Looking for the best mold remover? Mold and mildew are some of the most common bathroom issues. Actually, these fungi grow anywhere humid, and they grow fast. Noticing and removing them before the infestation gets the whole room is crucial not only for the aesthetics but also for your health.
Paid Links / Last update on 2022-08-20
While there are DIY methods, it’s much better to use specialized mold & mildew removers. To help you with the choice, we’ve tested lots of options and selected the 5 best remedies!
1. Professional Disinfecting Mildew, Virus & Mold Killer – Editor’s Choice
- COMMERCIAL GRADE DISINFECTANT...
- HIGHLY VERSATILE - The...
Paid Links / Last update on 2022-08-20
Overview
This is a concentrated gel that’s very easy to use and is quite effective. The manufacturer specifies that it’s OK to use it several times to achieve the best effect. It doesn’t leave any residue and is a powerful tool in a battle with mold.
Features
The gel can be used at:
- Washing machine drum.
- Tiles.
- Windows.
- Toilet bowl.
- Bathtub.
- Washbasin, etc.
The gel form allows tight adhesion with the surface so it doesn’t flow down. As a result, you don’t have to use much of it.
No scrubbing or sanding needed. Just follow the instruction:
- Ventilate the room well.
- Apply a 3mm thick layer of the gel on the moldy surface.
- Let it sit for 7-8 hours.
- Rinse off with water.
If there are stains left, repeat the process. For the most difficult cases, you may need to use it 3-4 times.
Tips on using the gel
- Don’t forget to remove the seal under the nozzle before applying it.
- Wear rubber gloves.
This is our Editor’s choice. We loved that it doesn’t flow down due to its adhesive texture. A perfect remedy for vertical or inclined surfaces. Besides, the product is very effective. Hard mold stains are gone after the 3rd use.
- Good for inclined and vertical surfaces
- No sanding or scrubbing needed
- Removes 99% of bacteria
- Easy to apply
- California Warning 65
2. Clorox Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner – Best Blech-Free
- BATHROOM CLEANER: Make your...
- MULTI-SURFACE CLEANER: Quickly...
Paid Links / Last update on 2022-08-20
Overview
This is a spray bottle with a strong bleach-free formula. It’s very easy to apply and you don’t have to wait for hours before rinsing it off. Make sure to use it with caution, though, as it’s a moderate irritant.
Features
The spray can be used at:
● Vinyl
● Fiberglass
● Grout
● Plastic, etc.
No scrubbing needed, the formula is so powerful that you only have to rinse or wipe the mold away. The spray also removes Staph, Strep, and Athletes foot fungus. It’s said to be able to disinfect and eliminate 99% of household mildew and mold.
The instructions are simple
● If it’s a hard, nonporous surface, wait for 5 minutes
● If it’s rubber or vinyl, wipe immediately
● As you see mold and mildew disappearing, wipe the surface until the stains are gone
Keep the product away from old porcelain and metal, though, as it may cause damage. To clean the allowed areas completely, you may need to use the spray more than once.
Safety
This is a very powerful formula. The brand is EPA registered, so if used with caution, it’s safe. This is a great asset when fighting mold. We do recommend it but make sure you cover your face!
- Very powerful
- Removes 99% of household mold
- No scrubbing needed
- Refillable spray bottle
- Not recommended for use by persons with heart conditions or chronic respiratory problems
3. Star Brite Mold & Mildew Stain Remover + Cleaner – Powerful Formula
- Quickly removes stains caused...
- STAIN REMOVER + CLEANER:...
Paid Links / Last update on 2020-12-09
Overview
This is a product most suitable for outside use but can also help with mold inside the house. Works for a large number of surfaces, even though it’s bleach-based. The cleaner can be used on boats, RVs, houses, etc. It has a triple-action high-alkaline formula that shows results in minutes after use.
Features
This buffered-bleach cleaner is a powerful tool when removing mold from:
● Concrete
● Siding
● Wood (only if you plan to refinish it)
● Drywall
● Grout
● Tiles
● Vinyl
● Outdoor acrylic fabrics, etc.
To clean the affected surface just spray the cleaner all over the stains, leave it for several minutes, and wipe or rinse off. Most stains will be removed after one use, but if there’s something left, there’s nothing wrong with using the formula for the second time.
If using on outdoor acrylic fabric, test it for colorfastness first to avoid damage. If it’s any other kind of fabric, avoid using this cleaner.
Safety
The brand is EPA registered.
This is a great asset when fighting mold, made by a respected brand that was founded back in 1973. It’s extremely powerful and good for outside cleaning, so we do recommend it. But remember to wear protective clothing and cover your face when using it.
- Made in the USA
- Quick effect
- Wide range of surfaces
- EPA registered brand
- Serious irritant
4. 3M Marine Mildew Block – Non-Toxic Formula
- Non toxic formula
- Easy to use and dispense
Paid Links / Last update on 2020-12-09
Overview
This is a mildew and mold blocker – a solution applied to prevent another infestation. It is sold in an easy-to-use 16.9 Fl oz bottle. The non-toxic protecting option looks great in the pool of toxic irritant-full cleaners.
