We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›
Finding mold spores or growth in a dark, damp space for the first time can be harrowing, but in most cases, all that is needed is some protective gear and an effective mold remover. Whether it’s under a kitchen sink, along a bathroom wall, or even on a home’s exterior, users who are careful and diligent might be able to tackle the job themselves.
We compiled a list of the best mold removers on the market, focusing specifically on their ease of use, effectiveness, and safety. Our favorite is the RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover Spray, which works immediately, requires no scrubbing, and eliminates odors. Check out the other products that made our list for the best mold removers.
- BEST OVERALL: RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover Spray
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: DuPont Stonetech Mold & Mildew Stain Remover
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR SHOWER: Wet & Forget Weekly Shower Cleaner
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR CONCRETE: 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR VINYL SIDING: Mold Armor E-Z House Wash Cleaner
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR CARPET: RMR-141 Disinfectant Spray Cleaner
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR WALLS: Total Solutions Disinfecting Mildew & Mold Killer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR OUTDOOR: Simple Green Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Cleaner
↓ Jump to Review
Before You Buy Mold Remover
Though mold remover products are tried-and-true methods for getting rid of spores and mildew, many of them have chemicals that some users may not desire. Particularly, products with heavy-duty bleach can leave harsh aerosols behind that can potentially harm the lungs and sinuses. Some other chemicals that are included in mold removers can cause harm to users if breathed in, swallowed, or exposed to the eyes.
One way to ensure these chemically enhanced products are not needed is to frequently clean areas that are exposed to moisture since this is where mold and mildew love to grow.
Our Top Picks
Below is a list of some of the best mold removers that you can employ in or on your home to kill fungus and get back to a happier, healthier home.
However, none of these mold killers will work for long if you don’t address the problem that brought on the mold. Even if the affected material is removed, mold can grow back in as little as 2 days if the moisture source is still present.
Best Overall
RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover Spray
Product Specs
- Compatible mold type(s): Black mold and mildew
- Cleaning time: Instant
- Application type: Spray
What We Like
- Remove mold stains in seconds
- No scrubbing required
- Helps eliminate odors caused by mold and mildew
- Safe to use on concrete, brick, and kitchen and bathroom tiles
What We Don’t Like
- Not Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved
RMR-86 starts working immediately and can remove mold stains in seconds. Simply cover the affected area with spray and let it sit. No scrubbing is required. This mold remover spray can also help take care of the damp, moldy smell so a space will smell fresher again.
RMR-86 mold stain remover is safe to use on most surfaces, including drywall, vinyl siding, concrete, brick, and kitchen and bathroom tiles. This product is available in a 32-ounce spray bottle, a 1-gallon jug, or a 2.5-gallon jug.
What our tester says: “I tested RMR-86 in the track of a shower door and around the drain of a bathtub/shower, both locations where mold and mildew easily accumulate. It removed both. The instructions require leaving the solution on the mold and mildew until the stains disappear. I followed those instructions but found it performed better if I did some light scrubbing afterward.”—Stacey L. Nash, Product Reviews tester & writer
Get the RMR-86 mold remover at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Best Bang for the Buck
DuPont Stonetech Mold & Mildew Stain Remover
Product Specs
- Compatible mold type(s): Mold and mildew
- Cleaning time: Instant
- Application type: Spray
What We Like
- Designed for use on natural stone
- Safe to use on countertops, bathroom tiles, backsplashes, and floors
- Leaves behind a fresh, natural scent
What We Don’t Like
- Should be used in a well-ventilated area; fumes can be overwhelming
- May require scrubbing to work effectively
Gentle isn’t a word you would associate with a mold or mildew remover, but the DuPont mold-removing spray is effective at removing mold and mildew on countertops, bathroom tiles, backsplashes, floors, stone, glass, porcelain, walls, and much more.
With its affordable price tag, this ready-to-use remover leaves behind a pleasing scent while removing mold and mildew stains. The only downsides are that this product should not be used in a poorly ventilated room and you’ll need to scrub a little for the full effect.
Get the DuPont mold remover at Amazon.
