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Fast-acting solutions, including bleach and bleach-free options. concrete pole steel mould
Mold is never a welcome house guest, though it has a tendency to creep up in showers, tubs, and other areas where moisture is present. Not only is it an unpleasant look for tile and grout, but it can also trigger allergies and respiratory issues if left unchecked. The good news is that there are many mold removers on the market that can get rid of mold quickly and even prevent it from growing back—but how do you know which one to choose for your mold-fighting needs?
To find the best mold removers, we tested them in our own homes. While some of the most powerful ones on our list do include bleach, we tested and found success with bleach-free options, too. For even more recommendations, we perused online reviews of products not included in testing and consulted Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean, for expert insight on what to consider when purchasing the best mold removers for your cleaning needs.
You can see visible results in just minutes.
The bleach smell can be quite strong.
You’ve got to love a cleaning product that does much of the work for you, which is exactly what Clorox Tilex does. The product promises to clean 99.9% of mold and mildew without having to scrub. As such, it is a heavy-duty spray, so we first did a spot test by spraying it on a small section of shower grout. We saw the stains lifting within just a few minutes, even though the instructions say to let the Clorox sit for 10 minutes on porous surfaces like grout (and five minutes for non-porous surfaces). After the spot test, we used it on the whole shower and found it continued to erase stains and lightened the grout quite effectively.
Make no mistake—Clorox is a strong cleanser with the pungent odor of bleach to prove it. When deep cleaning your bathroom or another part of your space, please be sure to ventilate the area and wear a face mask or goggles if you are especially sensitive. The spray bottle was quite easy to use and dispense the product over large areas of tile; it features “smart tube technology” so that you can get every drop out of the generous 32-ounce bottle.
Application Type: Spray | Size: 32 ounces | Recommended Surfaces: Glazed and unglazed ceramic tile, grout, vinyl, fiberglass, and plastic
This starts to remove stains in just 15 seconds, plus the stream option on the sprayer makes it easy to apply to hard-to-reach areas.
The contractor-grade formula might be too strong for your nose or your needs.
While other cleaners might require some scrubbing, or for you to at least let it sit for a bit before you can see the results, RMR-86 claims to remove mold and mildew stains in 15 seconds. The liquid is compatible with a wide variety of surfaces, including wood, lumber, plastic, PVC, concrete, stucco, stone, brick, vinyl, drywall, and fiberglass.
This easy-to-use formula comes in a spray bottle with two options—one for a light spray and one for a more direct stream, depending on the nature and location of the mold and mildew stains. The stream spray is indeed powerful enough to cover hard-to-reach areas. We were able to stand in the corner of our bathroom and spray the ceiling of the shower where mold spots tend to form. Not only was it effective, but it also made for a much quicker and easier cleaning session.
The smell can be quite powerful—it is a contractor-grade formula, after all— so be sure to ventilate the area. The manufacturer also recommends using PPE, so it’s recommended that you have a face mask, gloves, and/or goggles on hand if you plan to use RMR-86.
Application Type: Spray | Size: 32 ounces | Recommended Surfaces: Decks, wood, vinyl siding, drywall, concrete floors, brick walls, kitchen surfaces
It can hold off mold growth for up to three months.
It’s marketed as “fresh and green” but still contains ammonium chloride, a potent ingredient.
Prevention is the best way to combat mold, which is why Mold Armor Mold Blocker made our list. The spray formula is easy to use, but it doesn’t go easy on mold; in fact, the product promises to block the return of mold for up to three months. The “fresh and green” formula relies on the strength of ammonium chloride rather than bleach, which is good news for those who want to keep a bleach-free household.
Mold Armor is safe to use indoors and outdoors on both hard and soft surfaces, including tubs, tile, showers, linens, fabrics, clothes, carpets, bedding, and upholstery. We tested the mold blocker in a shower that struggles to remain mold free, and it’s going well so far. That said, the initial testing period was only two weeks. We haven’t noticed any grime or buildup so far and will check in at a later time to confirm it remained that way.
Application Type: Spray | Size: 32 ounces | Recommended Surfaces: Hard, non-porous, non-food contact surfaces
It’s an effective bleach-free alternative that’s especially good for targeted cleaning.
It did require some scrubbing to be completely effective.
We liked the foam spray formula of CLR Mold & Mildew Remover because it made it much easier to detect surface coverage during cleaning. It doesn’t contain bleach, so there’s no strong odor, which we also appreciated.
