Mold and mildew most often form in damp areas such as bathrooms, showers, sinks, toilets, window sills, and almost any other area of the home where moisture gathers. The easiest way I've found to rid my home of mildew is by using a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. The Magic Eraser does not use any type of harsh chemical and they are safe to use on almost any hard surface.
The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser should be used wet. I normally hold it under warm, running water for a few seconds, then squeeze out the excess water. It only needs to be a little damp in order to work.
It is safe to use on most glossy paints and wallpaper. Just be sure to squeeze out almost all of the water before using the eraser on painted surfaces. You also don't want to scrub too hard. Just a little pressure is all that is necessary. For wallpaper, you might have to apply slightly more pressure, but the Magic Eraser should remove most stains, mold, and mildew with very little effort. Be sure to rinse the eraser frequently while cleaning.
For window sills, use the Magic Eraser like you would any other sponge, but be careful not to press to hard against the glass. Be sure the eraser is clean before scrubbing on the glass also or you might risk leaving scratches.
For showers and bath tubs, start at the top and work your way to the bottom. Use the damp Magic Eraser in small, circular patterns. Apply just enough pressure to remove the mildew and soap scum. Don't forget to pay special attention to the grout and any corners or crevices where mold and mildew are more likely to form.
The nice thing about the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is that it is powerful enough to get the job done without the use of bleach or other strong agents that are not only unpleasant to smell, but can be hazardous to your health, if not used properly.
The Mr. Clean Magic Erasers can be purchased at almost any grocery store or department store where cleaning supplies are sold. Most retailers sell the Magic Erasers for about $2 to $3 per box of two. The erasers will wear out after just a few jobs, so if you have a large area that needs to be cleaned, then you might want to purchase a couple of boxes.
The Magic Erasers are also great for cleaning scuff marks off of hard floors, getting tough stains out of ovens, and making vinyl or leather tennis shoes look like new again. I try to keep a box of Magic Erasers on hand for all of my cleaning needs. They are inexpensive and I don't even have to wear gloves when I use them, since they don't contain cleaning agents.