Best for Shower
Wet & Forget Weekly Shower Cleaner
Product Specs
- Compatible mold type(s): Mold and mildew
- Cleaning time: 8 to 12 hours
- Application type: Spray
What We Like
- Suitable for use in showers
- Protects surfaces from mold for over 12 weeks
- Spray nozzle included; long spray tube allows for extended reach
What We Don’t Like
- Requires rinsing after use
- May require some elbow grease in larger spaces
- Should not be left on for more than 24 hours to prevent damage
Not all household mold issues involve basements and drywall. Mold can grow in a shower, too. Wet & Forget shower cleaner kills bathroom mold and mildew and keeps it from coming back.
Coat the shower in Wet & Forget mildew and mold remover once a week and let it handle mold on the shower walls, soap dishes, glass doors, and other surfaces that see constant moisture. The ½-gallon jug is enough to keep a bathroom mold-free for up to 12 weeks. To use Wet & Forget, spray surfaces and allow them to dry before rinsing the entire shower clean the next day.
What our tester says: “I’ve used this product weekly on my glass shower door for several years to limit the effects of well water that leaves a waxy buildup and hard water stains. While the Wet & Forget cleaner is designed to remove all the grime, I’ve found that I need to clean the shower with a second cleaner for complete removal.”—Stacey L. Nash, Product Reviews tester & writer
Get the Wet & Forget mold remover at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best for Concrete
30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner
Product Specs
- Compatible mold type(s): Algae, mold, mildew, and moss
- Cleaning time: Instant
- Application type: Hose
What We Like
- Attaches to a garden hose for outdoor mold
- Attachment built into the bottle
- No scrubbing or pressure washers needed
- Suitable for use on driveways, walks, fences, furniture, and siding
- Safe for use around grass or plants
What We Don’t Like
- Some users may find this option heavy
- May require some elbow grease
Spray bottles and long concrete driveways don’t mix well. That’s why a driveway mold situation requires a hose-end sprayer like the outdoor cleaner from 30 Seconds to make the job faster. To use, attach the bottle to the end of a garden hose and spray the entire driveway or patio. Then, just wait a few minutes before hosing it off again with plain water. There’s no need to scrub or to use a pressure washer machine.
Use 30 Seconds cleaner on concrete walks and driveways, fences, outdoor furniture, and siding. When used as directed, the manufacturer says this product is safe to use around grass or plants.
Get the 30 Seconds mold remover at Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Co., or Walmart.
Best for Vinyl Siding
Mold Armor E-Z House Wash Cleaner
Product Specs
- Compatible mold type(s): Mold and mildew
- Cleaning time: A few minutes
- Application type: Hose
What We Like
- Large 64-ounce container for large-scale applications
- Suitable for treating stains, mold, and mildew
- Can be used on vinyl, aluminum, wood siding, brick, stucco, concrete
What We Don’t Like
- Some stains may require scrubbing
The side of a home that gets the least sunlight may be prone to nasty molds and mildews. Mold Armor cleaner takes care of those ugly stains. This 64-ounce jug works on vinyl, aluminum, wood siding, brick, stucco, concrete, decks, and fences. Just cover the affected surface and wait for the foam to lift and remove stains! For tougher stains, you can mix the wash in a bucket and apply it with a sponge, brush, or paint roller.
Get the Mold Armor mold remover at Ace Hardware or The Home Depot.
Best for Carpet
RMR-141 Disinfectant Spray Cleaner
Product Specs
- Compatible mold type(s): Mold, bacteria, odors, and viruses
- Cleaning time: Instant
- Application type: Spray
What We Like
- Cleans surfaces while it disinfects
- Mold remover for carpet
- No bleach or ammonia
- Environmental Protection Agency registered
- Kills 99 percent of bacteria and viruses
What We Don’t Like
- May require additional products for tough stain removal
- Not FDA approved
Mold can be a challenge to kill and remove from carpet. RMR-141 disinfectant spray cleaner is a great solution for these challenging molds. It gets the job done without bleach or ammonia, so it won’t discolor a carpet. This product kills viruses and bacteria, too.
Spray the stained area as well as about 6 inches around it on all sides and allow it to dry. It will kill the mold and remove the odor, though the stain may remain. If that’s the case, users may need to use a regular carpet-safe stain remover.
