After 60+ hours of research & testing, we’re comfortable recommending the RMR-86 Instant Mold & Mildew Stain Remover as the best mold killer for your dollar due to its’ effectiveness, versatility and ease of use. It’s a bit smelly and it’s not one of the cheaper options ($17 versus lower quality options in the $9-12 range), but if you want the BEST, this is it.
This mold killing product is the #1 Best-Selling Mold Killer on Amazon, and with good reason. RMR-86 is a quick and easy-to-use spray, killing mold right before your eyes. The product is extraordinarily strong, so it’s important to use it with caution. However, if you have a pesky mold problem that you just can’t seem to fix, RMR-86 will surely do so for you. A lot of mold killers don’t do anything but make the mold slightly duller. Others will successfully remove the mold, only for you to find the mold again a few days later. It’s frustrating and annoying; you may feel like there’s no hope for your moldy shower… But, don’t worry, RMR-86 will make the mold completely disappear and leave the area sparkling. The product video for RMR-86 showcases results that are practically magic. All you have to do is spray the moldy area, wait a few seconds, and BAM — the mold is gone! It may be hard to believe, but RMR-86 really works as advertised. Whether you’re trying to remove mold from your ceiling, walls, shower, or bathroom tiles, RMR-86 will get the job done. You can use it inside or outside — on pretty much any moldy area you can find. Best of all, you don’t have to deal with hard scrubbing. Just wipe or rinse the area after spraying and you’ll be done! If you can wait a few hours, you won’t even have to do that. Just leave the area saturated with the spray, and when you come back, there will be nothing left but a clean, bleach scent.
Keep in mind that RMR-86 is a seriously heavy-duty cleaner and you should use it carefully and as directed. The smell of the spray is a bit overwhelming and can burn your eyes and nose. That being said, it’s extremely important that you use it in a well-ventilated area and wear a coat, mask, pair of goggles, and gloves for your protection. The smell is very strong, so don’t underestimate its potency. Do not forget to read the instructions!
It’s rare that RMR-86 doesn’t work, but it is a possibility. Sometimes the mold is just too strong for a household cleaning spray. If you have been struggling with a mold problem in your rental property for a long time, you may need to seek professional help. RMR-86 is a bit more expensive than your average mold killer, at $20 a bottle (32 oz), but it’s worth it for the incredible, long-lasting results. Plus, it’s definitely better than spending double or triple the price on hospital-grade cleaners or foggers. For the most part, RMR-86 is a miracle product. If you’re frustrated with all the constant scrubbing and spraying, RMR-86 will finally put you at ease. Read More >
Home Armor’s “Mold Armor” is up the same alley as RMR-86, with instant mold removal that features 2 times the strength of the regular Mold Armor product. This basic trigger spray bottle is super easy to use and works wonders in a ventilated area. It is definitely a great product for the upkeep of your rental property’s bathroom. Spraying it upon noticing any trace of mold is a sure-fire way of maintaining a bright and clean space. This product also requires no hard scrubbing on your part — just spray and wait. It instantly removes stains from mold and mildew, along with the unpleasant odor.
Mold Armor is perfect for grout, tile, toilets, tubs, shower doors, fiberglass, sinks, counters, and vinyl shower curtains. Just make sure you don’t spray it all at once. It’s important that you cover all parts of the infected area, but the fumes from the chemicals can be very harmful. This is also why you should always carefully read products’ instructions and wear protective gear. Although, you can be sure that the mold will be gone and the place will be spotless. If you have mold that’s caked onto your walls or ceiling, and it just doesn’t come out no matter what you use, Mold Armor will take care of it. The fumes can be unbearable, but the results can be worth it all in the end.
Note that this is not going to remove deeply embedded mold patches or mold and mildew that are rotting through your walls. These kinds of products work mainly on the surface, and if you catch the mold early enough, you may be able to prevent it from coming back. You should keep a product like this on hand for combatting small and sudden outbursts of mold in certain spaces. It’s also worth mentioning that you may need a separate product to make grout and tile whiter and brighter, depending on the level of mold. Read More >
For just about 8 bucks you can purchase the reliable Clorox-brand mold killer and clean your rental today. Tilex is readily accessible, and you can buy it any of your local grocery, drug, or home improvement stores without having to wait for delivery. That means, if you have a time-sensitive maintenance request or health hazard in your rental, you can take care of it right there and then. Not only is Tilex cheap and convenient, it’s also extremely efficient. Tilex is a great product to keep in your cleaning cabinet; any sight of mold and a few sprays should do the trick. Just wipe the area down with a paper towel and rinse it off — everything should be squeaky clean in about 20 minutes.
