after the fact. The Lazy Girl Laundry TestThis method doesn’t involve any difficult steps or active decision making. No “donation” baskets or “get rid of” piles are required. It simply asks you to live your life as you would, wearing the clothes you normally wear. There is one rule though, but we’re pretty sure you’ll like it: Don’t do your laundry.”The ‘lazy girl laundry test’ is my favorite no-effort organizing trick! You simply stop doing laundry until you’ve worn everything you truly love. Once you’re left with the ‘meh’ pile—the pieces that never leave the hanger—that’s your visual cue. It’s based on reality, not intention. You learn what you reach for, and that’s the most honest version of your wardrobe,” says Lark.Organize With UsWhy It WorksRather than adding yet another task to your daily to-do list like most organizing methods require, this one actually takes one chore away (and it happens to be one most people dread). Plus, it’s also based on real-life decisions and data rather than emotions.”It’s a gentle, judgment-free way to see what you actually wear. You are making decisions about what to keep in real-time. Your daily choices create the data for you to make analytical decisions about what to keep, rather than emotional decisions about what you think you love. The process also helps you separate comfort favorites from ‘someday’ clothes. And truly—this will work for anyone who’d rather live their life than organize it,” says Lark.Without the emotional pressure of deciding on the spot what to keep versus what to get rid of, people are able to better assess their clutter based on simple passive observations of what’s left in their closet once they feel like they have “nothing” to wear. From there, you might be inspired to wear something you’ve gone “blind” to or actually missed. Or, more likely, you’ll realize you’ve been holding onto clothes you clearly wouldn’t miss.Next Stepsjuanma hache//Getty ImagesOf course, there may be some pieces you haven’t worn because they’re not seasonally appropriate. Once you separate those items from your “meh” clothes, the process of decluttering should feel less overwhelming. “If they no longer fit your life or your body, release them to someone who’ll enjoy them. Selling or donating turns your closet clutter into someone else’s treasure—and gives you back energy, space, and a wardrobe that actually feels good to live with,” says Lark. And while you may have enjoyed completely eliminating the chore the past couple of weeks, once the process is over, you should probably do your laundry.Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.  More

Life can be a mess: bloody noses, scraped elbows, unexpected periods, and the list just goes on from there. The good news is after testing tons of methods and products, we know exactly how to get blood out of clothes. We tapped Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab for her advice on getting blood out of clothes. While it’s easier to remove blood from fabric when it’s fresh, it is still possible to get dried blood out of cotton, denim, linen, and other fabrics.Here are step-by-step instructions on getting blood out of clothing items, according to cleaning pros. How to get fresh blood out of clothesLike most other stains, blood is easiest to remove when it’s fresh. The steps below are the same for most types of colorfast fabrics, including jeans and white cotton tees, and will even work well for removing blood stains from sheets. As soon as you notice blood on your clothes, head to your medicine cabinet and laundry room to gather supplies, and then get to work by following these steps:What you’ll need:Bar soapHydrogen peroxideFabric-safe bleachLaundry pre-treaterEnzyme-containing liquid laundry detergentWant even more from our cleaning experts? Sign up for Good Housekeeping’s FREE pop-up spring cleaning newsletter!InstructionsSoak the stain in cold water as soon as possible. If the stain is super fresh, place it under cold running water and try to flush out as much of the fresh blood as you can.Treat the stain with hydrogen peroxide or rub bar soap into the stain. Apply the hydrogen peroxide to a cloth and then use the cloth to blot the stain. For very heavy stains, and only if the fabric is colorfast, carefully apply the hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain or soak the stain in a small bowl of hydrogen peroxide. Scrub the stained garment by hand with bar soap in cold water.Apply a laundry pre-treater or rub in an enzyme-containing liquid laundry detergent. Machine wash the garment in warm water with a fabric-safe bleach. If your garment can’t tolerate chlorine or non-chlorine bleach, try a stain treater like Carbona Stain Devils #4. Always spot-test new products first by applying a small amount to an inside seam or hem of your garment.If the stain remains, repeat the steps above. Refrain from putting the garment in the dryer until the stain is completely gone. toncd32How to get dried blood out of