--- title: "Moisture Build Up: How to Clean & Get Rid Of It" description: Learn how to clean and kill the mold you find within your home, no matter where you find it! image: https://blog.hignellrentals.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/cleaning%20mold%20off%20bathtub_778962565.jpg --- ![Moisture Build Up: How to Clean & Get Rid Of It](https://blog.hignellrentals.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/cleaning%20mold%20off%20bathtub_778962565.jpg) [Rental Living TipsRental Living Tips](https://blog.hignellrentals.com/tag/rental-living-tips), [CleaningCleaning](https://blog.hignellrentals.com/tag/cleaning) --- # Moisture Build Up: How to Clean & Get Rid Of It By  [ Hignell Rentals Team Written by Hignell Rentals Team ](https://blog.hignellrentals.com/author/hignell-rentals-team)    |    Mar 31, 2021 12:00:00 AM Share this Blog [![Share on facebook](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/facebook-icon.svg) ](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.hignellrentals.com/mold-how-to-clean-get-rid-of-it&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook) [![Share on twitter](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/twitter-icon.svg) ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://blog.hignellrentals.com/mold-how-to-clean-get-rid-of-it&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&url=https://blog.hignellrentals.com/mold-how-to-clean-get-rid-of-it&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on instagram](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/instagram-icon.svg) ](http://www.instagram.com/share.php?u=https://blog.hignellrentals.com/mold-how-to-clean-get-rid-of-it&utm_medium=social&utm_source=instagram) [![Share on linkedin](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/linkedin-icon.svg) ](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.hignellrentals.com/mold-how-to-clean-get-rid-of-it&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin) [![Share on whatsapp](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/whatsapp-icon.svg) ](https://web.whatsapp.com) ![cleaning mold off bathtub](https://blog.hignellrentals.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/cleaning%20mold%20off%20bathtub_778962565.jpg?width=375&name=cleaning%20mold%20off%20bathtub_778962565.jpg)Just imagine. You're in the middle of a shower and when you look down to grab the soap you see it. The black or green dots that aren't supposed to be there. You immediately run water over the mold and try to scrap it off, but will this remove it for good? What about when you find it on something that isn't easily scrubbed off? It's one thing to clean mold up, but how do you get rid of it so that it doesn't pop back up? We found a great article that goes through how to get rid of it anywhere that it shows up within your home and the products that will kill it. ## [How to Get Rid of Mold From Every Home Surface](https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-get-rid-of-mold-4163846) Written by [Mary Marlowe Leverette](https://www.thespruce.com/mary-marlowe-leverette-2145663) Posted by [TheSpruce.com](https://www.thespruce.com) ### Dangerous Mold vs. Mildew The most common type of mold found in homes is mildew. Mildew is a surface mold that grows in warm, damp places [like your bathroom](https://www.thespruce.com/best-mold-busting-tips-for-lazy-cleaners-4103171) and on fabrics and books stored in damp basements. Mildew begins as a gray or white powdery colony. It will turn black or brown if not removed promptly and often looks like soil accumulation. To test if the surface is covered with mildew or just dirt, dab the stain with a cotton swab dipped in household chlorine bleach. If the stain lightens or disappears after two or three minutes, it's mildew. If not, it's probably just dirt. If you detect a [musty odor](https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-remove-mold-and-mildew-2146662) anywhere in your home, then you have a high concentration of mold. It can be coming from a hamper filled with damp towels, from a damp crawlspace under your home, or carpets that have mold growing in the padding. It's definitely time to take action to get rid of the problem. Now you know that all mildew is mold but not all molds are mildew. Mildew can discolor and slowly harm surfaces but there are much more dangerous molds that can damage the structure of your home. If you see a black or green mold that is fuzzy or slimy, and the [drywall](https://www.thespruce.com/secret-about-mold-resistant-drywall-1821481) or wood underneath is soft or crumbles, there is irreversible rot, and the mold and the damaged surfaces must be removed immediately.1  ### **Hiring Professionals ** If mildew infestation is caught early, you can easily handle it with [household