Best Shower Mildew Cleaner

You’re frustrated that you have mold in your bathroom. You’ve cleaned it regularly. You run the bathroom ventilator. So what gives? You’re not necessarily doing anything wrong. Mold just has a special love for water and humidity.

Having a bathroom with no windows is a major plus for mold to invite its way in. But so does frequently running water and not drying your tiles each time you get out of the shower. While the best shower mildew cleaner may not be something you particularly want to buy, considering you didn’t want mold in the first place, just like any other multipurpose or bathroom cleaner, have it on hand. You may not use it more than once a year, if that, but if you start to see mold in your bathroom, it’s better to get a handle on it before it becomes a bigger problem.

Having mildew sprays or mold spray under your bathroom sink or in your collection of kitchen cleaner is a much better alternative than having black mold in the shower later. Check out these 10 suggested options below.

Best Shower Mildew Cleaners

1. X-14 Mildew Stain Remover

This stain remover provides a deep clean, and it should work without having to do the kind of scrubbing that leaves your knees and hands sore. In fact, it ideally should work without scrubbing altogether.

Key Features

• 32 ounces
• Use on grout, tile, vinyl, plastic surfaces
• May arrive in plastic covering for added protection

This product should definitely be used in a well-ventilated room. While it is powerful enough to spray and walk away, you want to make sure you’re not over-spraying it or spraying it in areas that cannot be properly ventilated. If so, use fans and windows to air your place out.

Pros

• Non-aerosol trigger
• Keeps mildew stains away for up to two weeks

Cons

• Described as having a “strong bleach smell” or smelling “like a YMCA bathroom”
• Several users complained that the spray valves didn’t work or bottle was defective

Because the smell is stronger than other cleaners, it’s advisable to wear gloves and maybe a mask to avoid inhaling it while cleaning.

2. RMR-86 Instant

This mildew stain remover should provide deep cleaning without excessive scrubbing, which will save some time from your cleaning day.

Key Features

• 32 ounces
• Non-aerosol trigger
• Estimated to take approximately five to 10 minutes to remove mildew completely

This shower mildew cleaner can be used on tile, as well as grout, vinyl or plastic surfaces in your home or business.

Pros

• Removes mildew stains faster
• Should mildew stains away for up to two weeks

Cons

• One user described it as “just a bleach product” as opposed to its intended purpose of removing mildew
• Several users reported the sprayer or the bottle were defective; test carefully and immediately

In addition to keeping your bathroom clean, you can also clean mildew stains off of outdoor furniture, decks, fences or boats.

3. MMR Combo Pack

This mold/mildew disinfectant combo pack should be able to protect your home from stubborn stains.

Key Features

• One gallon instant mold/mildew stain remover
• Two ounces of concentrate (makes one gallon)
• Treats 175–250 square feet

This disinfectant works on tile, grout, wood, lumber, concrete, stucco, composite decking, vinyl siding, tubs and showers. This EPA-registered product can be used instantly and is ready for action as soon as you open the bottle.

Pros

• Advertised to remove mildew and mold in seconds
• Professional strength

Cons

• Will need eye protection due to its strength, according to one reviewer
• Strong scent so may need to open windows or use in airy location (if possible)

This product is registered for use in hospitals and schools, along with households.

4. 2 X 3M Marine

Whether you’re cleaning your tub, toilet or boat, this stain remover is made to fight mildew off of surfaces like these.

Key Features

• Can be used on vinyl
• 9 ounces
• Two-pack

As with any cleaner that promises no need to scrub, it may come down to when the last time it was cleaned at all. For regular maintenance on a new or gently used product, scrubbing may be unnecessary. However, there may need to be a bit of pressure for this product on platforms that have not been regularly cleaned.

Pros

• Removes dark mildew stains and soil
• Does not need to be scrubbed

Cons

• Not evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• One user reported that the product does not kill mold

Although it’s not required, it is suggested by the manufacturer to use 3M marine mildew block for long-lasting protection, and to clean and renew surfaces.

5. Zep

If you want to be able to remove mildew easily and quickly, just spray this one, wait one minute and then wipe off.

Key Features

• 32 ounces (one bottle)
• Comes in various packs (one-pack, two-pack, four-pack, 12-pack)
• Safe to use on grout, tile, fiberglass

As with other mildew and stain removers, make sure to aim directly on these problem areas. You will not need it in areas that do not have these concerns to avoid surface damage. Avoid use of this product on metal, drywall, vinyl, chrome and/or laminate-painted surfaces.

Pros

• Whitens surfaces
• Made one user’s patio chairs look “like new”

Cons

• May cause reaction to individuals with sensitive skin or breathing problems
• Can discolor carpet and clothing; avoid putting it in an area where it can spill or damage material

If you’re an eco-friendly consumer, just know that this product (because of how powerful the ingredients are) should not be recycled after use, even after it has been emptied.

