Best Overall
Clorox Mold and Mildew Remover Spray
WALGREENS
- Ease of Use4.7/5
- Effectiveness4.6/5
- Scent3.3/5
- Value4.8/5
- This option works extremely quickly and helps to prevent mold from coming back.
This option works extremely quickly and helps to prevent mold from coming back.
- The scent is very strong and can be irritating.
The scent is very strong and can be irritating.
The Clorox Plus Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover is the best mold remover overall—and it’s expert-approved. “If the mold is superficial and on a non-porous area in the bathroom, for example, we use something like Clorox Plus Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover,” Ledoux says.
It works extremely quickly; users say you can see the mold start to dissipate on contact with the formula. It also works to prevent mold from coming back in between cleanings.
It also works to deodorize the entire surface area while whitening tiles and killing 99.9% of other common household bacteria and germs. You don’t have to put in much elbow grease in order to see results. All you really have to do is spray and wipe the suds away—no scrubbing required.
The only real downside is this option—like a lot of heavy-duty household cleaners—is very strong. The odor might be irritating if you’re sensitive to strong chemical smells and we recommend using a mask while cleaning.
Type: Spray | Size: 32 oz | Compatible Surfaces: Multi-surface
Best Budget
Zep Mold and Mildew Stain Remover
AMAZON
- Ease of Use4.1/5
- Effectiveness4.5/5
- Scent3.4/5
- Value5/5
- The formula effectively removes stuck-on stains from tile and grout, as well as taking care of mold.
The formula effectively removes stuck-on stains from tile and grout, as well as taking care of mold.
- You may need to use it a few times on trickier stains.
You may need to use it a few times on trickier stains.
The Zep Mold and Mildew Stain Remover is the best option if you're on a budget. It will kill mold on your surfaces and also remove stains on tile or grout that other cleaners might not be able to handle—which is a huge bonus.
It’s a versatile choice that is formulated to work on a handful of common surfaces efficiently including acrylic, fiberglass, ceramic, porcelain, laminate and Corian. All you have to do is spray the surface in question, wipe it up, and rinse clean in order to see results.
Bear in mind that you may need to apply the cleaner several times on trickier, stuck-on stains in order to fully get rid of them.
Like our best overall pick, it’s extremely smelly when doing its thing. The scent doesn’t linger once it has been wiped up, but if you’re sensitive to strong chemical cleaners, you might want to wear a mask to lessen the impact.
Type: Spray | Size: 32 oz | Compatible Surfaces: Multi-surface
Best Outdoor
Wet and Forget Mold and Mildew Stain Remover
AMAZON
- Ease of Use4/5
- Effectiveness4.2/5
- Scent3.5/5
- Value4.7/5
- This non-bleach mold remover can eliminate algae and moss, making it a nice choice for outdoor rugs or furniture.
This non-bleach mold remover can eliminate algae and moss, making it a nice choice for outdoor rugs or furniture.
- The upfront cost is high.
The upfront cost is high.
Looking to remove mold from outdoor furniture? The Wet and Forget Moss, Mold, Mildew, and Algae Stain Remover Multi-Surface Cleaner is the best mold remover for outdoor use.
Not only does it work on common mold and mildew, but it’s also efficient at removing the likes of moss and algae (and associated stains), making it a nice choice for cleaning outdoor rugs as well.
The formula gets to work immediately without any elbow grease on your end and can be used on pretty much any non-porous outdoor surfaces—from siding and roofs to painted surfaces and even fabric patio umbrellas—thanks to the non-bleach formula.
You’ll want to keep in mind that the upfront cost is considerably higher than other options. But you are getting a good value—1 gallon container makes 6 gallons of cleaning fluid when combined with water.
Type: Liquid concentrate | Size: 1 gallon | Compatible Surfaces: Multi-surface
Best Bleach-Free
Moldex Mold Killer Spray
THE HOME DEPOT
- Ease of Use4.6/5
- Effectiveness4.3/5
- Scent3.2/5
- Value4.5/5
- This cleaner both removes mold and unpleasant odors that can come with mold build-up.
This cleaner both removes mold and unpleasant odors that can come with mold build-up.
- It’s not quite as strong on tough stains as bleach options.
It’s not quite as strong on tough stains as bleach options.
Bleach is effective at killing mold and mildew, as well as preventing future growth, but there are plenty of reasons you may want to avoid bleach in your cleaning products. Maybe you’re allergic or you have kids and pets you want to protect.
The Moldex Mold Killer is an EPA-certified solution that doesn’t include bleach, ammonia, or other harmful chemicals—but it’s just as effective as many formulas that do.
The formula works on most washable surfaces and doesn’t require any heavy scrubbing in order to see results. It also helps to neutralize the odors that can sometimes come along with mildew or mold build-up.
Some users report that it takes longer than bleach options to remove existing mold and mildew depending on how set-in the stains are, but that it’s extremely effective at preventing regrowth.
Type: Spray | Size: 32 oz | Compatible Surfaces: Multi-surface
Best for Bathrooms
Clorox Bathroom Disinfecting Cleaner
TARGET
- Ease of Use4.4/5
- Effectiveness4.7/5
- Scent4/5
- Value4.9/5
- This option doubles as a multi-surface bathroom cleaner.
This option doubles as a multi-surface bathroom cleaner.
- The nozzle gets stuck and is easily clogged.
The nozzle gets stuck and is easily clogged.
We love a multi-purpose formula—and that’s why the Clorox Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner is one of best mold removers. It doubles as an all-in-one bathroom cleaner. The cleaner works on virtually all surfaces in the bathroom—from tile floors to countertops.
It’s efficient at removing stuck-on dirt and grime as well as soap scum from showers, bathtubs, and more with very little elbow grease. All you have to do is spray it onto the surface in question and wipe away with a cloth or sponge to see results.
Some users experienced issues with the spray nozzle getting stuck. The mechanical parts can malfunction and the nozzle easily becomes clogged with product which can make it annoying to spray without getting your hands dirty.
We recommend wearing rubber gloves while using this product to ensure it doesn’t get on your skin if it does leak or drip.
Type: Spray | Size: 30 oz | Compatible Surfaces: Multi-surface
Best for Grout
Stardrops The Pink Stuff
AMAZON
- Ease of Use4.3/5
- Effectiveness4.7/5
- Scent4.4/5
- Value4.6/5
- This paste is gentle enough to use on granite while strong enough to leave your grout sparkling new.
This paste is gentle enough to use on granite while strong enough to leave your grout sparkling new.
- The 17-ounce container is smaller than other options.
The 17-ounce container is smaller than other options.
Cleaning grout requires a different strategy than other surfaces—especially when it comes to mold and mildew buildup. The Pink Stuff is the best option to clean your grout.
It’s effective at removing mold and mildew but also works to remove dirt, grime, and tough stains baked into the grout. The Pink Stuff is safe for a multitude of surfaces without worrying about damage—it’s even gentle enough to use on granite without running the risk of scratches.
While it doesn't have the same intense chemical smell as other cleaning products on the list, the strong-smelling rhubarb scent is distinctive and might not be to everyone’s taste. At 17 ounces, the container is also smaller (and therefore more expensive) than other options.
Type: Paste | Size: 17.63 oz | Compatible Surfaces: Multi-surface