CLR is an effective multipurpose mold remover that can be sprayed on a variety of surfaces including walls, floors (even hardwood), tile, glass, metal, brick, concrete, boat cushions, and outdoor furniture. It’s safe for fabrics and even marble and laminate countertops. Just note that whenever you use a product like this, it’s important to do a spot test first.
After letting the product soak into the grout for about 10 minutes, we saw it lift some, though not all, of the mildew stains. Due to the targeted spray sprout, it might take additional sprays to get the right coverage. The grout stains were gone with a bit of scrubbing and additional application of the product, so while effective, you might prefer a formula that removes the need for some elbow grease.
Application Type: Foam spray | Size: 32 ounces | Recommended Surfaces: Showers, floors, tile, furniture, glass, grout, boat
The effective formula kills up to 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, all while leaving behind a fresh, clean scent.
Do a spot check first, as this can discolor or corrode certain surfaces.
If the name of this product sounds a bit intimidating, it’s the mold and mildew that should be worried, not you. This powerful spray formula can clean, disinfect, sanitize, and deodorize in addition to stopping mold and mildew in its tracks. It eliminates 99.9% of bacteria and viruses for 24 hours, but it continues to work and prevents the regrowth of mold and mildew for up to seven days.
Microban comes in either a citrus or fresh scent, so although this is an effective formula, it does not leave behind the chemical odor that some of the stronger mold and mildew removers do. Still, you’ll want to ventilate the area for your safety, as the product does contain strong ingredients.
Application Type: Spray | Size: 22 ounces | Recommended Surfaces: Stone, shower, toilet, sink, tile
The concentrated formula takes on more than a dozen bacteria and viruses.
You might prefer a spray formula rather than the concentrate.
The aptly named Total Solutions Lemocide indeed solves multiple problems. Not only does it kill off mold, but it also disinfects and deodorizes surfaces. The product is great for walls, but you could also use the concentrated formula on other surfaces including floors, bathrooms, and other spots that need a long-lasting defense against mold.
Don’t be fooled by the lemon scent of this product: The triple-action formula banishes black mold and takes on over a dozen different bacteria and viruses—everything from herpes to E. coli to influenza. As powerful as it is, it’s safe enough to be used on surfaces in schools, offices, hospitals, food service areas, and, of course, your home.
Application Type: Concentrate | Size: 8 pounds | Recommended Surfaces: Bathrooms, floors, walls, etc.
The gel formula is easy to apply and makes caulk and grout look like new.
It takes hours to work, plus it can only be used on white grout and surfaces.
If you thought the only way to restore grout and caulk was to redo or remove it, try Skylarlife Mold & Mildew Stain Cleaner Remover Gel. The thick formula applies much like a bead of caulking or sealant would, and there’s no scrubbing involved. You will, however, have to wait a while—the manufacturer suggests waiting six to eight hours before wiping or rinsing. Still, if you’ve got the patience, you’ll notice that the grout or sealant will look as white and clean as the day it was first applied.
The gel clings easily to surfaces and is perfect for sinks, showers, tubs, pools, and any other place where the caulking or grout needs a refresh. Just be sure to use it only on white surfaces because it will cause discoloration on anything else.
Application Type: Gel | Size: 500 milliliters | Recommended Surfaces: White grout and silicone caulk in the sink, kitchen, showers, bathroom, etc.
It’s a bleach-free way to get rid of up to 99.9% of bacteria and viruses in laundry and more.
You may prefer a spray formula.
Fabrics are not immune to mold growth, but you can’t use bleach-based sprays unless you want the tie-dye look for your entire wardrobe. With OxiClean Laundry and Home Sanitizer, add it to your wash load and get rid of up to 99.9% of bacteria and viruses (without discoloration). It relies on the power of oxygen to gently clean and sanitize laundry. You can also use it outside of your laundry room to freshen up carpets, couches, tile, and other surfaces. As always, read the label and do a spot check before tackling large areas to avoid damage or discoloration.
At 2.5 pounds per tub, you’ve got a lot of sanitizing power at the ready. OxiClean is truly gentle enough to use as a color-safe laundry additive, so you’ll find excuses to sprinkle some in even when mold doesn’t rear its ugly head.