Get the RMR-141 mold remover at Amazon, Lowe’s (32 ounces), or The Home Depot (32 ounces).
Best for Walls
Total Solutions Disinfecting Mildew & Mold Killer
Product Specs
- Compatible mold type(s): Mold, mildew, and viruses
- Cleaning time: Instant
- Application type: Spray
What We Like
- Commercial-grade strength
- Good fo heavy-duty cleaning jobs
- No scrubbing required
What We Don’t Like
- Requires dilution before use
- Spray bottle is not included
Moldy walls can be a lot to handle. A solution that will take care of it quickly and easily is ideal, and Total Solutions disinfecting cleaner is just that product. This commercial-grade mold killer cleans and disinfects hard surfaces, including walls.
Mix the cleaner from the 1-gallon jug of concentrate with water to create a sprayable solution. To use, simply spray it on and let it dry. In most cases, this mildew, virus, and mold killer is powerful enough to eliminate mold without any scrubbing.
Get the Total Solutions mold remover at Amazon.
Best for Outdoor
Simple Green Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Cleaner
Product Specs
- Compatible mold type(s): Dirt, grime, stains, mold, mildew, moss, and algae
- Cleaning time: Instant
- Application type: Pressure washer
What We Like
- Suitable for heavy-duty cleaning
- Works as mold remover for wood, composites, vinyl, metal, fabrics, and more
- 100 percent biodegradable formula
What We Don’t Like
- Not FDA approved
- Runoff from product may discolor driveway sealers temporarily
Simple Green’s Oxy Solve Total outdoor cleaner removes stubborn molds with the help of a pressure washer. This product uses peroxide to kill mold and lift stains. It works on wood, composites, vinyl, metal, fabrics, plastic, wicker, concrete, stone, brick, and asphalt. It can tackle just about any outdoor job thrown at it.
Since it’s 100 percent biodegradable, it’s safe on a boat or dock and near a lawn and garden. This 1-gallon concentrate can last through numerous outdoor cleaning projects.
Get the Simple Green mold remover at Amazon.
Or, DIY Your Own Mold Remover
Making a homemade version is thrifty, (can be) natural, and low waste. Not to mention, it’s very Bob Vila! This section covers how to make comparable mold-removal products at home with household materials.
One way to kill mold and mildew is by pouring a bottle of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide into a household spray bottle, spraying the desired surface, leaving it on for 10 minutes, then scrubbing vigorously until the stains fade. Hydrogen peroxide is antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial, making it effective for allergenic mold removal on appliances, bathroom fixtures, some flooring types, and even wall surfaces.
Another tried-and-true method is to use white vinegar. This substance is effective at deodorizing, cleaning, and disinfecting while killing 82 percent of mold varieties. Simply pour undiluted white vinegar into a household spray bottle, spray on the desired surface, and leave for 1 hour. Then, rinse with water. Though this solution is effective, it may leave a slight vinegar smell behind after cleaning.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose the Best Mold Removers
We researched the most sought-after mold and mildew removers in their respective categories and discovered that the best options are often determined by what kind of mold they treat, cleaning time, ease of application, compatibility with multiple surfaces, and other special features included by select brands.
While searching for the best mold killers, the ones that are capable of treating mold spores and mildew, have spray applications, and clean surfaces instantly were the most popular among users. To ensure our list provided versatile options, we chose mold cleaners that work on wood, composites, vinyl, metal, fabrics, plastic, stucco, wicker, concrete, stone, brick, and asphalt.
Even though many are considered to be mold and mildew removers, some of these products are also meant for use on viruses, bacteria, algae, dirt, moss, and grime. Select options require dilution before use or do not come with spray bottles, and many options have built-in spray nozzles or can be connected to garden hoses for easy application.
What to Consider When Choosing a Mold Remover
Before donning rubber gloves and spraying down a gross, moldy surface, keep in mind that the best mold remover and the best technique depends on the type of material that’s being treated for mold growth.
