Bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms and other humid areas can be havens for mildew and they need frequent cleaning to remain sanitary and odor-free.

Good ventilation is a key in the fight against mildew. In your bathroom, install an exhaust fan that is vented directly outdoors. Run it frequently and crack open the windows whenever weather permits. In your basement, combat any serious moisture problems by regrading, adding a sump pump or through other waterproofing measures. Consider painting walls with water-resistant paint. Keeping a dehumidifier running is an important step.

Since mildew can destroy a paint job, kill mildew before painting. Use a one-to-one mixture of bleach and water to clean walls and ceilings.

After killing the mildew, it's a good idea to add a coat of shellac or stain-killing primer to keep mildew from growing again in the same spots. For extra protection, put an anti-mildew additive in the paint, or choose a paint that is mildew-resistant.