The 8 Best Mold Removers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed - Real Simple

Mold is never a welcome house guest, though it has a tendency to creep up in showers, tubs, and other areas where moisture is present. Not only is it an unpleasant look for tile and grout, but it can also trigger allergies and respiratory issues if left unchecked. The good news is that there are many mold removers on the market that can get rid of mold quickly and even prevent it from growing back—but how do you know which one to choose for your mold-fighting needs?

To find the best mold removers, we tested them in our own homes. While some of the most powerful ones on our list do include bleach, we tested and found success with bleach-free options, too. For even more recommendations, we perused online reviews of products not included in testing and consulted Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean, for expert insight on what to consider when purchasing the best mold removers for your cleaning needs.

Our Top Picks

PHOTO:

Walgreens

What Stands Out

What Could Be Improved

You've got to love a cleaning product that does much of the work for you, which is exactly what Clorox Tilex does. The product promises to clean 99.9% of mold and mildew without having to scrub. As such, it is a heavy-duty spray, so we first did a spot test by spraying it on a small section of shower grout. We saw the stains lifting within just a few minutes, even though the instructions say to let the Clorox sit for 10 minutes on porous surfaces like grout (and five minutes for non-porous surfaces). After the spot test, we used it on the whole shower and found it continued to erase stains and lightened the grout quite effectively.

Make no mistake—Clorox is a strong cleanser with the pungent odor of bleach to prove it. When deep cleaning your bathroom or another part of your space, please be sure to ventilate the area and wear a face mask or goggles if you are especially sensitive. The spray bottle was quite easy to use and dispense the product over large areas of tile; it features "smart tube technology" so that you can get every drop out of the generous 32-ounce bottle. 

Application Type: Spray | Size: 32 ounces | Recommended Surfaces: Glazed and unglazed ceramic tile, grout, vinyl, fiberglass, and plastic

• Real Simple / Eric Brockob

• Real Simple / Eric Brockob

PHOTO:

Amazon

What Stands Out

What Could Be Improved

While other cleaners might require some scrubbing, or for you to at least let it sit for a bit before you can see the results, RMR-86 claims to remove mold and mildew stains in 15 seconds. The liquid is compatible with a wide variety of surfaces, including wood, lumber, plastic, PVC, concrete, stucco, stone, brick, vinyl, drywall, and fiberglass. 

This easy-to-use formula comes in a spray bottle with two options—one for a light spray and one for a more direct stream, depending on the nature and location of the mold and mildew stains. The stream spray is indeed powerful enough to cover hard-to-reach areas. We were able to stand in the corner of our bathroom and spray the ceiling of the shower where mold spots tend to form. Not only was it effective, but it also made for a much quicker and easier cleaning session.

The smell can be quite powerful—it is a contractor-grade formula, after all— so be sure to ventilate the area. The manufacturer also recommends using PPE, so it's recommended that you have a face mask, gloves, and/or goggles on hand if you plan to use RMR-86. 

Application Type: Spray | Size: 32 ounces | Recommended Surfaces: Decks, wood, vinyl siding, drywall, concrete floors, brick walls, kitchen surfaces

• Real Simple / Eric Brockob

• Real Simple / Eric Brockob

PHOTO:

Amazon

What Stands Out

What Could Be Improved

Prevention is the best way to combat mold, which is why Mold Armor Mold Blocker made our list. The spray formula is easy to use, but it doesn't go easy on mold; in fact, the product promises to block the return of mold for up to three months. The "fresh and green" formula relies on the strength of ammonium chloride rather than bleach, which is good news for those who want to keep a bleach-free household. 

Mold Armor is safe to use indoors and outdoors on both hard and soft surfaces, including tubs, tile, showers, linens, fabrics, clothes, carpets, bedding, and upholstery. We tested the mold blocker in a shower that struggles to remain mold free, and it's going well so far. That said, the initial testing period was only two weeks. We haven't noticed any grime or buildup so far and will check in at a later time to confirm it remained that way.