Application Type: Powder | Size: 2.5 pounds | Recommended Surfaces: Fabrics, floors, and non-food contact surfaces
The Clorox Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover nabbed our top spot for its spray-it-and-forget-it formula that kills up to 99.9% of germs and bacteria. For a fast-acting formula that doesn’t mess around, RMR-86 Instant Mold Stain and Mildew Stain Remover starts to remove stains in just 15 seconds.
We tested a handful of the top mold removers on the market over a two-week period. To remove mold from our own households, we followed the manufacturers’ guidelines for safe and effective use of each product. We observed how easy each product was to use, how strong the scent was, and how effective the solution was at removing mold stains from various surfaces. We used our findings to narrow down our final list of the best mold removers.
While the products on our best mold removers list are effective, not all of them come in the same type of formula. Before you grab a bottle of spray mold remover because you think it’s the easiest to apply, consider the surface you’ll be using it on.
Sokolowski says the team at AspenClean recommends looking for products with gel or foam-like formulas for porous surfaces such as wood or fabric, as they can penetrate the surface and tackle hard-to-reach areas better. For non-porous surfaces like glass or tile, she says spray and other liquid formulas can cover larger areas and be wiped or rinsed away more easily.
Not all mold removers are made for the same type of surface, so be sure the product you’ll be using is compatible with the surface to which you intend to apply it (it should say it on the packaging or in the description on the retailer website). Sokolowski recommends that you test any product first on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure that it’s compatible with the surface in question and won’t cause any abnormal reactions or results.
Bleach is often the go-to ingredient when it comes to combating mold, which is why products that contain it frequently appear on our best mold removers list. But depending on the extent of the mold, you might opt for gentler ingredients like citrus extract, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide, especially if you’re concerned about toxicity and the product’s impact on the environment.
“Ultimately, purchasing a mold remover containing bleach will depend on your specific situation, including the severity of the mold problem, the surfaces you need to treat, your willingness to follow safety precautions, and your environmental and health considerations,” Sokolowski says.
Zep Mold & Mildew Stain Remover: While the Zep spray does cut through tile buildup as it promises to do, we found it did nothing to improve the look of the grout. The bleach odor was so strong that it lingered in our nose for over an hour after cleaning. It didn’t help that we had to use a lot of the product because the spray was so targeted. If you are sensitive to the smell of bleach or can’t work in a well-ventilated area, choose another mold and mildew remover.
Sokolowski has one piece of advice regarding mold removers: “Always follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding the application, contact time, and disposal of the leftover product.”
This means that you shouldn’t assume it’s OK to simply start spraying just because the bottle makes it easy to do so. Read the instructions to ensure that you’re putting your personal safety first as well as the safety of any surface you’re aiming to remove mold from.
Nope. “There's a difference between treating porous materials such as wood or fabric and non-porous materials [such as glass and tile],” Sokolowski says. “Double check if your chosen product is compatible with the surface you're about to clean.”
Once you’ve got the right tool for the job, you’ll want to make sure it’s effective. “If you have a severe mold problem or tough-to-clean surfaces, a product containing bleach may be more effective at tackling the issue,” Sokolowski says. However, she notes that bleach is not ideal for all households: “Some people prefer to avoid using bleach-based products due to concerns about toxicity and environmental impact, while others prioritize their high effectiveness in tackling mold and mildew.”
“The primary and most visible difference between mold and mildew is the color,” Sokolowski says. Mold most often appears black, green, or blue, while mildew appears white or gray. While mildew shows up more on the surface, she says mold has the ability to penetrate deep into the surface, which is why it’s more harmful to our health.
“Mold remover products are generally more effective against both mold and mildew, but it's essential to check the labels for the manufacturer's recommendations,” Sokolowski says.
While many of the best mold removers on our list don’t require a sponge or scrub brush, they do require safety precautions. “No matter the nature of the product you're using, wear protective gear such as gloves or goggles to prevent skin irritation and inhalation of mold spores or remover fumes,” Sokolowski says.
Sokolowski also says ventilation is vital, so be sure to open any windows and use the fan. The fresh air and circulating air will allow for proper drying and minimize your exposure to harmful chemicals and mold spores.
cement pole making machine This article was written by Barbara Bellesi Zito, a freelance lifestyle writer based in Staten Island, N.Y. To compile this list of the best mold removers, we tested a handful of top products in our own homes. Barbara also researched additional products to recommend while considering factors like formula type, surface compatibility, and ease of use. For expert advice on what consumers should know when purchasing mold and mildew removers, she consulted Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean.