Best Mildew Sprays: Which Is Best For You?

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
37 min read

To put it another way, mold can be dangerous and difficult to get rid of. However, finding an effective mold remover helps you deal with the problem quickly so that it doesn’t become a long-term threat to your health and the health of your family. 1 One of these items might help you eradicate mold as soon as you spot the spores and the stains they leave behind. There are spray-and-forget products and those that require a little elbow grease after use.

Cleaners should be used in regions where mold is affecting a smaller surface, such as a bathroom counter, where moisture has built up, in order to combat it. There is no need to hire a professional to clean up accidents that are less than 10 square feet, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. 2 But if you’re not sure how to eradicate mold, have a lot of water damage, your HVAC system has been compromised, or polluted water is involved, you should call in a specialist.

People with health issues like asthma or emphysema should also seek the advice of a physician. No quantity of mold is safe, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The most important thing is to remove the substance accurately and quickly. Finding the correct mold remover can be an important part of the eradication procedure. EPA-registered mold removers are available.

These are the best mold removers for both inside and outside the home.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Mold Remover

Be aware that the best mold remover and the best technique are dependent on the type of material to which the mold is adhered before donning your rubber gloves and spraying down a disgusting, moldy surface.

Best Mold and Mildew Removers | The Family Handyman

Location of Mold

For the most part, molds may be removed with relative ease. For example, if mold grows on your curtains, you should be able to remove it using the right mold remover in your washing machine at home. It’s more difficult to remove mold from an area under a kitchen cabinet, however.

Mold thrives on organic materials and devours them over time. With enough access to wallboard (say behind the sink cabinet), it can feed on the paper face and cause significant damage. Removing the cabinets, drywall, and insulation, as well as treating the mold in the hollow below them, may necessitate more time and effort.

The old-fashioned elbow grease could be all you need in some circumstances, such as on your home’s siding. The siding can be cleaned by spraying it with a mold killer and scrubbing with a stiff brush.

Mold Type

When it comes to mold, it doesn’t always matter what kind of mold you have. All of the typical molds can be removed by most mold removers. However, certain molds are more harmful than others and may necessitate professional assistance.

The presence of black mold, in particular, can pose a significant threat. Known as Stachybotrys, this fungus is particularly dangerous to the respiratory system. To thrive, it needs a steady supply of water. It can swiftly spread from there. You may be able to tell it from the smell of mildew or the texture of slime. When it comes to black mold, it may be in your best interest to bring in the experts.

Cleaning Time

The best mold removers take different amounts of time to accomplish their work, and this varies from product to product. Some require only a single application, while others require regular maintenance. After 15 minutes, some require a reapply. Regardless of how you apply the mold killer, it immediately begins to kill the fungus.

For a soapy detergent, you may not need to wait for the solution to sit at all before you begin cleaning. In order to remove the mold, these detergents need to be scrubbed with a brush.

Application

Mold killers can be applied in a variety of ways. When it comes to dealing with a mold infestation, the appropriate approach might make all the difference. Many products now come in spray bottles. Useful for tiny mold infestations that don’t necessitate a number of treatments or applications.

Other mold killers come in concentrates that you mix 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. You can also pour the solution into a spray bottle.

Others are concentrated and must be mixed with another container. This gives you the flexibility to vary the strength of the effect from one application to the next. These can be applied with a mop, sponge, or brush. Spray bottles can also be used to distribute the solution.

Ease of Use

Mold’s a nasty substance, and remediation can be challenging. At the very least, you can go for a device that is simple to operate. For the most part, spray solutions are the most convenient to use. You simply point the bottle at the problem and shoot.

When it comes to mold, cleanup can be difficult. You can, however, pick a product that’s simple to use. Spray solutions are typically the most convenient to use. It’s as simple as pointing the bottle towards the issue and firing.

Your 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.

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This type of mold problem may be more suited to spray-and-walk-away products. Small spaces like sink cabinets and beneath toilets can benefit greatly from this.

If you’re concerned about mildew or mold forming on your porous surfaces, you should use this mold remover. It is not, however, a product for removing mold stains. Depending on how long the mold and mildew has been there, you may need to use a different product in order to eliminate the discoloration.

In addition to eradicating existing mold and mildew, this EPA-registered mold remover also prevents new spores from forming in the first place. Rapid Clean Remediation is a mold preventive that is safe for use on a wide range of non-porous surfaces, such as laminated fiberglass and laminated fiberglass and laminated fiberglass and laminated fiberglass and laminated fiberglass and laminated fiberglass. This makes it ideal for moist or humid sections of the home, such as the bathroom, laundry room, or a screened porch. This mold preventative is safe to use both indoors and outdoors, but make sure you have enough ventilation because the fumes can be potent.

