Does Anti-Mold Spray Work? Here’s the Truth

Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Mold is a common problem in homes, growing in places with a lot of moisture, such as window pipes or leaky roofs. Mold is also capable of growing on cardboard, tiles, wood products, carpet, insulation, wallpaper – essentially anywhere – making it a nuisance for homeowners, not to mention a potential health hazard. Luckily, there are several ways to keep mold away, and one of the easiest ways is by using an anti-mold spray.

The best anti-mold sprays remove existing mold, get rid of stains caused by mold, and prevent mold from coming back. Before purchasing an anti-mold spray, it’s important to know what your specific needs are.

Keep reading to learn more about anti-mold sprays, the best anti-mold sprays on the market, different types of mold, health issues caused by mold, and how to prevent mold in your home or office.

Does Anti-Mold Spray Work?

Yes, anti-mold sprays work to get rid of mold, remove stains from surfaces, prevent mold, and eliminate any odors associated with mold and/or mildew. The best way to make sure anti-mold spray will work is to do some research and choose the product that will be best for you and your specific needs.

Here are some things to consider to ensure the anti-mold spray you choose will work best for you:

1. Surface. If you have mold in a specific area, say a wood surface, it will be best to choose a spray that will not only remove mold but restore the wood. But if you’ve noticed mold in several areas and various surfaces in your home, a multi-surface spray will be best to tackle each area that needs attention.
2. Ease of Use. Some anti-mold sprays require mixing with water before use. Some come with an extended hose for spraying larger areas, and others come in a classic spray bottle. Consider your specific location, then choose which application will be most beneficial to you.
3. Odor Remover. Nobody likes a harsh chemical smell, but not all anti-mold sprays leave the area smelling like citrus. Before purchasing an anti-mold spray, consider the lingering aroma. These sprays are formulated to be used indoors, so they don’t pose a danger or health risk, but it is a preference to consider before committing to a product.
4. Stains/Streaks. Most products will advertise that their spray won’t leave stains or streaks. While most probably don’t, it’s not a bad idea to air on the side of caution if you’re getting rid of mold on a large surface. Test a small area to ensure the spray doesn’t leave stains or streaks.

Cleanup and Removal Precautions

While anti-mold sprays make the removal and prevention of mold quick and easy, it’s important to remember that you’re still being exposed to mold, and there are health risks involved. If you have allergies, asthma, or other similar health conditions, you may want to reconsider removing the mold yourself.

If you are planning on removing mold from your home, it’s important that you take some precautions since mold exposure can cause a number of irritations:

• Wear a respiratory – meaning nose and mouth – mask while handling and/or cleaning moldy areas.
• Wear clothing that will protect your skin and can either be washed or thrown away once you’re finished.
• Use gloves and eye protection.
• Be sure to read and follow all the directions on the bottles before you begin cleaning and removing mold.

How Does Anti-Mold Spray Work?

Anti-mold spray is a simple and effective way to get rid of mold and any stains that have been caused by mold. These sprays also work to prevent mold from coming back after application and eliminate odors caused by mold.

Most anti-mold sprays are versatile and can be used on a number of surfaces. This is great if you’ve noticed mold in several different locations within your home. Many of these sprays have been formulated to be used indoors, meaning they won’t cause health or allergen issues during use. However, it’s still important that you read and follow the directions prior to use.

Many anti-mold sprays are bleach-based formulas that will leave surfaces cleaner than ever and go to work within seconds of application. After spraying, rinse away mold and stains. If you’ve purchased an anti-mold spray specifically for the outdoors, many of these sprays work with rain and don’t require an extra step after application.

The Best Anti-Mold Sprays On The Market

The anti-mold spray you choose will ultimately be determined by your specific needs and personal preferences. Whether you need a mold spray formulated for specific areas in the house or for larger areas outdoors, there is definitely a mold spray out there for you. Here is a list of the best anti-mold sprays on the market:

1. RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover

This anti-mold spray is simple to use, spray and wipe, no scrubbing required. RMR-86 works on a number of surfaces including, but not limited to wood, concrete, drywall, siding, tile, fiberglass, and vinyl. This formula is bleach-based, can be used on 200 – 400 square feet per gallon, and can be used indoors or outdoors.

