2024’s Best Roof Cleaners for Mold, Mildew, and More
Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about 2024’s Best Roof Cleaners for Mold, Mildew, and More and hope the blog can help you.
Bring your home’s roof back to its original glory by removing dark streaks, moss, and other roof-hitchhiking debris. These cleaners will help.
While most homeowners spend the majority of their time maintaining the ground-level features of their homes, a roof cleaner can help maintain the outside appeal. It’s not until dirty, dark streaks and patches of moss show up that they realize their neglect is affecting their roof.
We recommend Wet and Forget as our top pick for its versatility, large coverage area, and ease of use. To clean your roof, all you need to do is block out some time, arm yourself with the best roof cleaner, and get to work. In conjunction with a little spraying and scrubbing, these special formulas will have your roof looking fresh and renewed in no time. We evaluated the best roof cleaners and even hands-on tested one of them so you’ll be able to cut through the dirt, grime, and sludge, revealing your roof’s true colors.
- BEST OVERALL: Wet and Forget Moss, Mold and Mildew Stain Remover
↓ Jump to Review - RUNNER-UP: 30 Seconds Ready to Use Outdoor Cleaner
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Mold Armor E-Z House Wash
↓ Jump to Review - BEST CHEMICAL: Spray & Forget Revolutionary Roof Cleaner Concentrate
↓ Jump to Review - BEST ECO-FRIENDLY: Simple Green Industrial Cleaner & Degreaser
↓ Jump to Review - BEST PRESSURE: Simple Green Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Cleaner
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR MOLD REMOVAL: Rust-Oleum Jomax Spray Once Roof Cleaner
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR EXTERIOR MILDEW: Star Brite Mildew Stain Remover
↓ Jump to Review
How We Chose the Best Roof Cleaners
There are multiple factors to consider when shopping for the appropriate roof cleaner, from the surface of the roof itself to the specific dirt issues that homeowners are faced with. Our list of recommended products covers the wide array of cleaners available for mold, moss, and mildew to provide the best suggestions for each scenario.
In our research we found that shoppers have different expectations of the effort involved in maintaining a roof. Some shoppers prefer a simple one-time spray solution that requires no scrubbing or roof washing to remove light stains, while others with stubborn stains on their roof are looking for heavy-duty chemicals that can make short work of the problem. Our top picks meet the needs of most shoppers to provide a clean roof.
One of the most important factors to keep in mind is the chemicals used in each product. Heavy-duty solutions tend to use bleach and other harsh chemicals, which are not always what shoppers are looking for. We made sure to provide a wide range of options, from highly effective—but perhaps more harmful—to the most environmentally friendly solutions on the market.
Our Top Picks
Before calling in a roof cleaning service, check out the products listed below. They are some of the best roof cleaners available for removing ugly stains, algae, and dirt. You’ll find budget-friendly options, products with environmentally safe formulas, and heavy-duty formulas for tough stains. Compare these roof cleaning products to ensure you choose the best option for your needs.
Best Overall
Wet and Forget Moss, Mold and Mildew Stain Remover
Photo: amazon.com
Product Specs
- Ingredient type: Chemical-based
- Compatible roof surfaces: Wood, vinyl, clay, metal, concrete, canvas, PVC, aluminum, and more
- Coverage area: Up to 1,125 square feet
Pros
- Half-gallon bottle of cleaner can cover up to 1,125 square feet of space; creates 3 gallons of cleaner
- Simply apply and allow the product to take effect; suitable for those who prefer a set-and-forget application
- Suitable for a wide variety of outdoor surfaces and materials for peak versatility
- Made with a bleach-free, non-caustic, and non-acidic formula
Cons
- Should not be applied near wildlife; chemical composition is not safe for plants
The quicker you can clean your roof and move on to enjoying your free time, the better. The Wet and Forget Moss, Mold, and Mildew and Algae Stain Remover offers a one-step process that will remove roof buildup, reactivating and washing contaminants from the surface each time it rains. Its bleach-free, non-caustic, non-acidic, chemical-based formula means you can use it on your roof, as well as almost any other outdoor surface.