Mold and mildew can be removed with a single application of the solution. Once you’ve sprayed it on the area that requires treatment, follow the application instructions and then rinse or wipe it off. This is a simple and effective way to deal with mold and mildew that is already in your home, while also preventing new growth.

Benefect’s Botanical Decon Disinfectant is a plant-based solution to mold and mildew removal that doesn’t involve the use of harsh chemicals. PPE (such eye protection or gloves) and ventilation are required for some mold removers that contain powerful chemical agents (such as methylisothiazolinone). For those who prefer a more delicate mix, Botanical Decon is an excellent choice. It’s safe to use on skin, food, and other surfaces without the need for rinsing.

Additionally, this solution has proven successful in the fight against mildew. It’s a mildewstat and fungicidal product that’s registered with the EPA, and it also kills germs and viruses. Thymol, a compound extracted from the essential oil of Thyme, is the key ingredient in the proprietary composition. To further prevent mold and mildew growth, Benefect uses chemical techniques to build a long-lasting surfactant system.

Mold and mildew thrive in wood’s natural porousness, which is why it’s such a popular building material. 3 While this may seem like a little inconvenience, the staining and decay it causes can be a major nuisance for homeowners. Wet and Forget Mold Remover, which is EPA-registered, can be used to clean wood surfaces like decks, fences, and outdoor furniture.

Mold and mildew can begin to be treated as soon as this slow-release chemical penetrates the wood’s porous surface. With no bleach or caustic chemicals, it’s easy to use with no further scrubbing required. Keep in mind that it may take a few days or more to detect a noticeable improvement in the appearance of your wooden surfaces after using this mold remover. Additionally, the solution is reactivated each time it rains, ensuring that it keeps reducing mold and mildew over time.

You can apply Wet and Forget after mold or mildew is removed to protect the beauty of your wood. If you see a recurrence of mold or mildew, simply reapply the solution to keep it at bay.

For this reason, mold can cause odors, discoloration and staining in textiles that are in contact with it. It’s especially important for materials in moist, humid settings, such as on patio or pool furniture. Fabric surfaces, such as furniture, cushions, and curtains, are well-suited for using Concrobium Mold Control Aerosol since it is convenient and effective for removing mold.

An aerosol applicator and an efficient recipe are combined to produce a fine mist that evenly covers the surface area. There’s no over-saturation when applied, according to the directions. Do not rub or scrub it into your skin. Mold is killed at the root by the product when it dries. Fabrics and other delicate textiles respond well to this EPA-registered solution because it is free of bleach.

An aerosol applicator and an efficient recipe are combined to produce a fine mist that evenly covers the surface area. There’s no over-saturation when applied, according to the directions. Do not rub or scrub it into your skin. Mold is killed at the root by the product when it dries. Fabrics and other delicate textiles respond well to this EPA-registered solution because it is free of bleach.

For a fine mist that covers the surface area uniformly, an effective recipe and an aerosol applicator are coupled. When applied according to the instructions, there is no over-saturation. No need to rub or scrub it into your skin. When the product dries, the substance suffocates mold from the inside out. This EPA-registered solution doesn’t include bleach, so it’s safe to use on delicate items like fabrics and carpets.

RMR Brands RMR-141 Disinfectant is our best option for a strong protection against mold and bacteria (view at Amazon). This EPA-registered mold remover may clean and disinfect surfaces on contact. The Benefect Botanical Decon 30 Disinfectant Cleaner, on the other hand, is a more natural option (view at Home Depot). There are no health warnings or chemicals in the formula, and it is safe to use on the skin, food surfaces, and more.

RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover Spray

RMR-86 is ready to go right out of the box. In 15 minutes, it can eliminate most mold spots. Let the spray linger on the affected area for a few minutes before wiping it off. Scrubbing is not necessary. If the wet, moldy smell is a problem, this spray should take care of it. In addition to drywall, vinyl siding, concrete, and brick, RMR-86 is safe to use in the kitchen and bathroom. A 32-ounce spray container of this product is available for purchase.

Pros

  • Mold may be rapidly and easily removed with this device.
  • There’s no need to scrub.
  • Safe to use on a wide variety of surfaces

Cons

  • A noxious smell
  • Shelf life is relatively short.

