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Best Roof Cleaners of 2023

Updated
Regular cleaning can protect your roof from major damage.

Cleaning a roof isn’t the easiest weekend chore. But the right product can make it a lot more feasible!

Check out this list of 10 of the best roof cleaners on the market. We created this list based on real customer reviews, expert advice, and our own insight. Whether you’ve got a rubber roof or are dealing with a moldy roof, there’s something for you here.

With one of these cleaners, you just may end up with the cleanest roof on the block.

Our Top Picks

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Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Simple Green, SMP13006, Industrial Cleaner/Degreaser, 1 / Each, White
Best Eco-Friendly Roof Cleaner
Simple Green Cleaner/Degreaser
  • Cleans & degreases all washable surface
  • Orally non-toxic & biodegradable
  • Deodorizes surfaces & upholstery
Product Image of the RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover Spray - Scrub Free Formula, 1 Gallon
Best Versatile Roof Cleaner
RMR-86 Instant Stain Remover
  • No scrubbing required
  • Removes mold stains from most surfaces
  • Works within seconds of application
Product Image of the MOLD ARMOR CLEANER 1 GAL
Best Bleach Based Roof Cleaner
Mold Armor E-Z House Wash Cleaner
  • Up to 2000 square feet coverage
  • Cleans mold, mildew, & algae stains
  • Potent product requires no scrubbing
Product Image of the Simple Green Pro HD Purple Concentrated Cleaner & Degreaser - Heavy Duty, Professional, Automotive, Restaurant, Grills, Ovens (32 oz Spray @Heavy Strength and 1 Gal Concentrate Refill)
Best Easy-to-Use Roof Cleaner
Pro Purple Concentrated Degreaser
  • Concentrated formula
  • Can be used manually or with machine
  • Non-corrosive for metal roofs
Product Image of the RV Rubber Roof Cleaner - Non-Toxic, Non-Abrasive RV roof detergent 1 Gallon - Protect All 67128 , White
Best for Rubber Roofs
Thetford Store Rubber Roof Cleaner
  • Easy to use, no rinsing necessary
  • Non-toxic & biodegradable formula
  • Safe for all EPDM rubber roofs
Product Image of the STAR BRITE Mold & Mildew Stain Remover + Cleaner – Removes Stains on Contact - 1 GAL (085600N)
Best for Mold and Mildew
Star Brite Mold Stain Remover
  • Professional strength
  • Works on upholstery, grout, awnings, etc
  • Unique triple-action formula
Product Image of the Wet and Forget Moss Mold Mildew & Algae Stain Remover .5 Gallon - 2 Pack
Best Value Roof Cleaner
Wet and Forget Stain Remover
  • Works with wind and rain
  • Works on almost all outdoor surfaces
  • Less toxic with no bleach
Product Image of the Wet & Forget Outdoor Moss, Mold, Mildew, & Algae Stain Remover Multi-Surface Cleaner, Ready to Use, 64 Ounce
Most Effective Roof Cleaner
Wet & Forget Outdoor
  • No scrubbing necessary
  • Non-acidic
  • Safe for most surfaces
Product Image of the RUST-OLEUM 60104 Jomax house cleaner and mildew killer
Best Budget Roof Cleaner
Rust-Oleum Jomax
  • Cleans moss, mildew, mold, algae stain
  • Apply to surface and leave
  • Bleach-free formula
Product Image of the Wash Safe™ SUPREME All-Purpose Exterior Cleaner, 10 lb | | Clear, Bleach-Free Powder Solution | Clean Up to 10,000 sq. ft. of Roof, Vinyl Siding, Wood, Decks, Concrete and More
Best Without Harsh Chemicals
Wash Safe Exterior Surface Cleaner
  • Gentle without staining or bleaching
  • Up to 10,000 square feet coverage
  • Biodegradable, effective & fast-action


Product Reviews

Get a clean roof with any of these 10 best roof cleaners.

1. Simple Green Industrial Cleaner/Degreaser

Best Eco-Friendly Roof Cleaner

We love when our research takes us upon an eco-friendly cleaner that’s this effective. Hundreds of satisfied customers love the Simple Green Industrial Cleaner.

