To get the mold and mildew that might be building up in your home under control, the Good Housekeeping Research Institute developed this speed-cleaning guide:

Challenge: Spotted towels, clothes and outdoor gear . Once mold spores land someplace warm, dark and damp, they begin to grow and create those black dots better known as mildew.

To remove the stains from towels and clothes, or outdoor gear, first take the pieces outside. If they're wet, leave them in the sunlight, a natural mold inhibitor, until totally dry; then use a stiff brush to whisk away loose spores. Soak spots on machine-washable items for a half hour in full-strength, all-fabric bleach. Rinse, and wash as usual. For items that can't go in the machine, rub a few drops of the bleach on the stain and let sit a few minutes. Wash with a cloth dipped in mild suds; rinse well (repeat if needed) and air-dry.

You can also try Concrobium Mold Control ($10 for 32 oz., concrobium.com) to zap mold from hard surfaces and fabrics and help keep it away.

Challenge: Blotchy bathroom walls and curtain liner. If your walls are covered in black stains, it may be a sign of a much bigger problem, so call a professional.

However, to remove occasional brown or black spots from painted walls, mix up a solution of 1-cup chlorine bleach and 1 gallon of warm water. Wear rubber gloves, dip a scrub brush in and scour the section. Let the solution set a few minutes and rinse with a wet cloth.

Cleaning the plastic shower-curtain liner is even easier. Launder it in hot water on the gentle cycle with detergent and chlorine bleach with a few old towels to balance the load. Dry on low heat for a minute or two so it's not dripping and rehang it on the rod.

Challenge: Stained, musty wood furniture. Wooden pieces that have been stored in a humid area often get stained and stale-smelling. Vacuum them using the soft brush tool to remove loose spores and toss the vacuum bag or clean the cup afterward.

Whisk a little dishwashing liquid into warm water, dip in a cloth and wring well. Quickly wipe the stains, avoiding over-wetting the wood. Rinse, just as quickly, with a damp cloth; let dry, and polish as usual. For musty odors, sprinkle baking soda into the drawers. Let sit a few hours and then vacuum.

On the prevention side, consider running a dehumidifier in basements and storage areas to keep moisture in check.

On another matter » The new clinical-strength antiperspirants often cost twice as much as regular formulas, but you may not need to trade up. "Only about 3 percent of U.S. adults have a diagnosis of excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis," said David Kriegel, a New York City dermatologist. "But if you sweat through your clothes by the end of the day with regular deodorant, opt for clinical-strength." Any product with 18 percent to 20 percent aluminum chloride should keep you dry. Try Secret Clinical Strength Waterproof ($10, drugstores).