Spiff Up Your Bathroom With These Mildew Removers (2024)

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If you've identified mold or mildew in or around your home, consider snagging the RMR-86 instant formula. We like that it targets both mildew and mold, removing stains, odors, and growth in as little as 15 seconds. After using it, you might not even know that you had mildew in the first place.

Often, if mildew is left untreated, it can release spores, fragments, and other particles into the surrounding environment. "All of these particles are small enough to be inhaled into the body. Some are so small that they can bypass the lungs and go straight into the bloodstream,” says Rubino.

To keep that from happening, just spray from the ready-to-use spray bottle, and let the solution sit for a few seconds. Wipe away any mold or mildew with a rag. You shouldn't need to scrub heavily, even on stubborn stains. The product was originally developed in 2013 by Chris Atkinson, the founder of RMR-86, who worked in restoration and remediation.

This is a strong formula that includes bleach. While it is designed for indoor and outdoor use (including on tile, grout, vinyl siding, decking, brick, and some kitchen countertops), you should test it first on an inconspicuous area to make sure that it won’t alter the finish or color. It is also a good idea to wear protective gear, such as gloves, eye protection, and old clothes you don’t mind getting discolored.

_{Type: Spray | Container Size: 32 fluid ounces | Bleach Free: No}

CLR is a household name when it comes to removing unwanted stains from surfaces around your home. Its Mold & Mildew Clear formula doesn’t use bleach, so it’s safe for everything from painted walls to car tires. It is also effective in spaces that commonly experience mildew, including bathrooms and kitchens.

The spray comes out as foam, making it easier for you to target specific areas. It reduces the occurrence of overspray, which is especially important if you have other surfaces nearby that you want to protect. Keep in mind that this formula is more ideal for routine cleaning than using it as a heavy-duty mildew blaster. You may need to scrub a bit more or let it sit on the surface longer to get the full effect.

_{Type: Foam | Container Size: 32 fluid ounces | Bleach Free: Yes}

We like that this spray combines the power of Clorox bleach with a mold-specific formula to get stains. It’s formulated to kill 99.9 percent of mold and mildew around your home. It also kills bacteria, such as staph and strep. It even gets rid of soap scum and dirt as it cleans.

The bottle itself is a bit smaller, so you shouldn’t expect to get as many uses per bottle as you would with a larger container. Fortunately, it comes in a set of two. The smaller size does make it easier to carry from room to room around your home, tackling messes as you go. You can even keep one bottle in the bathroom and another in the kitchen for easy use.

_{Type: Spray | Container Size: 16 fluid ounces | Bleach Free: No}

This gel formula is ideal for tiles and grout, because you can apply it exactly where it needs to go. The nozzle is tapered for precision application, and the gel consistency keeps it from sliding or running all over the place. It is safe for a variety of surfaces in addition to tile and grout, such as glass, toilets, and some countertops. It doesn’t contain bleach, but it is still a good idea to test it on a small, discreet area before applying it all over the surface.

You will need to leave this cleaner on the surface for at least three hours for the best results. It targets the spores that cause mold and mildew, which gets rid of the stains they cause and also keeps them from coming back and growing again. It requires rinsing, so make sure that you keep track of the application time, and don’t let it sit longer than the maximum recommended time of five hours.

_{Type: Gel | Container Size: fluid ounces | Bleach Free: Yes}

Since persistent humidity and poor ventilation are common causes of mold, it's often found in showers. This foam spray is ready to use against mold and mildew in the shower and bath, making it a great addition to your caddy of go-to shower cleaners.

It is safe for tile, grout, and other surfaces. Plus, it removes soap scum as well as 99.9 percent of mold variants. It can even keep mold from returning for up to seven days when it is left on the surface for the recommended amount of soak time. The formula is also safe for septic systems.

It does contain bleach, so make sure that you test it on an inconspicuous area and that you are wearing the appropriate skin and eye protection. As with most cleaning products, it’s also important to keep it safely out of the reach of children and pets.

_{Type: Foam | Container Size: 32 fluid ounces | Bleach Free: No}

For outdoor areas that aren’t convenient to scrub by hand, opt for a concentrated formula like this one. It’s made to remove mold and mildew stains from concrete and other outdoor surfaces over time. It's also effective on moss stains and algae.

You don’t need to power wash or even rinse the solution away. It dissolves the stains all on its own. This is a larger quantity, especially since it is a concentrated solution, but it has an indefinite shelf life.

One thing to keep in mind is that it does take some time for full effectiveness. Wet and Forget recommends giving up to two weeks for the formula to clean green stains, such as algae and moss. Black stains may take a few months, but they should fade over time as the rain and wind remove the mold and mildew. You will need a sprayer to mix the concentrate and apply it to the concrete—just make sure you don’t apply it to any surfaces within 100 feet of waterways.

_{Type: Concentrate | Container Size: 128 fluid ounces | Bleach Free: Yes}

This 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner comes in a large spray canister that you can use directly on your vinyl siding. The spray nozzle reaches 24 feet, so even upper stories can be treated to remove mold and mildew stains and keep them from returning. Plus, it's safe for patios and decks as well as siding and roofing.

The formula, which contains bleach, is effective against mold, mildew, algae, and moss stains. You will need to hook up a standard garden hose and have access to water.

To use the sprayer, just turn the water on, and spray the dry surface. When you are done, turn the valve on the sprayer to cut off the solution, and rinse with water without having to disconnect the sprayer. This allows you to treat and clean areas of your home’s exterior easily and efficiently.

_{Type: Concentrate | Container Size: 64 fluid ounces | Bleach Free: No}

Final Verdict