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You’ll often find mildew and soap scum in the same place, but they are very different substances. Mildew is a substance composed of living fungi, whereas soap scum is primarily an accumulation of mineral deposits. Mildew needs chronic moisture to thrive, while soap scum is unaffected by damp conditions (though it is a residue left behind by the water).

Though it may seem like a lot of work to keep an attic in tip-top shape, the truth is that you only need to deep clean this space once a year. In the meantime, check on it roughly once a month to make sure there are no leaks, remove cobwebs, and air out unwanted odors to ensure it looks and feels great between annual cleaning sessions.

To neutralize mildew smell, you can use natural deodorizers like baking soda or activated charcoal. Baking soda absorbs odors; sprinkle it liberally on the affected area, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum it up. Activated charcoal, available in pouches, works similarly. Vinegar, with its natural acidic properties, can also neutralize odors. Mix equal parts water and vinegar, spray the affected area lightly, then blot it with a dry cloth. Enzymatic cleaners are effective too, breaking down odor-causing compounds.

Yes, in most cases, you can add a few drops of Dawn to a spray bottle full of vinegar to remove hard water stains. This solution can be used on your dishes, or you can use it in your shower, bathtub, or sink to get rid of hard minerals. Simply combine the ingredients, shake them up, then spray the solution onto limescale-ridden surfaces. Wait around an hour and then scrub the surface down.