You may not realize it, but the reason for your persistent sinus problems or allergy symptoms may actually be the presence of mold in your home. It’s easy to say those little specks of what look like dirt are “nothing to worry about,” but the reality is, they might be a big problem. Research conducted by the Mayo Clinic has shown that as many as 9 out of 10 cases of recurrent sinus problems were due to the presence of mold in the home.
If you’ve been suffering from a never-ending headache, congestion or sinus pressure, maybe it’s time to tackle the mold or mildew growing around you. Luckily, with these 12 products, it’s easy to clear your home of this nuisance and ensure the air you breathe is clean. While advanced cases of mold damage will require help from professional contractors, there are steps homeowners can take to protect their air quality.
Check out these cleaning tools and learn how to get rid of mold in your home.
1. Guardian Technologies GermGuardian Air Purifier
BEST OVERALL
Make sure the air going into your lungs isn’t filled with unwanted particles by using the . The included HEPA filter captures up to 99.97% of allergens and dust present in the air. These irritable particles might include everything from pet dander to mold spores. This powerful device also sports a vertical, 22-inch design, which means it can easily sit innocuously in the corner of a room and still have the desired cleaning effect on your air. Plus, it boasts more than 6,800 5-star reviews on Amazon.
Related Stories
2. OXO Good Grips Deep Clean Brush Set
BEST BUDGET
+ elbow grease = a clean house. This set includes two brushes, both of which sport soft, comfortable, non-slip grips to ensure confidence as you clean. You’ll also find that the smaller brush boasts a wiper blade designed to clean dirt and other build-ups from tighter or harder-to-reach spaces. The larger brush is ideal for dealing with tile grouting, stove tops and even shower-door tracks. Both brushes have tough and durable nylon bristles to make sure they clear the dirt away without causing any unwanted damage. As an added bonus, this set has an impressive 2,100+ 5-star reviews on Amazon.
3. Lucy’s Distilled White Vinegar
BEST FOR CLOTHES AND APPLIANCES
Vinegar is one solution you may already have in your home, yet it’s very effective in killing mold. The acidic properties of vinegar break down mold spores, especially when the solution is applied repeatedly to problem areas. In addition, it’s non-toxic, but do be warned that vinegar may not remove mold stains completely. So, the use of a different cleaning solution alongside vinegar is recommended (baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are popular DIY remedies as well).
4. Tilex Mold & Mildew Remover
BEST FOR TILE
Bathrooms and, in particular, the tile in your bathroom is probably the first place mold will grow in your home. That’s because your bath, shower and sink cause a lot of humidity, which helps mold to thrive. Luckily, the helps keep that dangerous mold growth in check. This cleaner is powered by Clorox bleach and kills 99.9% of mold, mildew and common bacteria, including staph, strep and athletes’ foot fungus. It also works to clear mold and mildew stains from non-porous surfaces.
5. Skylarlife Home Mold & Mildew Remover
BEST GEL
After applying a treatment of to any mold or mildew cursed areas, you’ll see a difference in no time. The remover is gel-like to ensure it remains stuck to the exact place it’s applied, meaning you don’t need to worry about it drooping down onto another surface. It also comes in a squeeze bottle with a flip-top for precise and easy application. This remover is fast-acting to kill germs quickly and is great for grout, baths, sinks and showers.
6. Clabber Girl Cornstarch
BEST FOR PAPER AND DELICATE ITEMS
Antique papers and books occasionally get wet and grow mold and mildew. If that’s happened in your home, sprinkle the pages with a bit of corn starch and leave them to sit overnight. Then, wipe away the cornstarch to reveal mold-free papers underneath. For persistent mold, lightly wet a cloth with hydrogen peroxide and wipe it over the page after you’ve removed all the cornstarch.
7. DampRid Moisture Absorber
BEST PREVENTION
The best way to get rid of mold is to never let it grow in the first place. The can be placed in high-humidity areas of the home to absorb the moisture out of the air before mold has time to use the damp to its advantage. As an added bonus, these moisture absorbers have a pleasant fresh scent and can be refilled after they’ve worked hard for their 60-day lifespan.
8. UpNature Tea Tree Oil
MOST UNEXPECTED
Although you might not think about using natural oils to clean your home, tea tree oil could be your best friend. Also known as melaleuca oil, this solution is a natural anti-fungal agent, which means it can be quite effective at killing mold spores. Simply dilute the oils in a spray bottle full of water, and then spray the solution onto any patches of mold you want to kill. Then, let the liquid set for one hour before wiping it and the mold away.
9. RMR-86 Instant Mold & Mildew Stain Remover
BEST FOR SURFACES
This RMR-86 Instant Stain Remover is ideal for a whole host of surfaces around the house, including wood, concrete, grout, tiles and more. Simply apply the spray and let it get to work. Best of all, it doesn’t require any scrubbing. The spray is also impressively fast-acting, getting your surfaces clear in as little as 15 seconds after application. And, if that sounds too good to be true, it’s worth checking out the 200+ 5-star reviews on Amazon.
10. Concentrated Clorox Regular Bleach
BEST FOR TOUGH JOBS
Conventional wisdom says that bleach is the best way to get rid of mold and mildew. This harsh chemical effectively kills both, but it can also strip color out of fabric and items around the home. It is also dangerous if used incorrectly and leaves behind its overwhelming smell. That being said, if you have a tough patch of mold in your home, bleach is your best bet. Dilute it in water and then spray it on the mold or mildew. Let it sit for 15 minutes and then wipe away the solution. Bleach can also be used to remove mold and mildew from the exterior of your home.
11. Earthworm Mold and Mildew Stain Remover
BEST ECO-FRIENDLY
The problem with most mold removers is that they can be quite harsh on your home and are often not safe for use around kids or pets. However, the solves that issue by using natural enzymes to break down mold spores. It can be used on both porous and non-porous materials, is fragrance-free and contains no harsh chemicals. As an added bonus, you don’t need to use any elbow grease with the Earthworm Mold Remover. Simply spray it on and wait for the mold to disappear.
12. BenzaRid
BEST BUILT-IN SPRAYER
BenzaRid mold killer is supplied in a ready-to-go container for heavy-duty mold removal around the house. The powerful solution comes in a bottle with a built-in spray head attached to a flexible hose, allowing you to reach even the most difficult of spaces. In addition to being convenient, is a hospital-grade cleaner clinically proven to kill a range of dangerous pathogens, including H1NH, H5N1 and troublesome mold and mildew. It’s also odorless, non-staining and frequently used by professionals after floods and water damage. If you’re trying to learn how to get rid of mold in the home, this is a commercial-grade solution.