Concrobium Mold Control Household Cleaners

Some varieties of mold thrive in wood’s porous nature, making it an ideal habitat. One application of Concrobium Mold Control Household Cleaners can solve your wood mold problem. It suffocates and crushes mold, making it impossible for it to reappear. With no ammonia or volatile organic chemicals, it fulfills the job (VOCs). The vapors won’t be as powerful, but you’ll still need a mask. Just fill a spray bottle from the 1-gallon jug and spray a thin, even layer on the moldy wood. Allow the product to soak into the skin for a few minutes. To remove the residue, either reapply or wipe clean once it has dried fully. No rinsing is necessary, and it may be used on a variety of surfaces, including tile and stone.

Concrobium 128-fl oz Liquid Mold Remover in the Mold Removers department at Lowes.com

Some varieties of mold thrive in wood’s porous nature, making it an ideal habitat. One application of Concrobium Mold Control Household Cleaners can solve your wood mold problem. It suffocates and crushes mold, making it impossible for it to reappear. With no ammonia or volatile organic chemicals, it fulfills the job (VOCs). The vapors won’t be as powerful, but you’ll still need a mask. Just fill a spray bottle from the 1-gallon jug and spray a thin, even layer on the moldy wood. Allow the product to soak into the skin for a few minutes. To remove the residue, either reapply or wipe clean once it has dried fully. No rinsing is necessary, and it may be used on a variety of surfaces, including tile and stone.

Some molds thrive in wood’s pores, making it an ideal habitat for them. Your wood mold problem can be solved with one application of Concrobium Mold Control Household Cleaners. Mold is crushed and suffocated, and it cannot return. With no ammonia or volatile chemical substances, it does the task at hand (VOCs). You’ll still need a mask, but the gases won’t be nearly as potent. Just fill a spray bottle from the 1-gallon container and spray a thin, equal layer on the rotten wood. After that, allow the product to absorb into the skin. You can either reapply it or wipe it clean when it has dried completely. This product can be used on a variety of surfaces, including tile and stone, and there is no need to rinse it after use.

  • Size of a gallon
  • Suitable for wood, tile, and stone surfaces.
  • Ammonia is not present.
  • It’s simple to use

Cons

  • Sanding may be necessary to remove stubborn stains.

Wet & Forget Shower Cleaner

Basements and drywall aren’t the only places where mold may grow in a home. Even in the shower, mold can form. Using Wet & Forget Shower Cleaner, you can get rid of mold and mildew in your bathroom and prevent it from returning. Your shower, soap dishes, glass doors and other surfaces that are constantly wet should be coated once a week with Wet & Forget and left to deal with mold. An entire bathroom can be mold free for up to 12 weeks with just one half-gallon container. Allow Wet & Forget to dry before rinsing the shower the next day to get it clean.

Pros

  • Eliminates a buildup of soap scum.
  • There are no toxic dyes or odors.
  • Application is as easy as spraying and rinsing.

Cons

  • Pricey

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Pricey

Pros

  • Effortless use
  • Hose attachment is simple and quick.
  • Grass and plants are a safe bet.

Cons

  • Large coverage may necessitate the use of multiple bottles.

MOLD ARMOR CLEANER

Molds and mildews are more likely to grow on the side of your house that receives the least amount of sunshine. Stains on your mold armor are no match for Mold Armor Cleaner’s powerful cleaning power. For vinyl, aluminum, wood siding, brick, stucco, concrete, and decks and fences, this 2-pack of 1-gallon containers is perfect. Spray the afflicted area with the solution using a spray bottle or tank sprayer. Use a pail to mix the wash and a sponge, brush, or roller to apply it to harder stains.

Pros

  • Works on a variety of materials
  • Works on a variety of materials
  • A wide range of materials can be used.

Cons

  • Clothes can be ruined by the chemical bleach.

RMR-141 Disinfectant Spray Cleaner

Getting rid of mold from carpet can be a difficult task. As a result, RMR-141 Disinfectant Spray Cleaner is an excellent choice. Without bleach or ammonia, it gets the job done without affecting the color of your carpet. In addition to killing viruses and bacteria, this medication also has antibacterial properties. Spritz the soiled area and about 6 inches around it on all sides, then wait for it to dry before moving on. Aside from killing the mold and odor-causing bacteria, it should also erase the discoloration. If this is the case, a normal stain remover for carpets (available here) may be required to remove the stain.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Perfect for clearing a single stubborn blemish or spill.
  • Bacteria are killed.
  • Removes moldy odors.

Cons

  • Multiple applications may be necessary.

