What are the best mold removers?
Mold stains on interior and exterior surfaces are common problems that many people have to deal with in and around the home. The longer the mold stains there are, the harder it will be to get rid of them. This is because mold penetrates deeper into porous surfaces as it grows.
If you’ve tried regular household cleaners to get rid of mold, you may have noticed that they often aren’t effective. Luckily, there are dedicated mold cleaners out there that get the job done without all the elbow grease on your part.
Why does mold grow in a house?
Mold is a living organism and as such it needs a few things to grow. These include:
- Spores
- A type of food: It can range from fruits and meats to drywall, wood, and even grout.
- Heat
- Oxygen
- Humidity
Since most of these things are unavoidable in a home, humidity should be your primary focus, as it’s the only thing you have some control over.
Mold doesn’t need a lot of moisture to grow. Even a small amount, such as high humidity outdoors, condensation constantly dripping from the inside of a window, or steam inside a bathroom can cause mold in a house. To avoid mold growth, it is best to try to keep the humidity in the air and on the surfaces to a minimum. You should also regularly clean surfaces that are prone to mold growth. If you’re already past that stage and you’re dealing with mold stains, it’s time to turn to a dedicated mold stain remover.
Dangers of mold exposure
Mold isn’t just unsightly; it has the very real potential to be harmful to the health of anyone living inside the home. This is because the spores often become airborne, where they can be inhaled by people and animals. According to the Mayo Clinic, this can lead to allergic reactions, infections, headaches, lung irritation, and potentially even more serious mold-related illnesses.
The best mold remover for your home
Best Overall Mildew Stain Remover
RMR-86 Instant Mold & Mildew Stain Remover Spray
This highly effective mildew remover can be used on almost all types of surfaces, including brick, grout, vinyl, ceramic and wood. It penetrates deep into the surface to reach tough stains and takes just 15 seconds to work. Best of all, it requires no rubbing. Just spray it on and watch the stains fade away.
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Best Biodegradable Mold Stain Remover
Wet and Forget Moss Mildew and Algae Stain Remover
A great choice for outdoor use, Wet and Forget is both a stain remover and preventative treatment that can be used on your roof, walls, carpets, windows and patio furniture. It is a concentrate that you mix with water, making it an economical option. The downside is that it can take several months to show results.
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The best stain remover for mold in the bathroom
Krud Kutter Mold and Mildew Stain Remover
Krud Kutter Mold and Mildew Stain Remover is a non-toxic, water-based formula that gets the job done in about five minutes and leaves a pleasant floral scent afterward. Since it removes stains without using harsh chemicals, it’s a smart choice for poorly ventilated bathrooms and food preparation areas.
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Best Foaming Mold Remover
CLR Mold and Mildew Clear
Thanks to its foaming action, this product is particularly effective against old and stubborn mold stains, although it sometimes requires a second application to completely eliminate them. Just spray it on, let it sit for about 10 minutes and wipe it off. It can be used on a variety of surfaces and meets the US Environmental Protection Agency’s safer product standards.
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Best mildew remover on hard and soft surfaces
Star Brite Mildew Stain Remover
Whether you need to remove mildew from upholstery or hard, non-porous surfaces, Star Brite Mildew Remover is ready to help. Thanks to its chelating agents and surfactants, it can remove old stains and cut grease, but it is best suited to well-ventilated areas because it contains buffered bleach.
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Best Exterior Mold Remover
Moldex Mold, Mildew & Algae Stain Remover
Moldex can help you remove mold stains from your deck, roof, awnings and other large interior or exterior surfaces. It attaches to a hose for easy application, and a single bottle covers up to 4,000 square feet, so you get what you pay for. It is safe for fabric color and will not harm your plants either.
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Best Stain Remover for Ceramic, Tile & Grout
Mold Armor Mold and Mildew Remover with Quick Stain Remover
As a bleach-based formula, Mold Armor can kill most types of household bacteria, making it a suitable all-purpose cleaner for bathrooms and other hard, non-porous surfaces around the home. It’s fast-acting, taking care of most germs, fungi and bacteria in less than a minute, and also inhibits mold growth for up to two months after each application.
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Best anti-mold for hard-to-reach surfaces
Concrobium Mold Control
Concrobium won’t help you get rid of old mold stains, but it can help prevent future ones. It’s a VOC-free spray that gets deep into cracks, crevices and other hard-to-reach areas, like under sinks and behind furniture. It eliminates musty odors and destroys mold spores at their roots. You can use it on hard surfaces including tile, drywall, wood and fabrics.
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Brett Dvoretz written for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their buying decisions, saving them time and money.
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