@deb922 - thanks!
I used TIlex Mold and Mildew spray, but you’re right, you can’t find it now. You could mix your own solution of bleach diluted with water. Just don’t mix it with any other household cleaners
I only hear them when it is a load of “light” things. My daughter, who has misophonia, can hear the dryer from anywhere in the house though, so much that I check with her before drying a load, in case she is taking a test or on a Zoom class
Go clean co recommend powdered tide, beach and water.
Also if you have a dollar general, I would look there. I’ve found cleaning products there that I could not find anywhere else.
Okay, I did an experiment and did the laundry stripping with my master bath towels and 2 pillowcases. It really isn’t any extra work, because I just let them soak in the washing machine, it just ties up the machine for a few hours.
The “dirty” water didn’t impress me because I am sure some of that is dye from the towels. Although they are 10 years old and only light blue, but still.
I really don’t think it is the placebo effect, but they felt softer and more fluffy to me after the dryer. Previously they would feel “matted down” even straight from the dryer. The pillowcases were mostly white and they looked brighter with no more yellowing.
Bottom line, I do think this does something to help the laundry, and if you regularly use fabric softeners and/or have very hard water (as I do) you will probably see a difference.
Next up I will see if adding the Borax or washing soda in a regular wash is enough to help.
@tx5athome I struggled with mildew on tile/grout in shower for years before I found “Mold Armor Mold and Mildew killer and stain remover”. I spray it on…leave it for some time and return to rinse off. This product saved me so much time and effort. I think they have it at Home Depot and Amazon. Make sure it is the Mold and Mildew killer" one though. I accidently bought the blocker (which is probably good to keep it from coming back, but didn’t seem to remove the mildew like the “mold and mildew killer” one in my experience.
I can’t remember if Tide was part of the soaking solution, but I’ve been told by people selling towels that you should NOT use Tide on your towels. We used to use Tide Free and Clear, but over time we’ve moved to All Free and Clear.
I’ve also been told you don’t need much and have started using less laundry detergent than I used to.
I have stopped using Tide Pods because they don’t always fully dissolve (esp. in cold water loads) and sometimes leave a sticky patch of residue on some unfortunate garment.
I’ve used Jomax products for mold with good results. Do be sure that your vent fan runs for about 30 minutes after you finish showering. A countdown timer switch to replace a regular on/off switch is a worthwhile expenditure. Since we live in the humid south, we sometimes run a portable dehumidifier in our bathroom and we have a ceiling fan (not just the exhaust vent fan) that’s on a timer switch.
If the problem still persists, try to see if there are signs of mold above floor level in the shower, any indication that the floor (and lower wall) tile grout is not drying out, and/or any sign of dampness in the space below the shower. Shower pan failures aren’t that unusual and make it nearly impossible to get rid of mold.
Not really a “hack” but I bought a steam mop (Bissell) for use on tile and terrazzo floors. I love it. I have wood floors (parquet) in most of my house and would not use it on those in fear of loosening the glue, but the steam mop really revitalized my kitchen and front hallway.
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I use Skylarlife Home Grout Stain and Sealant Stain Whitener. You can buy it on Amazon (haven’t actually seen it anywhere else).
This is the best stuff for mold and mildew! I love it! I usually put it on before bed and let it sit all night! It’s very easy to apply, doesn’t get everywhere, and a little goes a long way. I usually buy two at a time. The smell isn’t too strong, especially if you’re used to using Clorox or Lysol bleach spray in the shower, but I keep the fan on when I apply it and for about 15 mins afterwards. I apply it before bed and let it sit all night. Buy it! You won’t regret it!
*if the area is real moldy you may have to apply it everyday for a few days
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I’ve never done the laundry stripping. May try it once, but don’t have the time for that.
A cheap and very effective product: Zip It drain cleaning strips. No harsh chemicals, mechanically removes clogs. Especially good for bathroom drains (hair!).