6. Skylarlife Home

Whether tiles are black and molded or new and just need extra cleaning, this product is meant to make all bathrooms look as new as they possibly can.

Key Features

• Concentrated gel texture
• Silicone sealant (around sinks, windows, baths)
• Can be used on pools and shower heads

Although the results may take longer than other formulas, it also cleans up more effectively because the ingredients work for a longer time span.

Pros

• Mold should disappear in a few hours
• No scrubbing required

Cons

• Does not flow into vertical and inclined surface
• Requires waiting six to eight hours unlike other cleaners that work within minutes

This non-destructive product is ready to use, and you can skip all the mixing, too.

7. Earthworm® 

If you’re looking for a product that cleans your bathroom without posing an immediate risk to children and pets, this environmentally friendly version may be the one you need.

Key Features

• 22-ounce bottles
• One-pack or six-pack
• Family-safe stain treatment

Allow five to eight minutes for the mold and mildew stain treatment to work. Make sure to shake well before use and spray surface to be cleaned. Remaining enzymes should work long after the more visible ones have been washed and/or wiped off.

Pros

• Free of fragrances
• Includes natural enzymes

Cons

• Eco-friendly ingredients are not evaluated by the FDA
• One user reported that it didn’t work and mold was found on the inside of the bottle

Although the ingredients in this cleaner are more eco-friendly than others, it is still dangerous if exposed to the eyes.

8. Rust-Oleum 60118

Whether you want to use it for a major mold and mildew removal job or to prevent these issues, plus soap scum, from weekly use around bathroom or shower stalls.

Key Features

• 32 ounces
• Fast-acting cleaner with bleach power
• Cleans soap scum on fiberglass, tile, grout, vinyl, plastic

This product removes tough mold and mildew stains on drywall and wood prior to painting. Use it in your bathroom and for your latest do-it-yourself project.

Pros

• Works on all hard surfaces
• No scrubbing required

Cons

• Described as “nothing more than bleach”
• One user said it didn’t remove “90% of the stain”

This easy-to-use concentrate also cleans roofs fast. It also removes ugly black streaks, dirt and mildew stains from outside areas (i.e. roofs, shingles, underside of eaves and cornices).

9. North Woods Skidew

This mold and mildew remover takes away stains from caulking, showers and walls.

Key Features

• Extra strength
• Stain-fighting formula
• Can take off mold from outdoor products that are exposed to moisture (i.e. water hose)

This remover combination will get rid of tough, black stains in your shower, basement walls, canvas, refrigerator, and any other damp areas.

Pros

• No scrubbing needed
• Ends mold odors

Cons

• Harmful vapors
• Causes burns

You should wear protective glasses, gloves, clothing and facial protection. Because of how powerful it is, wash any exposed skin that comes in contact with it.

10. Tilex

This Tilex mold and mildew cleaning product can be used on a variety of surfaces, but keep in mind that you should not use it on any spot that you wouldn’t use bleach on its own anyway.

Key Features

• 32 ounces
• Smart tube technology
• Contains bleach

Of course, a product with bleach in it already could do all the cleaning you may need, but this product focuses on getting rid of ugly stains that may be taking away from your bathroom’s aesthetics.

Pros

• Kills 99.9 percent of common household germs
• Can be used to treat hard surfaces

Cons

• Causes substantial but temporary eye damage if accidentally sprayed
• Not ideal to be used with other cleaning products (i.e. toilet bowl cleaners, vinegar, acid, ammonia)

One user described this product combination as removing “the root” of mildew to hopefully never come back.

Bottom Line

In one review above, you’ll notice that a user recommends that the product works well on “almost new” or reasonably used items. No-scrub ingredients can work on quite a few products, but be patient if using this kind of product for the very first time.

Mold and mildew may be more difficult to remove on a surface that has never been cleaned at all versus one that has been exposed to spray before. Oftentimes, the mold and mildew spray continues to work long after the spray has been sprayed, hung around for a while, and then wiped off.

Think of it like hairspray. Even if your hair sweats out a bit of it, the hairspray doesn’t just disappear on your head. And just as you would with hairspray, avoid piling it on without a good cleaning first. Some product instructions will say they work within a few minutes while others take hours or require overnight waiting. Know ahead of time which time frame works the best for you.

If you need immediate results, go for products promoting instant fixes. But quicker isn’t always better. Additionally, properly prepare for how your children, pets and you (if you have breathing or skin concerns) will react to strong scents and ingredients. With the 10 options above, hopefully you can find the most ideal cleaner for your needs.

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