One of the greatest features of the cleaner is, of course, the non-toxic and biodegradable formula. It’s safe on multiple surfaces, especially compared to chemical-based cleaners. It’s non-abrasive, non-corrosive, and it’s also not flammable.

What surfaces, you ask? Any washable surface. Seriously. You can use this on countertops, roofs, floors, upholstery, sinks, carpets, and much more! You can even put it into cleaning machines like carpet extractors, pressure washers, steamers, floor scrubbers, and foamers.

This is a super versatile and handy product to have in the house.

What can it clean? Oils, grease, fluids, grime, residue, and more. It cleans, deodorizes, and degreases — all with eco-friendly ingredients.

Last but not least, a little goes a long way. It’s a cost-effective purchase. The price per fluid ounce is already really low. Plus, you can use this for most of your household cleaning, meaning you can cut back on buying a ton of different products. Win-win!

Pros

  • Cleans and degreases all washable surfaces.
  • You can use this by hand or put it into cleaning machines.
  • Orally non-toxic and biodegradable.
  • Deodorizes surfaces and upholstery.

Cons

  • Doesn’t clean as well as some chemical-based cleaners.

Product Specs

Roof Type All washable surfaces
Formula Non-toxic and biodegradable
Coverage Not specified
Ease of Use Heavy bottle, but can be used in machines
Quantity Five gallons

2. RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover

Best Versatile Roof Cleaner

When you find a product that can be used for multiple purposes, it’s a happy day. This stain remover from RMR can be used indoors and outdoors, making it very versatile.

You can use it on pretty much all types of roofs, except metal. Plus, you can also use it on a huge variety of other surfaces, including bathrooms, concrete floors, decking, brick walls, grout, tiles, and much more.

Its main purpose is to remove mold and mildew stains. So wherever you find those, you can put this product to good use.

It also deodorizes surfaces. When you use this to clean shower curtains, kitchens, bathrooms, and other places that cling to bad smells, you’ll notice a massive difference in the musty, damp scents.

We also love how fast this works. It instantly gets to work on mold and mildew, and other stains. So if you’re looking for instant results, this is a product to try.

Pros

  • No scrubbing required.
  • Removes mold and mildew stains from most surfaces.
  • Starts working within seconds of application.
  • Deodorizes surfaces, too.

Cons

  • Emits harsh fumes that many customers found irritating.
  • Can leave streaks or strip paint if not washed off well.

Product Specs

Roof Type All except metal
Formula Bleach-based
Coverage Not specified
Ease of Use No scrubbing required; works in seconds
Quantity One gallon

3. Mold Armor E-Z House Wash Cleaner

Best Bleach Based Roof Cleaner

If you’ve tried various products to get rid of those tough stains on your roof, and nothing works, we have a recommendation for you. This tough formula has been specially designed to clean mold, mildew, and algae and its stains with absolutely no scrubbing.

This bleach-based formula is suitable for vinyl, wood, aluminum, and concrete roofs. It’s also safe for painted decks, fences, and more! Due to the chemicals used in the formula, it is great for heavy and stubborn stains and your general dirt.

You can easily apply this to your roof with a roller, sponge, or sprayer. This makes it very easy to use depending on what tools you already have in your garage.

You can dilute the cleaner with water so that a little bit goes a lot further. Or you can use it at full strength, which is recommended for extreme stains and dirt. Whatever you choose to do, no scrubbing is necessary.

Pros

  • Up to 2000 square feet coverage.
  • Cleans mold, mildew, and algae stains.
  • Suitable for a range of roof materials.
  • Potent product requires no scrubbing.

Cons

  • Some customers found using bleach worked just as well.
  • It may require a second application on tough stains.

Product Specs

Roof Type Vinyl, wood, aluminum, concrete, and wood
Formula Bleach-based
Coverage 2000 square feet
Ease of Use No scrubbing required
Quantity One gallon — can be diluted

4. Pro Purple Concentrated Cleaner & Degreaser

Best Easy-to-Use Roof Cleaner

Lots of our recommendations are easy to use, but this one goes the extra mile. It comes with a spray bottle, so you can easily apply this to dirty areas. It also comes with a one-gallon refill so you can top up the spray bottle when it runs out.

