Bleach...

Household bleach is amazing stuff. General consensus on the Internet is that bleach isn't the chemical of choice in the fight against mold. My take is that it can be the ultimate solution in two common household scenarios:

• A mold and scum infested washing machine

• Moldy silicone sealant on the bathroom sink

For the first problem, add two small cups of the stuff into the detergent tray and run a hot wash without any clothes. Never ever keep the door closed on a front load washing machine after a wash. Always leave the door ajar so that moisture can evaporate.

To take out mold on the silicone strips around your bathroom fixtures, apply a 1:1 dilution bleach to some paper towels. Lay the rolled up, soaked paper against the affected areas and wait 12hrs. Ensure that the bleach solution in the paper towel contacts the moldy silicone. The black stuff just disappear. It's amazing. I was pleasantly surprised to discover this actually works!