This stuff is strong and can remove mold and mildew that’s been persisting for years. However, if you have heavy layers of mold building up in your property, Tilex may not be able to remove all of it. You may have to apply it more than once or continue to spray it regularly. (Spraying areas like the shower every week or so will help keep mold out.) Otherwise, professional cleaning services are probably your answer.
Tilex also has an intense bleach smell, so it’s recommended that you use it in an area that’s well-ventilated. You should also wear protective gear. If you’re dealing with multiple areas in a larger property, consider buying more than one bottle of Tilex — it’s easy to run out of. Tilex works best in bathrooms and for tile grout, so you may need some extra firepower when killing mold in other areas. Although, you don’t know how white your bathroom can be until you use Tilex. Just beware of the intense Clorox bleach scent. Read More >
Mold killers that come in the form of foggers in aerosol cans can be extremely helpful if used correctly. In hard-to-reach spaces, the Mold Bomb Fogger can be a life-saver. This kind of product is most useful in attics, basements, crawl spaces, closets, vents, ducts, and any other compact places. Mold Bomb Fogger can help remove the musty odor lingering in these tight areas and prevent mold from growing or persisting. The Mold Bomb Fogger is pretty expensive with a ticket price of almost $50, but the product can really make a difference in your enclosed space.
Keep in mind that the can of Mold Bomb is pretty small, so you’re not going to be able to cover such a large area. You’re also going to have to leave the space alone for at least a day to let the spray settle and work its magic. Using a fogger is one of the best ways to get rid of that awful, lingering mold smell. This product is highly flammable, so make sure to cut off your electricity and unplug all appliances and electronic devices before using it. You don’t want to end up causing a fire when you already have a mold problem. As always, wear proper protection when applying the spray and allow ample time for it to air out. Read More >
Concrobium is a highly popular brand of mold killers and is trusted by homeowners everywhere. If you don’t want to spend 50 bucks on the Mold Bomb Fogger, you can save your cash and purchase the Concrobium Mold Control aerosol can. This product is great for small problem areas like patches of mold under the sink, in the basement, in air ducts, in vents, and in bathroom walls. The can is pretty small, so the product runs out fast if you’re trying to cover a larger area, but it’s really only meant to help with surface mold in smaller spaces.
Concrobium works well, is easy to use, and doesn’t have a strong smell. However, the moldy scent may come back a few days after application. Remember that even though this product comes in an aerosol can, it’s not a traditional fogger. You’ll have to do all the spraying yourself — you can’t just press the button and let the spray fog up the room. For a heavy-duty spray, try the Mold Bomb Fogger mentioned above. Read More >
To maintain your indoor air quality and prevent mold from forming, use the Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag. This is one of the easiest ways to keep small spaces fresh, dry, and odor-free. The Moso Bag is a stitched, linen bag with bamboo charcoal sealed inside. It’s a pretty small bag, so it fits perfectly in closets, bathrooms, and pet areas. You can purchase a few and place them strategically throughout your property, helping to prevent mold, mildew, and bacteria from forming by absorbing excess moisture.
Not only that, but the Moso Bag absorbs all kinds of odors — not just those that come from mold. So, no matter what smells seem to linger, this product will get rid of them. This is a great preventative measure for any rental property, especially if it’s pet-friendly. The Moso Bag isn’t direct mold killer, but it can prevent small patches of mold from spreading and new mold from growing. Read More >
When narrowing down the list of the best mold killers, we looked for products that were effective and affordable. If you’re going to be dealing with the mold issue yourself, you’re going to want to choose a household spray that is simple, straightforward, and strong. Working with potent, professional-grade mold killers can be extremely dangerous if you do not have the proper expertise. Many mold killers contain some toxic chemicals that can affect your health, so you should stick to a product that’s made for everyday use. If you have to bring out the big guns, talk to a professional who works at a mold and water damage remediation company.
Our top pick, RMR-86, combines affordability with efficiency, making it the best mold killer for most people. This stuff works like magic, killing mold in seconds, right before your eyes. It kills all of the mold and leaves the area bright and clean, requiring no hard scrubbing on your part. All you have to do is spray. RMR-86 is simple and powerful, making that $20 price tag totally worth it. You want to be able to remove mold fast without having to work too hard, and that’s exactly what this product gives you. Just always remember to wear the proper protective gear to avoid any health issues.