This is a professional-grade cleaner that also degreases. So you can finally watch tough grease, stubborn grime, and other nasty stains fade away. It also works on various surfaces, including roofs, floors, walls, cars, machines, and more.

Good news for those of you with metal surfaces. It’s non-corrosive to metals! It’s also safe for use on plastic surfaces without degrading down the material.

We also love that you can use this manually or put it in a pressure washer, floor scrubber, dip tank, and other cleaning equipment. It’s a water-based cleaner without harsh solvents and chemicals, so it’s safe for these machines and various surfaces.

Pros

  • Concentrated formula, so a little goes a long way.
  • Can be used manually or in a cleaning machine.
  • Great for tough grease and grime.
  • Non-corrosive, perfect for metal roofs.

Cons

  • Strong odor; you may want to wear a mask.
  • May contain diethanolamine which may be cancerous (1).

Product Specs

Roof Type Most surfaces
Formula Water-based, without harsh chemicals but may contain a carcinogenic ingredient
Coverage Not specified
Ease of Use Yes, comes with spray bottle
Quantity One gallon concentrated

5. Thetford Store Rubber Roof Cleaner

Best Roof Cleaner for Rubber Roofs

Rubber roofs should be cleaned with specific products to protect the vulnerable surface. This cleaner from Thetford Store is free of soapy surfactants and abrasive ingredients. Therefore, it completely protects your rubber roof while still making it super easy to clean. In fact, it also degreases!

All you need is water and a sponge mop, as well as this cleaner, and you’ll have a clean roof in as little as three easy steps. The recommended cleaning process is included with the product so you can get to work as soon as it arrives, with no confusion.

This cleaner is specifically designed for all EPDM rubber roofs, so keep that in mind before purchasing. That being said, it’s wonderful for grime and chalk build-up on roofs. Finally, say goodbye to that unsightly mess!

One more bit of good news: this formula is biodegradable!

Manufacturer Tip

Don’t let the cleaner run off the side of your roof; otherwise, you might get white streaks down the side of your house or RV.

Pros

  • Easy to use, no rinsing necessary.
  • Non-toxic and biodegradable formula.
  • Safe for all EPDM rubber roofs.

Cons

  • Residue can leave streaks on other surfaces.
  • Customers found it time-consuming to use since you still need to scrub.

Product Specs

Roof Type EPDM Rubber
Formula Non-toxic and biodegradable
Coverage Not specified
Ease of Use Three steps, no rinsing required
Quantity One gallon

6. Star Brite Mold Stain & Mildew Stain Remover

Best Roof Cleaner for Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew can leave behind really unsightly stains. They often seem impossible to remove. That’s where Star Brite comes in.

This formula has been created to quickly blast away mold and mildew stains without the stress of intense scrubbing. Simply spray it on, wait for the stain to lift, then rinse the surface.

This product is made with a high-alkaline, triple-action formula and buffered bleach to remove mold and mildew stains. It also has chelating agents which lift old dirt. The surfactants then work to clean general grime and grease.

We also appreciate how versatile this product is. Whether you have fiberglass, wood, concrete, plastic, vinyl, or tile surfaces — this product is suitable. Basically, wherever you find mold and mildew, you can put Star Brite to the test.

Seriously. Look at these other surfaces where you can use this product. Try it out on vinyl cushions and upholstery. It also works on grout and tile. Use it for cleaning showers and baths. Put it to the test on gutters, awning, and sidings. It even works on boats and RVs!

Pros

  • Professional strength for quick and effective cleaning.
  • Works on upholstery, grout, awnings, and more surfaces.
  • Unique triple-action formula for effectiveness.
  • Works without intense scrubbing.

Cons

  • Strong unpleasant odor.
  • Made from sodium hypochlorite, a hazardous chemical.

Product Specs

Roof Type Fiberglass, wood, concrete, plastic, vinyl, or tile
Formula Chemical, bleach-based
Coverage Not specified
Ease of Use No scrubbing, but lots of rinsing required
Quantity One gallon

7. Wet and Forget Stain Remover

Best Value Roof Cleaner

Trust us when we say that this roof cleaner from Wet and Forget provides incredible value for money.