Professional Disinfecting Mildew, Virus & Mold Killer

It’s difficult to deal with moldy walls. Take care of it fast and easily with a product. All-inclusive Options What you need is Lemocide Mildew Virus and Mold Killer. Hard surfaces, including walls, can be cleaned and disinfected using this commercial-grade detergent. Concentrate is supplied in 1-gallon containers, which must be mixed with water to yield a sprayable solution. You may use it by just spraying it on and then allowing it to dry completely. For the vast majority of mold instances, this mildew and virus killer is potent enough to remove the mold without the need for any scrubbing.

Pros

  • a long-term fix
  • There’s no need to scrub.
  • Application that can be used in many different ways.
  • Powerful enough for commercial use.

Cons

  • Color and scent are really powerful.

Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Pressure Washer Cleaner

With the help of your pressure washer, Simple Green’s Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Pressure Washer Cleaner eliminates tenacious molds. Mold is killed and stains are lifted using peroxide in this product. Everything from wood and composites to vinyl and metal can be used with it; it can also be used on wicker and concrete. When it comes to outdoor work, this can do it all. Because it’s 100 percent biodegradable, you may leave it on your boat or dock, as well as near your garden and lawn.. without worrying. Several outdoor cleaning jobs can be completed with this 1-gallon concentration.

Pros

  • works well on a variety of surfaces
  • It is completely degradable.
  • Safe in the yard.

Cons

  • For optimal results, you’ll need a pressure washer.

Our Verdict

With its convenient spray bottle, the RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover Spray is an excellent mold cleaner that requires no effort to use.

How We Chose the Best Mold Removers

We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the best items for dealing with mold in a number of settings. For the sake of our customers, we made care to include products for various forms of mold and surfaces.

As part of our selection process for this list, we looked at the amount of time it would take to clean a certain area to ensure that we have a variety of products that could tackle a wide range of different stains.

If you have a mold problem, you may want to consider using a more ecologically friendly mold remover that won’t compromise the health of the plants, animals and humans around the treated area. This is especially important for those who have pets or children, or even sensitive gardens.

What to Look For in a Mold Remover

Type

Mold and mildew can be treated with two main types of formulations. To get a better idea of what the product can accomplish for your mold problem, look for these terms.

  • Kills mold and mildew at their roots using a fungicide
  • Mold and mildew spore regrowth is prevented with Mildewstat.

For the most part, homeowners are going to be looking for a solution that combines the two sorts of mold removers listed above.

Effectiveness

Checking to see if a product is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is one technique to verify its efficacy (you can search for the product on the site). The bottle or container should also be marked with an EPA registration number to prove that it has been tested and registered with the EPA as a fungicide or mildewstat.

Mold-killing chemicals are readily available, and some just require a minute of treatment time to begin working. Others may take as long as 15 minutes. Following manufacturer’s directions for usage, if the product comes with a treatment to prevent future mold growth in wet regions, and if you take precautions in damp areas, such as basements, will determine if the mold returns.

Application

When it comes to removing mold and mildew, the appropriate product can make the process easier. Mold removers in spray bottles can be used indoors, even in regions that are difficult to access. Make a note whether the product you select needs to be scrubbed after use. If you’re working in an overhead space, such as a shower, this may be more difficult, so search for a product that doesn’t require much elbow grease.

There are times when more concentrated products are needed to cover large areas of siding, decking, or other materials that have been infested by mold or mildew outside. Mold removers for the outdoors can be purchased in bottles that are already attached to a garden hose, making for a more efficient and even application process.

How to Make Your Own Mold and Mildew Remover

Store-bought mold and mildew removers aren’t good for the health of your lungs or the health of your wallet. Use white distilled vinegar to clean your tub and tiles instead of hazardous cleansers like bleach and ammonia. The mold will be killed, but the mold stains will remain. To remove the stains, all you need is some elbow grease and a home cleaning.

Why Does Vinegar Work?

The most common and least expensive vinegar is white distilled, which contains about 5% acetic acid. Mold and mildew are killed by vinegar’s strong acidity. Aside from preventing future development, it can also help dissolve rust and lime mineral deposits on your bathroom fixtures. The vinegar cleaner will also help to freshen the air in the bathroom. When vinegar is dry, the scent fades away.

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Safety Considerations

In addition to killing mold and mildew, this spray works wonderfully on a variety of household dirt and grime. In addition to cleaning numerous surfaces in your home (such as marble, limestone and granite), it can also pit, etch or dull these materials by eating away at their finishes. In order to avoid damaging your tub or adjoining flooring made of any of the above-mentioned materials, always test a small area before using vinegar.

Do not use straight vinegar without water to clean surfaces, as it is acidic and can eat away at porous grout. Keep out of the reach of children and pets. As with any cleaner, avoid all contact with the eyes and prolonged contact with the skin.