cleaners](https://www.thespruce.com/frugal-mold-and-mildew-remover-for-tubs-and-tiles-1388734). The rule of thumb is if the mold covers 10 or more square feet, call in a professional.2 Removing large mold colonies requires exposure to heavy-duty chemicals and proper disposal of infested building materials. Local public health departments can offer advice on mold testing and refer you to an expert mold remover. ### Products That Kill Mold  - - [**Chlorine bleach**](https://www.thespruce.com/better-laundry-results-with-chlorine-bleach-2145786): Sodium hypochlorite or regular household bleach works best to destroy mold and remove any discoloration. It is quite harsh and should be diluted before using. ### [[Continue reading to find out how to remove it from fabric, furniture, leather, books, tile, etc.]](https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-get-rid-of-mold-4163846) ## Clean and Check Regularly  The best way to stay on top of any mold (mildew) from taking over is to be regularly cleaning your home! This will allow you to stay on top of anything weird growing in places that it shouldn't.  Spring is the best time to open up your windows and clean away the winter. Looking for a quick list to give you some direction? [Click here](https://blog.hignellrentals.com/spring-cleaning-tips-for-apartments-in-chico-california) for a list of the most important places to spring clean. Wanting to make cleaning a regular part of your daily schedule but have no idea how to even start? [Click here](https://blog.hignellrentals.com/quick-tips-to-keep-your-chico-apartment-clean) for the tips on how you can easily add cleaning to your everyday and not think twice! For a more seasonal deep clean of your home download our FREE checklist, where we list everything from the ceiling fan you know needs to be dusted to the reminder that the hood range over your stove should also be clean!  Share this Blog [![Share on facebook](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/facebook-icon.svg) ](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.hignellrentals.com/mold-how-to-clean-get-rid-of-it&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook) [![Share on twitter](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/twitter-icon.svg) ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://blog.hignellrentals.com/mold-how-to-clean-get-rid-of-it&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&url=https://blog.hignellrentals.com/mold-how-to-clean-get-rid-of-it&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on instagram](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/instagram-icon.svg) ](http://www.instagram.com/share.php?u=https://blog.hignellrentals.com/mold-how-to-clean-get-rid-of-it&utm_medium=social&utm_source=instagram) [![Share on linkedin](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/linkedin-icon.svg) ](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.hignellrentals.com/mold-how-to-clean-get-rid-of-it&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin) [![Share on whatsapp](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/whatsapp-icon.svg) ](https://web.whatsapp.com) [** Previous Post Previous Post ](https://blog.hignellrentals.com/renters-insurance-what-to-place-in-your-fireproof-box) [** View all posts ](https://blog.hignellrentals.com/) [Next Post ** Next Post ](https://blog.hignellrentals.com/storing-seasonal-clothes-in-your-apartment) ## Recent Posts [![How to Rent an Apartment in Chico or Redding, CA-featured-image](https://blog.hignellrentals.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/How%20to%20Rent%20an%20Apartment%20in%20Chico%20or%20Redding%2c%20CA.jpg) ](https://blog.hignellrentals.com/how-to-rent-an-apartment) ### [How to Rent an Apartment in Chico or Redding, CA Click to view How to Rent an Apartment in Chico or Redding, CA](https://blog.hignellrentals.com/how-to-rent-an-apartment) [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellrentals.com/how-to-rent-an-apartment) [![What to Look for When Renting an Apartment: Your Apartment Comparison Checklist-featured-image](https://blog.hignellrentals.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/What%20to%20Look%20for%20When%20Renting%20an%20Apartment%20Your%20Apartment%20Comparison%20Checklist.png) ](https://blog.hignellrentals.com/what-to-look-for-when-renting-an-apartment-comparison-checklist) ### [What to Look for When Renting an Apartment: Your Apartment Comparison Checklist Click to view What to Look for When Renting an Apartment: Your Apartment Comparison Checklist](https://blog.hignellrentals.com/what-to-look-for-when-renting-an-apartment-comparison-checklist) Knowing what to look for when renting an apartment can make the difference between moving forward with... 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