Application Type: Spray | Size: 32 ounces | Recommended Surfaces: Hard, non-porous, non-food contact surfaces

• Real Simple / Eric Brockob

• Real Simple / Eric Brockob

PHOTO:

Amazon

What Stands Out

What Could Be Improved

We liked the foam spray formula of CLR Mold & Mildew Remover because it made it much easier to detect surface coverage during cleaning. It doesn't contain bleach, so there's no strong odor, which we also appreciated. 

CLR is an effective multipurpose mold remover that can be sprayed on a variety of surfaces including walls, floors (even hardwood), tile, glass, metal, brick, concrete, boat cushions, and outdoor furniture. It's safe for fabrics and even marble and laminate countertops. Just note that whenever you use a product like this, it's important to do a spot test first. 

After letting the product soak into the grout for about 10 minutes, we saw it lift some, though not all, of the mildew stains. Due to the targeted spray sprout, it might take additional sprays to get the right coverage. The grout stains were gone with a bit of scrubbing and additional application of the product, so while effective, you might prefer a formula that removes the need for some elbow grease. 

Application Type: Foam spray | Size: 32 ounces | Recommended Surfaces: Showers, floors, tile, furniture, glass, grout, boat

• Real Simple / Eric Brockob

• Real Simple / Eric Brockob

PHOTO:

Walmart

What Stands Out

• The effective formula kills up to 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, all while leaving behind a fresh, clean scent.

What Could Be Improved

If the name of this product sounds a bit intimidating, it's the mold and mildew that should be worried, not you. This powerful spray formula can clean, disinfect, sanitize, and deodorize in addition to stopping mold and mildew in its tracks. It eliminates 99.9% of bacteria and viruses for 24 hours, but it continues to work and prevents the regrowth of mold and mildew for up to seven days. 

Microban comes in either a citrus or fresh scent, so although this is an effective formula, it does not leave behind the chemical odor that some of the stronger mold and mildew removers do. Still, you'll want to ventilate the area for your safety, as the product does contain strong ingredients.

Application Type: Spray | Size: 22 ounces | Recommended Surfaces: Stone, shower, toilet, sink, tile

PHOTO:

Amazon

What Stands Out

What Could Be Improved

The aptly named Total Solutions Lemocide indeed solves multiple problems. Not only does it kill off mold, but it also disinfects and deodorizes surfaces. The product is great for walls, but you could also use the concentrated formula on other surfaces including floors, bathrooms, and other spots that need a long-lasting defense against mold.

Don't be fooled by the lemon scent of this product: The triple-action formula banishes black mold and takes on over a dozen different bacteria and viruses—everything from herpes to E. coli to influenza. As powerful as it is, it's safe enough to be used on surfaces in schools, offices, hospitals, food service areas, and, of course, your home. 

Application Type: Concentrate | Size: 8 pounds | Recommended Surfaces: Bathrooms, floors, walls, etc.

PHOTO:

Amazon

What Stands Out

What Could Be Improved

If you thought the only way to restore grout and caulk was to redo or remove it, try Skylarlife Mold & Mildew Stain Cleaner Remover Gel. The thick formula applies much like a bead of caulking or sealant would, and there's no scrubbing involved. You will, however, have to wait a while—the manufacturer suggests waiting six to eight hours before wiping or rinsing. Still, if you've got the patience, you'll notice that the grout or sealant will look as white and clean as the day it was first applied.

The gel clings easily to surfaces and is perfect for sinks, showers, tubs, pools, and any other place where the caulking or grout needs a refresh. Just be sure to use it only on white surfaces because it will cause discoloration on anything else.

Application Type: Gel | Size: 500 milliliters | Recommended Surfaces: White grout and silicone caulk in the sink, kitchen, showers, bathroom, etc.

• Real Simple / Eric Brockob