First of all, it’s a two-pack of 0.5 gallons each. This one gallon total actually ends up making six gallons once diluted, and all for a seriously fair price! The cost per fluid ounce is enough to make your bank account very happy.

The product also has an unlimited shelf life. So you don’t need to rush to use it by a certain date.

It also covers up to 1,125 square feet per bottle. So these two bottles will go up to 2,250!

You can use this product on any outdoor surface. This includes roofs, patios, pool surrounds, driveways, sidewalks, astroturf, and much more. It’s suitable for various materials such as fiberglass, painted surfaces, ceramic, brick, stone, decks, canvas, asphalt, steel, shake, tile, clay, and more.

It’s been specially designed to remove tough stains without any rinsing required. Say goodbye to moss, mildew, algae, and mold stains, all thanks to a bleach-free formula. It can even protect your surface from future stains for up to one year!

Pros

  • Works with wind and rain — simply wet the surface and walk away!
  • Suitable for almost all outdoor surfaces.
  • Works even on stubborn green and black stains.
  • Less toxic, with no bleach in the formula.

Cons

  • Should not be used near water and lakes.
  • You don’t get immediate results; it works over time.

Product Specs

Roof Type Asphalt, steel, shake, tile, clay, and more
Formula Not bleach-based
Coverage 1,125 sq feet per bottle
Ease of Use Yes, wet surface and leave it
Quantity One gallon — makes 6 gallons

8. Wet & Forget Outdoor Moss, Mold, Mildew, & Algae Stain Remover

Most Effective Roof Cleaner

Looking for something that can really blast away all kinds of stubborn stains? Then check out this cleaner from Wet & Forget.

This is super strong because it removes mold, mildew, and algae stains in just a few hours. And without any scrubbing! So not only is it super speedy to use, but it’s also super easy.

You can use this on roofs and kitchens, basements, attics, boats, and gutters. Think: a spotless sink, shower, RV’s, tiles, driveways, and more. It really works on basically any surface!

All you need to do is apply the solution to the surface, let it dry. No rinsing is necessary! Just make sure that the temperature outside is above 32 degrees Celcius. If mold is weighing you down, this is a much cheaper option than getting a professional to remove the mold stains.

Keep in mind that despite the word “eco” being in the product name, this is not an eco product. However, it’s a heavy-duty cleaner that does its job.

Pros

  • No scrubbing necessary.
  • Non-acidic solution.
  • Safe for most surfaces.

Cons

  • Temperature is determinant of product effectiveness.

Product Specs

Roof Type Asphalt and fiberglass, steel, clay, shake and tile
Formula Bleach-free
Coverage Up to 180 square feet
Ease of Use Yes, spray, wait, then forget
Quantity 0.5 gallon

9. Rust-Oleum Jomax House Cleaner

Best Budget Roof Cleaner

If you’re on a budget, you can still get a sparkling clean roof. The Rust-Oleum Jomax is less than the average roof cleaner but still cheap per fluid ounce. So you’re saving money upfront, but also in the long run!

Despite it being a budget option, it’s still an awesome cleaner. It’s formulated with a bleach-free recipe and yet, very powerful for removing tough stains. Simply spray it onto your chosen surface with a pump-up garden sprayer and leave it. Over time, natural weather conditions like wind and rain will work with the formula to clean the stains on your surface.

You heard us right! No scrubbing or rinsing is required. Just spray the surface and go about your business.

This is suitable for roofs, of course, as well as decks, fences, siding, patios, and much more. We love that this super-concentrated formula makes up to five gallons of a cleaner. This is enough to stretch up to 1,000 square feet.

Pros

  • Removes moss, mildew, mold, and algae stains.
  • Apply to surface and leave; no scrubbing or rinsing required.
  • Bleach-free formula.
  • Suitable for use on various outdoor surfaces.

Cons

  • Pump-up garden sprayer required.
  • It doesn’t deliver immediate results.