clothesJust because you waited to remove a blood stain doesn’t necessarily mean it’s permanent. Instead, all you need is a little patience and a heavy-duty stain remover. Follow these steps:What you’ll need:Stain-removing laundry soakerBar soapFabric-safe bleachEnzyme-containing liquid laundry detergentAmmoniaLaundry pre-treaterInstructionsPresoak the garment. Prepare a mixture of cold water and one to two teaspoons of liquid laundry detergent or a stain-removing product like Carbona Oxy Powered Laundry Soaker. Allow the garment to soak in the mixture for several hours or overnight.Pretreat with a laundry pre-treater, or rub the stain with bar soap. Then, launder in warm water with fabric-safe bleach.If that doesn’t work, repeat the presoaking step. Presoak for a longer period of time, or mix one quart of water with one teaspoon of laundry detergent and one tablespoon of ammonia and let the garment soak in the solution. (This may take several hours, depending on the severity of the stain.)Pretreat the stain and launder the garment.Tide Ultra Oxi Liquid Laundry DetergentNow 29% OffCredit: Amazon Clorox Splash-Less Liquid BleachCarbona Oxy Powered Laundry SoakerCredit: CarbonaClorox 2 Laundry Stain RemoverCredit: CloroxWill vinegar get blood stains out of clothes? Some find that distilled white vinegar can be an effective at-home hack for removing blood stains from fabric, especially when the stain is fresh. But Forté says, “I’ve never found white vinegar particularly effective on blood stains.” Not to mention, undiluted vinegar might break down the fabric’s fibers over time. Is toothpaste useful in removing blood stains?While toothpaste can treat blood stains, it’s not the recommended method since it can’t be used on unwashable fabric. It can further stain the garment and leave it with an unpleasant smell, so it’s best to stick with tried-and-true methods. Does Dawn remove blood stains?Dawn dish soap can be a powerful stain-fighting tool — especially for grease stains — and it may help wash away some fresh blood stains. But for set stains, you’re better off rubbing the fabric with an enzyme liquid laundry detergent that’s specifically formulated to remove protein stains.How to get blood stains out of clothes with saltSalt may absorb some fresh blood, but you have to get to it quickly, says Forté, noting the pantry staple isn’t likely to remove set-in blood stains. How to get blood stains out of clothes with baking sodaThough it’s not our top-recommended method of removing blood stains, a baking soda paste (two parts baking soda, one part water) may help — particularly if nothing else has. Simply work the paste into the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes before laundering. Expert tips to keep in mindThough it’s easy to assume differently, period blood can be removed from clothing using the same steps and products as blood stains from a scraped knee, nicked finger or cut on your ankle.When removing blood stains from jeans, turn the jeans inside out to apply stain remover directly to the spot that is stained.Never use hot water on blood stains to avoid setting the stain into the fabric. If you’ve forgotten and already washed a blood stain in hot water, you can try the steps above, but you may not be able to completely remove the stain from the fabric.Though we’re all searching for a quick fix, remember that blood stains are tricky and often require pre-soaking and a lot of time to remove. There really aren’t any speedy remedies, and unless you’re dealing with a small, light stain, repeated attempts are often needed. Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter.Cailey Lindberg (she/her) is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience covering products, lifestyle, entertainment and food. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, she was a staff writer at USA Today’s shopping network, Reviewed.com.  More

Wondering how to hand-wash clothes in the sink? We’ve got step-by-step instructions from Carolyn Forté, the executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab on how to hand wash dresses, shirts, underwear and more in your sink. Tossing hand-wash-only items in the washer is one of the most common laundry mistakes, so it’s worth taking the time to hand-wash certain items. Knowing how to hand-wash clothes can help extend the life of your favorite garments and keep them from getting torn, stretched out, or discolored. And if you’re ever in a situation without access to a washer — like on a vacation or staying at someone else’s house — knowing how to hand-wash your items and keep things fresh will be helpful. Here are expert-backed step-by-step instructions for how to hand wash your clothes in the sink. How to Hand-Wash Clothes This step-by-step guide will work for most garments, including dresses, although they can be more cumbersome to handle. Save time by washing like items together, whether they share the same color or fabric type. Kinga Krzeminska//Getty ImagesCheck the