The 7 Best Mildew Removers of 2023

Best Overall

RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover

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If you've identified mold or mildew in or around your home, consider snagging the RMR-86 instant formula. 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. 

To use, 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.

Price at time of publish: $19

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

Best Budget

CLR Mold & Mildew Clear Bleach-Free Stain Remover Spray

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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.

Price at time of publish: $6

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

Best Multi-Use

Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover Spray

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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.

Price at time of publish: $22 for two bottles

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

Best for Showers

Lysol Mold & Mildew Foamer With Bleach

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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. 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 have tested 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.

Price at time of publish: $22 for two bottles

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

Best for Concrete

Wet & Forget Moss, Mold, Mildew, and Algae Stain Remover

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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 is 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.

Price at time of publish: $60

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

Best for Vinyl Siding

30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner Concentrate

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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. It is 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.

Price at time of publish: $45

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