Mold & moisture
Mold vs. Mildew: What's the Difference, and Does It Matter?
Mildew is a common name for some molds that grow flat on damp surfaces. What the terms mean, why mildew isn't safer, and how to clean it by surface.
Practical answers
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Guides to help you understand a problem, choose a safe next step, and care for your home with more confidence.
Showing 157–167 of 167 guides
Mold & moisture
Home Mold Test Kits: Do You Need One, and Which Kind?
Most homes don't need a mold test kit. What EPA and CDC say, how petri dish, swab, and air pump kits differ, lab fees, and when to call a pro instead.
Mold & moisture
Ideal Indoor Humidity for Mold Prevention: Targets by Room and Season
Keep indoor humidity below 60%, ideally 30% to 50%. Learn why cold surfaces can still grow mold and how to set humidity by room and season.
Mold & moisture
Purple Mold: What Purple Spots Usually Mean and What To Do
Purple mold isn't a recognized type, and black mold isn't purple. What purple or dark stains may be, why color doesn't show risk, and what to do next.
Mold & moisture
Mold in Your Apartment? What To Do and How To Get It Fixed
Found mold in your apartment? Photograph it, notify your landlord in writing, and learn when to call code enforcement and why withholding rent is risky.
Pest control
How To Get Rid Of Roaches: The Step-By-Step Plan That Works
Identify the species, clean first, place gel bait correctly, add an IGR, and monitor. A research-backed plan for getting rid of roaches and keeping them out.
Pest control
How to Do Your Own Pest Control Safely, Without an Exterminator
A safe DIY pest control plan: identify the pest, cut off food and entry, pick baits and traps over sprays, avoid bug bombs, and know when to call a pro.
Mold & moisture
Mold Found During a Home Inspection? What Buyers Can Do Next
Mold in an inspection report isn't always a deal-breaker. How to size up the problem, use your contingency, negotiate repairs, and know when to walk away.
Mold & moisture
What Is Red Mold? What That Red or Pink Growth Actually Is
Red mold is a color, not a species. Here is what red and pink growth in bathrooms usually is, what the risk actually is, and how to clean it.
Mold & moisture
How to Get Rid of Mold in Your House and Keep It From Coming Back
Fix the moisture, then scrub or remove the growth. EPA and CDC steps for safe DIY mold cleanup, what to throw away, and when to call a pro.
Mold & moisture
What Kind of Mold Is Dangerous in a House? What the Evidence Says
Any mold growing indoors can affect health. Learn what's known about common household molds, the black mold myth, who is most at risk, and what to do.