WARNING

Do not use straight vinegar without water to clean surfaces, as it is acidic and can eat away at porous grout. Keep out of the reach of children and pets. As with any cleaner, avoid all contact with the eyes and prolonged contact with the skin.

What You’ll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Because vinegar is acidic and can eat away at porous grout, avoid using it straight without water to clean surfaces. Children and dogs should not be able to access it. Avoid all contact with the eyes and prolonged contact with the skin when using any cleaning product.
  • Brush with stiff, hard bristles
  • Gloves made of rubber (optional)
  • a pair of goggles (optional)

Materials

  • Water
  • Vinegar made from distilled white vinegar
  • Aromatic substances, such as essential oils (optional)
  • Bags of plastic

Instructions

Mix Ingredients

Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and give it a good shake to combine the two ingredients.

Add Essential Oils

Add 10 to 30 drops of your preferred essential oil to the spray container if the vinegar smell is too overpowering. Aromatic blends of lavender and lemon essential oils work well with vinegar, as does eucalyptus. Use 10 to 15 drops of each fragrance when combining oils. Make sure everything is well combined.

WARNING

Turn the overhead bath fan on or open a window if it’s windy outside so that spores don’t blow inside while you’re mixing or cleaning with vinegar (or any other cleanser).

Apply to Surfaces

Consider donning rubber gloves and eye protection while cleaning with vinegar to avoid spraying the solution on your skin or eyes.

Spray the solution on the moldy area and let it soak in. Wipe the surface with a moist sponge or paper towels. Make a thorough cleanup using a damp cloth.

Allow the solution to sit for up to an hour on moldy or mildew-infested surfaces. Use a sponge or paper towels to thoroughly clean the area.

Brush Grout

Let the solution sit for 30 minutes to an hour if you notice obvious mold and mildew in your bathroom grout. After that, use a stiff-bristled brush to work in the solution. When doing this, take care not to damage or chip the grout.

If required, repeat this procedure.

Bag and Toss Sponge or Paper Towels

In a plastic bag, put the sponge, paper towels, and brush. Toss the bag after tying it securely. Mold spores will not spread to the rest of the house if you do this.

When to Call a Professional

If the mold and mildew in your bathroom won’t go away, you may need to repair the subfloor or wallboard that’s rotting and creating the problem.

To get rid of moldy caulk around your sink or tub, use vinegar to sterilize it, then replace it with mildew-resistant caulk. Alternatively, you can hire a professional to do it for you. In the event that your bathroom has a musty stench or has moldy caulk, it’s recommended to hire a cleaning company that specializes in mold and mildew removal and remediation to assess the situation.

FAQs

It’s fine if you still have concerns regarding which mold removers are the most effective. There is plenty to learn. The following is a list of frequently asked questions and their answers. If you can’t find the solution you’re looking for here, you should contact the manufacturer directly.

How do mold removers work?

Mold-removal products operate by destroying the mold’s spores (or roots), not by just killing the mold itself. Most recipes call for you to wait at least 15 minutes after you’ve applied the product. Cleaning and disinfection of the treated surface are taking place simultaneously throughout this time. The antimicrobial layer left behind by most mold removers helps to prevent new mold development in the future. 5

Are mold removers safe?

Mold removers are safe for home use if used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The use of mold removal necessitates the use of a mask, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Applying the product without gloves can cause skin irritation, so be sure to follow the instructions carefully.

When should I call a professional?

While all mold removal should be done with proper safety precautions, some types of mold, such as ‘black mold’ (Stachybotrys chartarum), may necessitate professional remediation. Porous building materials including drywall, gypsum board, and wood commonly support the growth of this slimy green-black mold. There are many health risks associated with inhaling its airborne spores, including respiratory issues as well as sickness. 6

If your efforts to clean and eradicate the mold are unsuccessful or the problem quickly reappears, you may want to seek mold remediation services. A specialist can assist you in determining the sort of mold you’re dealing with and in developing a treatment strategy to keep the mold from returning.

What does mold smell like?

Many molds do not emit any odor. It has a mildew-like, wet, earthy odor that harkens back to the dirt.

What does black mold look like?

Patchy and greenish-black in hue, black mold has a spotty appearance and can also appear brown or gray.

Does mold come back after cleaning?

Unless you fix the source of the water, mold will return. Furthermore, simply bleaching the top of drywall will not eliminate the mold’s roots, which can be found deep into the material. Mold can re-grow within a few days.

What are the effects of mold?

A wide range of health and environmental impacts can be caused by mold. For example, it’s capable of disintegrating drywall and wood. In addition, it can cause respiratory issues, cold-like symptoms, eye irritation, and skin irritants.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

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