Even though these products are non-toxic and safe for household use, the fumes can really affect people. Products that claim to be more natural and less harmful usually aren’t, and simply don’t do the trick. Of course, it all depends on the mold problem you have. Simple, surface layers of mold can get out with Tilex, which you can easily buy at your local grocery store. Patches of mold in enclosed spaces like attics and basements can be resolved with the heavy-duty Mold Bomb Fogger. If indoor air quality is the main issue, then a product like the Moso Purifying Bag will help maintain your property in good condition.
Mold is a serious environmental hazard that drastically affects your property’s conditions and your tenants’ wellbeing. There are many different types of mold, including common, pesky types like stachybotrys, penicillium, aspergillus, paecilomyces, and fusarium. These dangerous molds are usually black, white, green, or gray. The textures can vary — some being smooth and shiny, and others being rough or “fuzzy.” Certain kinds of mold have a repulsive odor, and others don’t smell like anything. No matter what the mold looks or smell like, it’s still an annoying issue to have in a rental unit.
Most of the time, mold grows in hard-to-reach places, making it extra difficult to remove. To clean mold, you usually have to get down and dirty and do some hard scrubbing. Mold tends to form in materials that trap moisture, like wall paneling, paint, fabric, ceiling tiles, newspapers, or cardboard boxes. Any porous surfaces are also prone to mold. The humid environment is perfect for mold to grow and thrive. They can also be pretty persistent, coming back no matter how many times you spray or scrub. This is why it’s so important to choose the right mold killer and get rid of it for good.
Some kinds of mold can be hazardous to one’s health, so you may be liable if a tenant inhales toxic mold spores. Symptoms can include:
Mold, and the reduced indoor air quality that comes with it, can also affect pets’ health. Make your tenants aware of this potential hazard. Symptoms of a mold allergy in dogs include:
There is also the chance that mold will cause structural damage to your home, which can be a huge hazard for tenants living there. Mold that causes your home’s walls, roof, or floor to cave in and weaken can cost you a pretty penny in the future. You have to make sure to kill mold as soon as you notice its growth.
Thankfully, most mold isn’t harmful — it’s just plain annoying. But, regardless, you should always aim to remove the mold as soon as possible. It’s hard to tell the difference between harmful and harmless mold, so always proceed with caution and take the proper preventative measures.
Landlord responsibilities for mold are not explicitly outlined in building codes, ordinances, statutes, or regulations. However, landlords can still be held accountable for mold problems, even if the law isn’t mold-specific. Only a few states, including California, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, and Texas, and a few cities, including New York and San Francisco, have regulations for mold and indoor air quality. You should check your state laws and the EPA website for any mold standards or guidelines.
Remember that it is a landlord’s responsibility to provide a habitable living space to their tenants. Depending on the situation, if mold is present in the rental, the tenant may be able to withhold rent or file a lawsuit. For instance, if you fail to repair a leak and mold begins to grow in the soaked area, any health problem caused by it would be your fault. Some landlords choose to include a mold clause in their lease that relieves them from any liability related to mold growth. A smart landlord will work to prevent mold from growing and inform their tenants of the hazard. If your tenant notices mold, make sure to act on it immediately and use an effective mold cleaner. Improving your indoor air quality and maintaining it, with products like the Moso Bag, will ensure that your property is always in the best condition. If you take the right steps now, you can avoid having to pay for mold remediation services.
Besides using the products listed here, you can prevent mold in your rental property by taking a few, simple precautions.
The best product to kill mold is the RMR-86 Instant Mold, Stain & Mildew Stain Remover. The product is EPA-registered and promises to solve your mold problems in less than a minute. The RMR-86 dissolves mold and stains in only just a few seconds, making it the best product for all-around usage.
Distilled white vinegar is better at killing mold. While products like bleach may kill mold on the surface, only vinegar can kill the mold beneath the surface. Vinegar goes beneath the surface as it soaks, killing any mold that can be found in the material.
Vinegar, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide all kill black mold naturally. Distilled white vinegar works wonders on killing black mold naturally. If you don’t have vinegar, baking soda works just as well. Barring those two, you can also use hydrogen peroxide, which kills black mold instantly.
Yes, mold bombs really do work, though you need to make sure that the mold bomb you’re using is proven to be safe to use around furniture, electronics, and vice versa.
Mold bombs, chemical fumigation devices that spread throughout one area, are best used for mold in hard-to-reach places. Just be careful the bomb you’ve chosen works well for the area you’ll be using it in.
To get rid of toxic black mold, you first need to wear a protective face mask to keep yourself from inhaling the mold. After that, you need to choose your product of choice to kill the black mold, whether that be hydrogen peroxide or distilled white vinegar.
