Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations.

If you choose links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Keep your surfaces clean and safe.

A bottle of Clorox Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover on a counter with cleaning gloves and scrub brush

Photo:Real Simple

It contains bleach, so it may not be suitable for those with sensitivities.

Bathroomsshowers in particularare notorious for housing all kinds of mold due to its damp and dark environment.

We also appreciate that it gets rid of stains, soap scum, and other unsightly buildup.

Clorox Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover Spray

PHOTO: Walgreens

Youll need protective equipment to use this product.

For a fast-acting cleaner with quick results, we recommend the RMR-86 Instant Mold Stain and Mildew Stain Remover.

(This is especially important when working in a small space.)

A bottle of Clorox Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover on a counter with cleaning gloves and scrub brush

PHOTO: Real Simple

It has a strong scent.

As a bonus, it also kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses to keep all surfaces disinfected.

Best Eco-Friendly

CLR Mold & Mildew Stain Remover

Its made with natural ingredients.

A hand spraying the Clorox Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover onto a counter

It has a long sit time and may not work on severe mold.

Mold removers are usually made with harsh ingredients to effectively combat this equally harsh issue.

However, depending on the severity of the mold and your sensitivities, these chemicals can be harmful.

A bottle of Clorox Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover on a counter with cleaning gloves and scrub brush

If youre looking for an eco-friendly mold remover, we recommend the CLR Mold & Mildew Remover.

We appreciate the foaming spray formula that helps prevent splash-back while maximizing contact time on a surface.

It may require more than one utility.

A hand spraying the Clorox Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover onto a counter

For severe cases, you may need two applications, which can total up to 16 hours.

Meanwhile, other formulas might be more efficient for non-porous surfaces, he says.

The mold present is already lowering your indoor air quality and causing unwanted exposure, he says.

Amazon RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover

PHOTO: Amazon

The last thing you want to do is add chemicals and other pollutants into the mix.

However, if you do decide to use chemical cleaners, proper ventilation and PPE is a must.

Its also important to note that some ingredients effectiveness can depend on the surface on which its applied.

A hand spraying the RMR-86 Instant Mold Stain and Mildew Stain Remover onto a counter

PHOTO: Real Simple

For example, bleach can kill mold but only on non-porous surfaces and onlycertain strains of mold.

In fact, there are three categories of surfaces, each one requiring specific products and cleaning techniques.

Mold remover products can be quite harsh for humans and even more so for pets.

A bottle of RMR-86 Instant Mold Stain and Mildew Stain Remover sitting on a counter with rubber gloves and scrub brush

These products typically do not lead to unwanted exposures, he says.

Regardless of the product, always ensure to check with the manufacturer and their safety standards.

Can you use mold remover on mildew or do I need to buy something separate?

A hand spraying the RMR-86 Instant Mold Stain and Mildew Stain Remover onto a counter

Since they are one and the same, most mold removers can also get rid of mildew.

The term mildew basically refers to mold growth thats light in color and powdery in texture.

Is there anything else I need so you can clean mold?

A bottle of RMR-86 Instant Mold Stain and Mildew Stain Remover sitting on a counter with rubber gloves and scrub brush

Cleaning mold is not exactly like cleaning up other household grime and dirt.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written byL.

Daniela Alvarez, contributing writer forReal Simplewith nearly three years of experience writing about lifestyle content and product reviews.

Amazon Mold Armor Mold Blocker

PHOTO: Amazon

To compile this list, she spent hours researching mold removers.

A person sprays Home Armor Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover onto a countertop

PHOTO: Real Simple

A bottle of Home Armor Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover

A person sprays Home Armor Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover onto a countertop

A bottle of Home Armor Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover

Amazon CLR Mold & Mildew Stain Remover

PHOTO: Amazon

A hand spraying the CLR Mold & Mildew Stain Remover onto a counter

PHOTO: Real Simple

A bottle of CLR Mold & Mildew Stain Remover on a counter with cleaning gloves and scrub brush

A hand spraying the CLR Mold & Mildew Stain Remover onto a counter

A bottle of CLR Mold & Mildew Stain Remover on a counter with cleaning gloves and scrub brush

Skylarlife Mold & Mildew Stain Cleaner Remover Gel

PHOTO: Amazon

A person squeezes Skylarlife Mold & Mildew Stain Cleaner Remover Gel onto a countertop

A tube of Skylarlife Mold & Mildew Stain Cleaner Remover Gel on a counter with cleaning gloves and scrub brush

A person squeezes Skylarlife Mold & Mildew Stain Cleaner Remover Gel onto a countertop

A tube of Skylarlife Mold & Mildew Stain Cleaner Remover Gel on a counter with cleaning gloves and scrub brush