Mold, drains, fixtures and the small problems that need fast answers.
To remove hard water stains from shower glass, start with mild detergent and, if the manufacturer allows it, use a mild acidic cleaner or a product made for mineral deposits. Let it work only as directed, scrub with microfiber or a nonabrasive sponge, rinse thoroughly and dry. Check for a special glass coating before using vinegar or descalers.
To clean tile grout, start with a neutral or mildly alkaline cleaner that is compatible with the tile and scrub with a nylon-bristle brush. Rinse and dry. Avoid routine vinegar or acid use on cement-based grout because acids can attack cement. If grout is cracked, powdery or missing, it needs repair rather than more cleaning.
To clean a toilet thoroughly, work from relatively cleaner surfaces toward dirtier ones: tank and exterior, lid and seat, hinges and rim, then the inside of the bowl with a dedicated toilet brush. Use a compatible cleaner, change cloths as needed and never mix bleach, acids or other cleaners. Extra disinfection is most useful when someone is sick.
For a small patch of mold on a hard surface, the priority is to physically clean the growth with detergent and water, dry the surface completely and correct the moisture feeding it. EPA does not recommend bleach as a routine mold-cleanup practice. If growth is extensive, hidden inside walls or connected to major water damage, get professional help.