After you spray your roof, as the name implies, you can let Wet and Forget do its thing. You’ll only need to reapply if you see new growth or black streaks and stains reappearing. This concentrated roof treatment comes in a half-gallon bottle that you can dilute to make up to 3 gallons of cleaner. Depending on the strength you mix, and how porous your roof material is, you can cover anywhere between 375- and 1,125-square-foot spaces with one bottle of this roof stain remover.
What our tester says: Tom Scalisi, a Bob Vila writer and product tester, notes in the Best Deck Cleaners that he tested Wet & Forget on a concrete foundation. “I waited until a bright morning with no rain forecast and sprayed the foundation thoroughly, following the instructions to let the solution soak in for up to 5 hours. Later, I returned and found the previously mold-darkened areas to look light and powdery. I used a stiff dry brush to remove the powder, and the concrete blocks beneath looked clean, with no dark or stained areas.”
Get the Wet and Forget roof cleaner at Amazon or Ace Hardware (1 gallon).
Runner-up
30 Seconds Ready to Use Outdoor Cleaner
Photo: amazon.com
Product Specs
- Ingredient type: Eco-friendly
- Compatible roof surfaces: Masonry, metal, slate, and more
- Coverage area: Up to 600 square feet
Pros
- Ready-to-use sprayer attachment is convenient for the application process
- Biodegradable formula is safe to use around children, pets, and wildlife
- Removes dirt, grime, algae, mold, mildew, and discoloration for better curb appeal
- 1.3-gallon container can cover 200- to 600-square-foot spaces
Cons
- Some users have reported a strong smell is emitted during the application process
- The packaging of the sprayer may leak before arrival or when being stored
Eco-friendly products do their jobs while providing peace of mind. Made with a biodegradable and eco-friendly composition, 30 Seconds removes discoloration, dirt, grime, mold, mildew, and algae and comes with a ready-to-use sprayer attachment.
The contents of the package can cover 200 square feet when used on porous surfaces and up to 600 square feet on nonporous surfaces. This fast-acting biodegradable cleaner can be used on rooftops as well as brick, masonry, decks, composite, siding, gutters, painted or stained surfaces, and more.
Get the 30 Seconds roof cleaner at Amazon or Walmart.
Best Bang For The Buck
Mold Armor E-Z House Wash
Photo: amazon.com
Product Specs
- Ingredient type: Chemical-based
- Compatible roof surfaces: Vinyl, brick, stucco, aluminum, concrete and more
- Coverage area: 4,500 square feet
Pros
- Begins killing mold and mildew in just 10 minutes for either deep or soft wash roof cleaning
- Wide surface area coverage compared with other roof cleaners; 1 jug covers up to 4,500-square-foot spaces
- Ready-to-use hose attachment provides excellent ease of application
Cons
- Some users have reported that this option has poor or finicky packaging
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty roof wash with a straightforward application process at a value-minded price, it’s hard to beat this two-pack of Mold Armor’s E-Z House Wash. This product comes in two half-gallon bottles of cleaner, each with a hose attachment for extremely easy application.
The Mold Armor E-Z House Wash hose attachment will reach second-floor roofs without issue, and it starts killing mold and mildew within 10 minutes of application. There’s no follow-up scrubbing necessary either; simply apply, allow it to work for 10 minutes, and rinse it off to reveal a clean surface.
Get the Mold Armor roof cleaner at Amazon or The Home Depot (single).
Best Chemical
Spray & Forget Revolutionary Roof Cleaner Concentrate
Photo: amazon.com
Product Specs
- Ingredient type: Chemical-based
- Compatible roof surfaces: Asphalt, wood, slate, clay, and tile
- Coverage area: Up to 2,000 square feet
Pros
- 1 gallon of cleaner concentrate makes 10 gallons of roof cleaner; covers 1,000 to 2,000 square feet
- Reacts every time it rains; lasts for 3 to 6 months before it requires reapplication
- Versatile product; suitable for a variety of roofing materials
Cons
- May require some elbow grease for best results
Spray & Forget Revolutionary Roof Cleaner Concentrate is worth checking out if you’re looking for a one-step cleaner specifically formulated for your roof. This 1-gallon jug of concentrate mixes with water to create up to 10 gallons of cleaner, offering a maximum coverage of 2,000 square feet.