Features
The cleaner works well at:
● Deck furniture
● Vinyl
● Cloth
● Canvas covers, etc.
It’s widely used for boats (surfaces above the waterline). Most formulas require a dry surface for the best effect, yet this one works just fine on damp and wet areas. The best combo, according to the manufacturer, is using this protectant with the Mildew Stain Remover cleaner by the same brand.
How to use the product
● Dry the surface and spray it with the protectant
● Gently wipe it with a wet cloth, making sure you create an even coating
● Spray again after every cleaning
Safety
The product is approved by EPA.
This isn’t exactly a cleaner but a great addition for homes with high humidity, as well as boats. In the marine case, lots of things on the boat might develop mold. Furniture, cushions, floor, etc. are always wet and the air is often humid. So, it’s important to not only clean surfaces regularly in this case, but apply something that would prevent mold reappearance. And this is one of the most recommended products for that!
- Non-toxic
- Prevents mildew and mold
- EPA approved
- Made in the USA
- Mild irritant
5. RMR-141 RTU Mold Killer – A Strong Disinfectant
- STRONGEST MOLD KILLER: RMR-141...
- EPA REGISTERED: This mold and...
Paid Links / Last update on 2020-12-09
Overview
It’s a powerful disinfectant, sold in a 1-gallon bottle. The product kills even the most stubborn mold, and if used correctly, eliminates accompanying odors. Besides, it also kills off viruses and lots of other bacteria.
Features
The active ingredient of the solution is ammonium. It kills mold but doesn’t dissolve it, so prepare to clean the leftovers with a wet cloth.
Safety
This is an EPA-registered product.
The whole RMR mold-fighting line is amazing. It’s used in a lot of institutions but is also suitable for regular home use. We recommend it as a universal disinfectant, so consider using it not only when the walls in the shower get moldy but also when there are epidemic announcements, as well is just on a regular basis to make sure your home is virus-free.
- No bleach and abrasives
- EPA-registered
- None found
FAQ
1. What is mold? What is mildew?
Mildew is a type of mold which tends to grow on flat, humid particles. The ability to develop on flat surfaces is one of the major differences between mold and mildew which may develop. Although mildew can damage a home, the damage is generally more temporary.
2. Is mold dangerous?
Mold growth is usually noticeable and sometimes produces a musty smell. This can destroy household products, and it can also have safety consequences. Mold can pose a health issue for people with an allergy, an underlying respiratory condition or a compromised immune system in particular. Dampness also causes materials to break down and increase particle content, or dust, in the air. Such particles can irritate the lungs, nose , and throat, particularly in a person who also has an issue with breathing, asthma, or persistent lung diseases.
3. What does mold and mildew smell like?
Mildew doesn’t always have a bad scent but is often identified as musty when it’s present. Others have mentioned mold that smells earthy, meaty or that resembles the smell of wet socks or rotting wood. The odour is bad and pungent for many homeowners.
4. What does black mold look like?
A source of water is the first mold growth element, and any dark, moist areas of the home are also prone. Sight and smell can give you a good indication of whether or not you’re having a problem with black mold black mold tends to have a strong, musty smell, and of course it displays a black mark.
5. What causes mildew?
Molds that allow mildew to thrive anywhere it is damp, dry, poorly lighted and/or where there is no circulation of air in cellars, creeping spaces of homes without basements and wardrobes. In leisure rooms in the basement, on curtains in the bathroom and on ironing damp sheets, it can be seen on drapes and rugs too. Due to the humidity of the equipment such moulds are also prone to developing in a new house.
Buyer’s Guide: DIY Cleaners, Tips on Preventing Mold
What Are the DIY mold and mildew cleaners?
While mold is more difficult to get rid of plus more dangerous to your health than mildew, you can try to remove it with one of the following DIY cleaners:
Good old vinegar can be used to clean almost anything. Just pour some into a spray bottle and don’t mix with water. Spray the affected area, let it sit for some time, and scrub the surface with a brush.
● Oxygen peroxide
Mix oxygen peroxide liquid or powder with water and spray the moldy area with it. Wait for some time and clean the surface using a brush.
● Bleach
This should be your last option since bleaches are very toxic. But if there’s no other way, put a cotton pad on the moldy area and pour some bleach at it. Make sure you use gloves to remove them later.
Make sure you clean the tools, gloves, and clothes you wore during the process after finishing the mold and mildew removal. There may be fungi leftovers on them that may start another infestation.
We still recommend using specialized products to remove mold and mildew, because:
● Their formulas are safe;
● They prevent mold reappearing;
● You don’t have to spend time scrubbing the surface since the cleaners make it easier to remove the fungi by wiping it.
Tips on preventing mold
Here are some handy tips on how to reduce the risk of getting a mold infestation:
● If you don’t have exhaust fans, open doors and windows every now and then
● Clean the bathroom to remove soap residue that mold may feed on
● If using buckets to store things, make sure they have holes in them so there’s no moisture build-up
● Dry your laundry and towels completely, don’t leave them moist for a long time
● Spray the shower tiles with a solution of water and vinegar
● Fix leaking faucets
● Wipe off condensation
● Use specialized protection products