Location of Mold
Some molds are easier to tackle than others. If mold growth ends up on fabrics like curtains, for example, users can usually throw them in a washing machine with the proper mold remover. But, if the mold is under a kitchen cabinet, the job can be more difficult to remedy.
Mold grows on and eats away at organic surfaces. If it has access to drywall, like behind a sink cabinet, it can feed on the paper face and do a lot of damage. It could even require more time or labor such as removing the cabinets, drywall, and insulation and treating the mold in the cavity behind it.
In other cases, like on a home’s siding, some old-fashioned elbow grease might be all that is needed. Users can simply spray the siding with a mold remover and brush it clean.
Mold Type
It doesn’t always matter what kind of mold users have in their home. Most mold removers are effective at removing any of the common types. But, some molds are more dangerous than others and could require professional intervention.
Black mold removal in particular can be a serious problem. Stachybotrys, its official name, is a toxic mold that is especially harmful to the respiratory system. It typically requires a consistent moisture source to grow. From there, it can spread quickly. Users may recognize it by its mildewlike odor or its slimy texture. If users find themselves having to deal with black mold remover, it might be a good idea to call in the pros.
Cleaning Time
The amount of time it takes the best mold and mildew removers to do their job can vary from one product to the next. With some, users apply the treatment once and leave it. Others require reapplication after 15 minutes. Either way, once applied, the mold killer goes to work killing the fungus before users scrub it or wipe it away.
In the case of a soapy detergent, users might not let the solution sit at all before getting down to business. These detergents require brushing to loosen the mold and allow the mold killer to soak into the surface.
Application
There are a few ways to apply a mold killer. Choosing the right method for a particular mold problem can make all the difference. Some products come in spray bottles. They’re great for smaller mold invasions that don’t require multiple applications or treatments.
Other mold killers come in concentrates that are mixed in a separate container. This allows you to adjust the strength between applications. You can apply these with a brush, a sponge, or a mop. Or, pour the solution into a spray bottle.
Other products, meant for outdoor use, attach to the end of a garden hose. These mold killers mix with the water stream to produce a high-volume spray to hit surfaces such as driveways, decks, or siding.
Ease of Use
Mold’s a nasty substance, and remediation can be challenging. But, you can at least choose a product that’s easy to use. Typically, the easiest-to-use products are spray solutions. Simply point the bottle at the problem and shoot.
If you’re treating the exterior of a house, it’s a lot easier to use a hose attachment that pumps the solution through a hose’s stream. You can cover a larger area in less time than you would with a spray bottle.
A particular mold problem might be best suited to the products that you can spray and walk away from. This can be a huge advantage in tight areas like sink cabinets or behind toilets.
FAQs
If you still have questions about the best mold removers, that’s OK. There’s a lot to know. The following are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. If you don’t find your answer here, contact the manufacturer.
Many molds are odorless. Black mold, on the other hand, has a damp, earthy, mildewlike smell, similar to soil.
Black mold has a spotty appearance and is usually greenish-black in color, though it can often look brown or gray.
If you don’t stop the source of the moisture, mold will most definitely return. Also, if you simply bleach the surface of a material like drywall, you won’t remove the roots of the mold that are deep inside. The mold may rebloom within a day or two.
Mold has a variety of effects on your home and your health. It can turn surfaces like wood and drywall into dust. It can also cause respiratory problems, coldlike symptoms, eye irritation, and skin irritation.
Professionals use a variety of products, including mold removal sprays, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, borax, and baking soda.
Mildew typically grows on wet surfaces like bathroom tile while mold can grow on any surface that has been damp for a while, including fabrics and walls. Mildew has a powdery appearance that can be white, gray, or light brown. Mold, on the other hand, is fuzzy, slimy, and raised. It comes in many colors, not just black.
Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Some mold removers simply require users to spray it on surfaces. Others will have to sit for a certain amount of time and/or be scrubbed into the surface to be effective.
Meet the Tester
Tom Scalisi is a freelance writer specializing in the home design, construction, tools, and automotive industries. He has been involved in the trades for over 15 years as both a contractor and a commercial building mechanic. His work has been featured on This Old House, Family Handyman, and Forbes. He also owns and operates a pest control blog RiddaBugs.com.