It’s important to note that this is a heavy-duty cleaner and has an aroma to match, so use as directed and take the necessary precautions.

2. Mold Armor Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover

Mold Armor removes mold and mildew, stains caused by mold and mildew, and removes odors. No scrubbing is required and this spray can be used on tile, grout, tubs, toilets, fiberglass, shower doors, vinyl curtains, counters, and sinks.

Be sure to carefully read and follow directions with this product as the chemicals in this product are on the strong side. Also, make sure there is proper ventilation as the fumes are strong.

3. Clorox Tile Mold and Mildew Remover

Clorox Tile Mold remover kills mold and mildew as well as removes stains caused by both. This spray is safe for tile, vinyl, plastic, and grout, making it ideal for bathrooms. This is not to be used on fabric, wood, or paint.

The scent can be a bit on the strong side. So make sure you have plenty of ventilation while using this product.

4. Concrobium Mold Control Aerosol

Concrobium eliminates mold, cleans the area, and gets rid of odors caused by mold. This product contains no bleach or ammonia. Ideal uses include drywall, concrete, wood, siding, shingles, stone, grout, plastic, tile, and more, making this spray great for homes, cars, boats, and RVs.

5. Star Brite Mold and Mildew Remover and Cleaner

Star Brite mold and mildew remover is super easy to use. Just spray and rinse, no scrubbing required. This spray is ideal for awnings, wood, concrete, tile, upholstery, and more, making this a great option for homes, boats, and RVs.

This product is not to be used on wood or painted objects, nor is it ideal for metals for an extended period of time.

6. BenzaRid

BenzaRid is a hospital-grade mold killer as well as disinfectant and viricide. This spray is odorless and can be used in any room of the house and on a variety of surfaces including countertops, tables, cabinets, furniture, car seats, and headboards, as well as car interiors.

7. Wet and Forget Moss, Mildew, and Algae Remover

This spray is for outdoor use only as it works with the wind and rain to gently clean over time. Wet and Forget requires no scrubbing and is great for decks, sliding roofs, patios, cement, and other outdoor surfaces.

This product does require mixing 5 parts water with 1 part Wet and Forget prior to use.

8. Moldex Mold Killer

Moldex removes mold from the home and is ideal for bathrooms, floors, furniture, and the kitchen area. This product kills and protects against mold as well as deodorizes, leaving a clean fresh scent. No scrubbing is necessary with Moldex, simply spray and wipe.

For use on acrylic, concrete, fiberglass, laminate, metal, painted, plastic, porcelain, stone, tile, vinyl, and wood.

9. Endurance BioBarrier

Endurance lives up to its name by not only killing mold but preventing it for a long period of time. It has a 6-month guarantee on frequently used surfaces such as bathrooms, kitchens, floors, and more. A 2-year guarantee on indoor/outdoor surfaces such as wood, plastic, metal, and more. A 25-year guarantee on attics, crawl spaces, and more.

Endurance requires no scrubbing, just spray and let air dry.

10. MMR Instant Mold Remover

MMR is a two-step solution to remove mold and mildew, and sanitize. This spray is ideal for wood, concrete, drywall, cinder block, and more. To use this product you’ll spray, allow to dry, and follow up by spraying with disinfectant or simply wiping off, no scrubbing necessary.

MMR can be used indoors or outdoors and can be used for large jobs or in the home or office.

Common Types of Household Mold

Mold is a nuisance in many forms as it can appear nearly anywhere, spread rapidly, and cause a number of health problems. Recognizing mold will help you deal with it quickly and stop the growth before it causes any further damage. Here are a few common types of mold you may find in your home. You can always get your mold tested to double-check.

