11 ways to clean mildew you wish you knew sooner

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Mildew can befoul most any surface. Fabrics, walls, grout and even brick can all become mildewed. It happens in areas of high moisture, such as outdoors, bathrooms, kitchens, basements and unventilated areas.
Many people turn to commercial cleaning products to remove this unhealthy, unsightly whitish growth. However, you may already have what you need right in your home. These tutorials showcase how easy mildew removal can be as long as you know what to use and how.  
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1. Mildew remover for hard surfaces
This recipe for getting rid of mildew uses bleach as a main ingredient. Bleach is extremely effective in treating hard surfaces. Stain Removal 101 shares their formula for combining bleach with borax for a powerful mildew remover. Get the tutorial here.
2. Tea tree oil mildew remover
Tea tree oil has properties making it a good mold and mildew remover. According to this tutorial, it will also help prevent mildew's return. You don't have to use a pure, expensive oil; cheap versions are just as effective.
3. Hydrogen peroxide mildew eraser
If you want bleaching power without the use of bleach, hydrogen peroxide is your answer. The Repo Woman has an easy tutorial that tells you how to get the most out of peroxide. She says you can safely mix it with vinegar for an added cleaning boost.
4. Essential oil mildew remover
Essential oils have amazing antifungal properties. The combination of vodka, lavender and lemon creates a powerful cleaner with a refreshing fragrance. Get the recipe here and create your own lovely cleaner that's tough enough to obliterate mildew. ​
5. Prevent shower mildew
You can easily prevent mildew from building up in your shower by cleaning it frequently. The combination of Dawn dishwashing liquid and vinegar packs a powerful punch that can even help loosen and remove existing mildew. Used on a weekly basis, this cleaning solution can help prevent mildew from forming. The tutorial shows you how to use this powerful solution throughout your entire house.
6. Remove mildew from window frames
Mildew can build up in window frames from condensation on the inside of the glass. Regular cleaning during colder months can help eliminate window mildew and keep your home healthier. The tutorial here recommends a combination of laundry detergent, bleach and warm water for a quick and easy treatment.
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7. Clean smelly towels
Nothing's worse than wiping your face with a clean towel just to find it smells of mildew. The odor occurs when towels have remained damp for too long. Washing in regular laundry soap often has no effect. The towels are clean, but they still smell.
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8. Remove mildew from fabric
Shower curtains, patio cushions and even clothes all fall prey to the dreaded mildew spots when they remain damp too long. Removal can be tricky. Bleach is highly effective but damages most fabrics. Love to Know recommends several commercial cleaners for fabric as well as a natural cleaner you can make at home using vinegar.
9. Clean a moldy life jacket
It's easy to toss your life jacket aside until the next time you plan an outing. You pull it out only to find it's stained and smelly. Moldy life jackets can often be cleaned, but Life Jacket Advisor says you will need to do a bit of scrubbing. The tutorial recommends two different cleaning methods and also ways to prevent life jacket mildew.
10. Remove mildew from outdoor furniture
Outdoor cushions on patio furniture are made to withstand the weather, but they often fall victim to mildew attacks. You don't need to toss them or get out the scrub brush. Love of Family and Home shows you here how to easily clean your outdoor cushions with bleach, Fels Naptha, and a spray nozzle.
11. Erase mildew from awnings
Retractable RV awnings, patio awnings and umbrellas can all become mildewed -- especially if they're put up wet. Bleach can damage the fabric and leave faded spots, so a good mildew cleaner is recommended over bleach.
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Mildew isn't just unsightly, it can be dangerous to your health. Studies reveal that it increases breathing problems and reduces the quality of your air. Take steps to reduce the mildew in your home with these tutorials. Share with your friends and family on Facebook and help them manage the mildew in their lives.
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