Find the area infected with black mold and use the product in the area. If the mold is in a hard-to-reach place, you may need to use something like a fogger to reach the mold.
Yes, you can clean up mold yourself. But there are a few precautions that you must take. First, you must wear a face mask and gloves. Black mold can be toxic, so you need to avoid getting any on you.
If the black mold has gotten into hard-to-reach areas or has spread around the whole house, the chances of needing professional help go up.
Yes, mold foggers do work, though they probably shouldn’t be your first choice when it comes to killing black mold. If the black mold has spread into a hard-to-reach area, foggers are mandatory. However, if the mold is in an easy-to-reach area, such as the wall or floor, you’re better off using bleach or vinegar.
To kill mold instantly, bleach, distilled white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide work best.. Distilled white vinegar works wonders against black mold and will kill off the mold soon after it’s applied. Bleach also works well against black mold, killing the mold instantly after application, though it won’t kill mold beneath the surface like vinegar can.
Hydrogen peroxide works a bit slower than vinegar, but can still get underneath the surface and clean all the mold.
No spray can prevent mold. The only way you can prevent mold is to keep your house from becoming too humid and damp. Run a dehumidifier in your house, dust regularly, and make sure to replace your insulation frequently. These solutions will keep black mold from forming in your house.
Distilled white vinegar is the best mold and mildew remover. Vinegar not only kills the mold on the surface, but the mold underneath the fabric, wall, etc.
If you’d prefer an easy, made-for-you solution, the RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Remover works wonders, killing mold and mildew within 15 seconds of being sprayed onto the target area.
Yes, vinegar can kill mildew. Along with being able to kill mold, distilled white vinegar can also kill mildew. If the mildew is just starting to grow and there’s not much there, you can dilute the vinegar with water and rub it into the mildew.
If your mildew problem has grown, feel free to use the vinegar without any dilution. But yes, distilled white vinegar can kill mildew just as easily as mold.
To get mildew out of fabric, feel free to use distilled white vinegar or borax. Avoid bleach, it can harm and/or discolor the fabric. Once you rub or spray your chosen cleaning product into the fabric, you’ll need to wash said fabric at the highest temperature possible.
Once done, let the fabric dry. Don’t throw the fabric in the dryer. After that process, all the mildew should be out of the fabric.
The best mold killer for wood is white distilled vinegar. Bleach works in this situation too, though bleach can only get so far down into the wood before becoming ineffective. Distilled white vinegar can be absorbed through the wood, killing the mold that resides in the wood.
The best mold killer for drywall is bleach or vinegar depending on the severity of the mold. If your mold situation is only surface-level, bleach diluted with water will work just fine to get rid of the mold. If the mold has gotten deeper into the wall, you’ll need to either use undiluted white vinegar or get professional help.
The best over the counter mold killer is the RMR-86. The RMR-86 promises to kill mold and mildew, and it keeps its promise. The RMR-86 works on a variety of surfaces, such as drywall, concrete, grout and tiling. Using it is simple as well, only requiring you to spray the affected area. Once done, the mold and mildew should be gone in only a few seconds.
The best mold killer for your carpet is either distilled white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Both of these won’t stain the fabric, making them great choices. Plus, they can be absorbed into the fabric, killing the mold deep inside the carpet.
The Micro Balance EC3 Laundry Additive is made for clothes, but works well on all kinds of fabric, including carpets. Made of natural oils, this mold killer will keep your carpet looking and smelling fresh.
The best mold killer for concrete is bleach. Bleach diluted with water works best for concrete and/or hard surfaces such as hard floors. The bleach will kill the mold and clean the mold stains from the concrete, and the process only takes a few seconds.
The Wet and Forget Outdoor Mold Remover works best for concrete, thanks to its ability to penetrate hard surfaces.
The best mold killer for cars is distilled white vinegar. You’ll want to spray the distilled vinegar in the areas the mold is growing, being careful not to leave any stains. Vinegar won’t stain the interior of your car, saving you from having to clean the car twice.
If your car has a lot of fabric in it, the Micro Balance EC3 will work the best for you. Simply spray this mold killer around your car and wait for the mold to die.
The best mold killer for grout is chlorine bleach. Simply mix one-part bleach and four parts water into a spray bottle and spray any affected area. Once you do that, the mold will wash away in seconds.
Don’t want to mix or mess with chemicals? The Tilex Mold Remover Spray is a great alternative. It is designed to remove mold from tiles and the grout surrounding them. With the Tilex Spray, you can clean and disinfect the grout in one pass.
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