Product Specs

Roof Type Not specified — just claims “roofs”
Formula Not bleach-based
Coverage 1000 square feet
Ease of Use Yes, wet surface and leave it
Quantity 3.17 ounces — makes 5 gallons

10. Wash Safe Industries Exterior Surface Cleaner

Best Roof Cleaner Without Harsh Chemicals

Many roof cleaners are formulated with harsh chemicals, like bleach, because it’s effective on tough grease and grime. But if you don’t have mold, mildew, and other stubborn stains, and you want to avoid harsh chemicals, check out this roof cleaner.

It’s made without harsh chemicals or toxic ingredients. The main active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide, which is safer to use. Your surrounding greenery, grass, and plants will be much happier since this formula will not damage them.

If you’re a fan of oxygen bleach, then this functions quite similarly. Another great thing is that it’s biodegradable. In fact, after 4-6 hours of being in contact with a surface, it already begins this biodegrading process!

Combine this product with pressure washing, and you’re in for super-powerful clean, and impressive results! Simply spray on the cleaner and rinse off.

Use it on asphalt, cedar, slate, tile, vinyl, and brick roofs. So if that sounds like your roof, you’re in luck!

Pros

  • Gentle on surfaces without staining or bleaching.
  • Up to 10,000 square feet coverage.
  • Biodegradable, starts breaking down hours after application.
  • Works for asphalt, cedar, slate, tile, and vinyl roofs.

Cons

  • Leaves behind a hard-to-remove film on windows.
  • Some customers weren’t impressed with the effectiveness.

Product Specs

Roof Type Slate, wood, vinyl, tile, brick, and cedar
Formula Non-toxic
Coverage 10,000 square feet
Ease of Use Use with a pump-sprayer or pressure washer
Quantity 10-pound container

Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Roof Type Formula Coverage (square ft) Ease of Use
Simple Green Industrial Cleaner Eco-Friendly All washable surfaces Non-toxic & biodegradable N/A Can be used in machines
RMR-86 Instant Remover Versatile All except metal Bleach-based N/A No scrubbing, works in seconds
Mold Armor E-Z House Wash Bleach Based Vinyl, wood, aluminum, concrete, & wood Bleach-based 2000 No scrubbing required
Pro Purple Concentrated Easy-to-Use Most surfaces Water-based, may contain carcinogenic ingredient N/A Yes, comes with spray bottle
Thetford Rubber Roof Cleaner For Rubber Roofs EPDM Rubber Non-toxic & biodegradable N/A Three steps, no rinsing required
Star Brite Mold & Mildew Remover For Mold & Mildew Fiberglass, wood, concrete, plastic, vinyl, or tile Chemical, bleach-based N/A No scrubbing but lots of rinsing
Wet and Forget Stain Remover Value Pick Asphalt, steel, shake, tile, clay Not bleach-based 1,125 Yes, wet surface & leave it
Wet & Forget Outdoor Most Effective Roof Cleaner Asphalt and fiberglass, steel, clay, shake and tile Bleach-free 180 Yes, spray, wait, then forget
Rust-Oleum Jomax Budget Cleaner Not specified — just claims “roofs” Not bleach-based 1000 Yes, wet surface & leave it
Wash Safe Exterior Surface Cleaner Without Harsh Chemicals Slate, wood, vinyl, tile, brick, cedar Non-toxic 10,000 Use pump-sprayer/pressure washer

What to Look For (Buying Guide)

There are dozens of roof cleaners available on the market. Here’s how to decide which is right for you.

Roof Type

First of all, make sure the cleaner you’re buying is suitable for your roof type. Some cleaners aren’t compatible with every type of material.

For instance, vinyl and rubber roofs are more vulnerable and aren’t usually compatible with heavy-duty chemical-based cleaners. Instead, you may want to look for an eco-friendly option with more natural ingredients.

However, other materials, like metal and slate, can usually handle stronger chemicals, including bleach. Always check the packaging description to ensure the cleaner is suitable for your roof’s material.

Formula

Next, you’ll want to check the product’s formula. Is it eco-friendly? Made with harsh cleaners? Bleach-based?

Eco-friendly cleaners are, of course, gentler and better for the environment. But bleach-based cleaners may be best for you if your roof is filthy. In fact, if there is a build-up of mold or mildew, you might be led to a bleach-based or chemical-based cleaner. This is often the only formula that can really bust that dirt away.