1. Acremonium. This type of mold typically grows in humidifiers, drain pans, and window seals. This is a toxic mold that can lead to serious health conditions. Acremonium is a powdery substance that may be pink, orange, gray, or white.
2. Aspergillus. Aspergillus is a common house mold that can cause a number of allergic reactions. There are hundreds of species of this mold and species come in a number of colors.
3. Stachybotrys. Stachybotrys is most commonly known as “black mold”. This mold has a very slimy texture and is typically found growing on wood, cardboard, paper, and/or wicker. Black mold can lead to many health problems including chest tightness, nose bleeds, fever, and headaches.
4. Alternaria. This mold is the most common form of mold and can grow wherever there is dampness such as showers, bathtubs, and sinks. Alternaria has a velvety texture with dark green or brown hairs and spreads very quickly. Alternaria is allergenic meaning it can cause a number of upper respiratory symptoms.
5. Cladosporium. Cladosporium is an allergenic mold that is typically found indoors on fabrics and carpets. This mold has a suede texture and is olive green or brown in color. This mold should not be touched with bare hands as it can cause skin irritation.
6. Mucor. Mucor is an allergenic mold that grows in thick patches and is white or gray in color. This type of mold typically grows near AC and HVAC systems. Mucor can cause severe asthma and flu-like symptoms and can lead to fungal infections.
7. Aureobasidium. This type of mold is typically found behind wallpaper or on painted wood surfaces. Aureobasidium may start off pink, brown, or black color, then turns dark brown as it develops. This mold may cause a number of infections including eye, skin, and nail infections, so avoid touching this mold with your bare hands.

Health Problems Associated with Mold

There are many health issues associated with prolonged exposure to mold. Health problems may range from flu-like symptoms to heart conditions and can occur in anyone whether they are otherwise healthy or suffer from a compromised immune system due to pre-existing conditions.

Mold sensitivity symptoms include chest and nasal congestion, coughing, sneezing, wheezing, sore throat, watery, dry, or sore eyes, skin irritation, and/or headaches.

Some people may suffer from respiratory conditions when exposed to mold, even those that are otherwise healthy. These symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and/or shortness of breath.

Certain types of mold are considered toxic. Prolonged exposure can lead to serious conditions such as scarring of the lungs, cancer, blood disorders, liver and kidney conditions, and digestive and heart conditions among several others.

Those with weaker immune systems or pre-existing conditions are at a higher risk of developing severe lung conditions when exposed to mold.

It’s important to get rid of mold as quickly as possible and prevent future growth as well. If you or someone around you who has been exposed to mold has begun developing symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention. If you’re tackling mold that is growing in a place of employment, you will want to consider closing during this process to ensure the health and safety of employees.

Ways to Keep the Mold Out

If you’ve dealt with mold in your home or office, you want nothing more than to keep it away forever. Here are a few tips that will help keep the mold out:

1. Dry any wet areas immediately. Mold can’t grow without moisture, so regardless of where there’s wetness or condensation, dry it immediately. Even seemingly small things such as leaving wet clothes in the washing machine should be avoided as mold spreads very quickly.
2. Identify problem areas in your home. Do a quick check and note any areas where there is condensation, leaking, or even flooding, then begin correcting these issues. It may be a chore and it may cost a little upfront, but it’s better than letting the mold spread and dealing with any major home or health concerns that may arise later.
3. Ventilation. Mold can be easily prevented by making sure there is proper ventilation in rooms that are otherwise high-moisture such as the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room. You can do this by using dehumidifiers, opening a window, or running a fan.
4. Keep the water away. If the ground around your house isn’t sloped, that may be an invitation for water to seep into a crawlspace or basement.
5. Increase the airflow in your home. By keeping furniture away from the walls and opening doors, you are allowing air circulation and limiting the growth of mold. It’s especially important to keep dark areas ventilated.

Final Thoughts

Anti-mold spray is a simple and effective way to get rid of mold, prevent future growth, and eliminate odors associated with mold.

Before purchasing it’s important to consider the surface you need the spray for, which application will work best, the scent of the spray, and if it will stain or streak the area. Also, be sure to take the necessary precautions before you begin to spray and clean the area.

There are many anti-mold sprays on the market; whether you need one for carpets, bathrooms, or large outdoor surface areas, there is an anti-mold spray formulated for your needs.

Knowing which type of mold you’re dealing with will better help you tackle the problem. You should also be aware of the health problems associated with mold exposure and promptly talk to a doctor should you begin noticing any symptoms.

Keeping your home and/or office dry and ventilated are two of the best ways to keep the mold out for good. Nobody loves discovering mold growth, but it’s a common problem, and there are simple and effective ways to get rid of and prevent the future growth of mold.