The Revolutionary Roof Cleaner continues to clean your roof after application, eliminating the need to scrub or reapply. The roof wash formula reactivates each time it rains, providing follow-up cleanings for up to 3 to 6 months at a time. It’s safe for use on asphalt, wood, slate, clay, and tile shingles, though you should avoid using it on rubber or vinyl.
Get the Spray & Forget roof cleaner at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best Eco-friendly
Simple Green Industrial Cleaner & Degreaser
Photo: amazon.com
Product Specs
- Ingredient type: Eco-friendly
- Compatible roof surfaces: Cement, concrete, enamel, metal, and plastic
- Coverage area: Customizable
Pros
- Nontoxic formula is biodegradable and safe to use around children, pets, and wildlife
- Can be used indoors and outdoors; it cuts through oil, grease, black streaks, stains, dirt, and grime with ease
- Versatile application process; can be used with a roller, sponger, sprayer, or pressure washer
Cons
- A couple of applications may be required to dial in the dilution needed for effective cleaning
When it comes to an eco-friendly roof cleaner, consider going with the original in the environmentally conscious business. Simple Green’s cleaner and degreaser is a nontoxic alternative to chemical-heavy products. While it’s nontoxic and biodegradable, this roof wash is powerful enough to cut through oil and grease, so the dirt and grime on your roof shouldn’t be an issue.
This 5-gallon bottle is a concentrate, so you’ll be able to mix it with water or use it at full-strength to cut through tougher stains. You can apply it with a roller, sponger, or sprayer, but its eco-friendly formula means you can use it for roof pressure-washing without worrying about overspray. This option should be ideal for most power- washing companies and manufacturers.
Get the Simple Green industrial roof cleaner at Amazon or DK Hardware.
Best Pressure
Simple Green Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Cleaner
Photo: amazon.com
Product Specs
- Ingredient type: Eco-friendly
- Compatible roof surfaces: Wood, plastic, vinyl, metal, and more
- Coverage area: 6,300 square feet
Pros
- Can be added straight into the tank of a pressure washer
- Removes dirt, grime, mold, mildew, algae, and stains for all-around cleaning power
- Eco-friendly formula can be used around wildlife, children, and pets
- 1 gallon of the concentrate can make over 21 gallons of roof cleaner; suitable for large homes
Cons
- Tougher stains may require scrubbing or deep-cleaning; not as abrasive as comparable options
Pressure-washing with harsh chemicals can cause a lot of unintended damage, as it’s hard to control your overspray. Simple Green Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Cleaner concentrate is worth checking into as it’s peroxide-based, so overspray won’t destroy your plant life or other surfaces. It lifts dirt, grime, and stains as well as mold, mildew, and algae, so it works well for the substances hanging out on your roof.
If you stretch out this concentrate to its most diluted but usable ratio, the 1-gallon jug can make 21 gallons of cleaner. Those who run the concentrate straight through a pressure washer will be able to cover up to 6,300 square feet.
Get the Simple Green Oxy Solve roof cleaner at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best For Mold Removal
Rust-Oleum Jomax Spray Once Roof Cleaner
Photo: amazon.com
Product Specs
- Ingredient type: Eco-friendly
- Compatible roof surfaces: Wood, asphalt, concrete, brisk, and more
- Coverage area: 1,500 square feet
Pros
- Eco-friendly formula is safe to use around plants, children, and pets
- Requires no scrubbing for effective cleaning; removes moss, mildew, and algae from a roof
- Prevents the regrowth of mold and mildew, limiting need for reapplication
Cons
- Deep stains and tough mildew may require some scrubbing to remove