Value for Money

Consider how far a product is going to go. It’s all well and good buying a fairly priced cleaner, but if a little doesn’t go a long way, you may actually not be getting good value for your money.

Check the coverage of the product and how many coats it takes to deep clean the roof.

Consider This

Concentrated formulas often go the furthest since you can dilute it and get more coverage.

Ease of Use

There are a few different factors that will determine how easy a product is to use.

First of all, if it comes in a spray bottle, it’s often easier to use off the bat since you can use it directly from the packaging.

Secondly, some have no-scrub formulas, which require a lot less work for you.

Lastly, consider how many steps it takes to use the product. The fewer the steps, the easier it will be to use overall.

Performance

One of the important factors is how well it works. The effectiveness can be measured by what the product is capable of doing. Many are general cleaners, while others specifically target tough stains like mold, mildew, discoloration, algae, and more.

Always check the customer reviews to decipher what real reviewers think of the product’s effectiveness.

Keep in mind that the most effective products might be the harshest. So if you’re not happy with chemical-based cleaners, you may be sacrificing some efficacy.

Budget

Lastly, consider your budget. Many roof cleaners have quite a high upfront cost, averaging between $20 and $60. You always want to check the cost per fluid ounce, which tells you what you’re paying per ounce. It’s often better to buy in bulk, so the cost per fluid ounce is lower.

That being said, there are still some great options under $20 that have a low cost per fluid ounce. That way, you’re still getting good value for money but not paying a ton upfront.


Roof Cleaning Tips

Now that you’ve chosen your preferred cleaner, here are some top tips for cleaning your roof.

  • Remove debris before using a cleaner. Once you’ve removed debris, you can access the roof’s material and better target stains and dirt.
  • Avoid walking on roofs when possible. Always try to use ladders and hoses instead.
  • If you are walking on the roof, use proper safety gear that will protect you if you happen to fall.
  • When spraying a roof, start at the highest point working your way down to the lowest. This ensures that any dirt running down is cleaned at the end.
  • Use a trowel or stiff brush to remove moss and other build-up before using a cleaner.
  • Regularly inspect your roof to check for damage and dirt. Clean when necessary, but at least yearly.

Roof Cleaner FAQs

Is Mold on Roof Dangerous?

Yes. The mold on roofs can actually get through the roof spores and into your home. This is especially bad for family members with allergies or asthma.

Mold can also get washed off during rain and end up on driveways or walkways before being tracked into the house. If you have mold on your roof, we recommend dealing with it immediately.

Does Vinegar Kill Moss on Roofs?

Yes, vinegar is acidic and can kill moss (2). But be careful, because it can also kill surrounding plants too.

Is Pressure Washing a Roof Bad?

Pressure washing can certainly damage a roof if done incorrectly. Always check with the pressure washer manufacturer about what kinds of materials it’s suitable for. For instance, many aren’t compatible with tiles.

On the other hand, always use a wide spray nozzle and a low PSI to ensure the integrity of your roof.

What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Roof?

Here are some persuasive reasons why you’ll want to keep your roof clean:

  • Algae, fungus, and moss will build up on your roof. This can attract bugs and other animals, as well as moisture.
  • If you have a shingle or wood roof, neglecting your cleaning routine can easily lead to rot and damage.
  • Mold and rot lead to excess moisture, which can result in a leaking roof.
  • If the roof and gutters aren’t working properly, dirt and debris will fall off your roof and onto your driveway, walkway, and front lawn.

When in doubt about roof cleaning, hire a professional.

What is the Black Stuff On a Roof?

The black stuff on a roof is an algae called gloeocapsa magma. It feeds on limestone in asphalt shingles to degrade the shingles and cause roof failure.

​​Does Baking Soda Work For Roof Moss?

Baking soda does work for roof moss in the same way it works on mold and mildew inside your home. It’s 100 percent natural and one of the easiest and cheapest ways to kill roof moss.


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About the Author

Beth McCallum

Beth McCallum is a freelance writer & book blogger with a degree in creative writing, journalism, and English literature. Beth firmly believes that a tidy house is a tidy mind. She is always looking for new ways to sustainably clean and tidy her house, that's kind on the environment but effective in the house, too!