care label and select a laundry detergent. A typical liquid or powder detergent should work, but keep in mind that more delicate fabrics may require a more gentle detergent — think free and gentle detergent, fine fabric detergent or mild dish liquid.Pre-treat stains. Work laundry stain remover or liquid detergent into the stain with your fingertips, avoiding vigorous scrubbing to prevent the stain from spreading or setting in deeper. Rubbing the strain too hard can also abrade and damage the fabric. Fill the sink with water. Use lukewarm or warm water depending on your garment’s care label, but note that wool, silk and bright colors clean best in cold water. While the water is running, add the recommended dose of detergent and swish around to dissolve. Soak the garment. Place it in the sink and gently press down to fully submerge. While it soaks, squeeze the sudsy water through the garment several times. If the water changes color, don’t worry — it’s most likely the result of excess dye and shouldn’t affect the garment’s color.Optional: Pay extra care to dresses. Make sure to support the bottom of long items, especially knit dresses, when wet to keep them from stretching.Rinse thoroughly. If you have a sprayer on your faucet, place lightweight garments like sheer tights and swimsuits in a colander and rinse clean. Otherwise, fill the sink with cool water, immerse the garment and squeeze the water through to rinse. Repeat as needed. Remove excess water. Wringing out wet, delicate fabrics can cause damage, so carefully lift the garment and gently squeeze out as much water as possible. Lay it flat on a towel and roll the towel and garment together until the water is absorbed. Lay it flat to dry. Reshape the damp garment, especially knits, to its desired shape and lay it flat to dry. Once the front is dry, flip it over.How to Hand-Wash Bras and UnderwearHand-washing your bra is the best way to ensure that it maintains its shape and fit. It’s also the safest method for washing some underwear styles — like those made of lace or silk. Follow the steps below for a gentle yet thorough way to clean undergarments. Beeldbewerking / Getty ImagesFill the sink with water. Unless the undergarment’s care tag specifies a different temperature, use lukewarm water for bras and warm water for underwear. As the water is running, add a gentle detergent and make sure it dissolves completely before adding the undergarments.Let the undergarments soak. Carefully place bras or underwear in the water, gently pressing them down to submerge and swishing the detergent in the water to work it into the undergarments. Let bras soak for 15 minutes and underwear for up to 30 minutes. You can wash multiple pieces simultaneously if they’re the same color and fiber type.Rinse thoroughly. If you have a sprayer on your faucet, place the bras or underwear in a colander and rinse them clean. Otherwise, fill the sink with cool water, immerse the undergarments and gently squeeze the water through to rinse.Gently squeeze, reshape and dry flat. Remove excess water by gently squeezing the bra’s straps, back and cups or pat them dry with a towel. Similarly, gently squeeze excess water out of underwear then blot with a towel. Once you’ve removed as much water as possible, reshape the undergarments and lay them flat to air dry.How to Hand-Wash SweatersThere’s a common misconception that sweaters must be dry cleaned. However, that’s not always the case. Check the care tag first, but if it only says “dry clean,” it may be safe to hand-wash. If it’s marked as “dry clean only,” err on the safe side and drop it off at the dry cleaner.Maliflower73 / Getty ImagesCheck the sweater’s care tag. Review the sweater’s care and fiber tags to determine the recommended water temperature. For most sweaters, lukewarm water and a gentle detergent or mild dish liquid should work. Pre-treat stains. Use a laundry stain remover or liquid detergent to pre-treat stains. Gently work the product into the stain with your fingertips but don’t scrub the area to prevent the stain from spreading or the fabric from damaging. Fill your sink with water. As the water is running, add detergent and make sure it dissolves completely before placing a sweater that has been flipped inside-out in the sink. Let it soak for at least 10 minutes; every few minutes, you can squeeze and work the sudsy water through the fabric as it soaks.Rinse thoroughly. Fill the sink with cool water, immerse the sweater and squeeze the water through to rinse.Remove excess water. Gently squeeze the sweater to remove as much water as possible, then lay it flat on an absorbent towel and gently roll the towel and garment together until the water is absorbed. Air dry the sweater. Lay the sweater on top of a dry towel and let it air dry. Once the front is dry, flip it over.Maria 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. Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter. More

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