Cleaning a roof isn’t exactly a fun Saturday afternoon. It is dirty, dangerous work, but the right product makes a world of difference.
I have rounded up 10 of the best roof cleaners on the market. I built this list based on chemical formulations, application methods, and real customer feedback. Whether you need to protect a rubber RV roof or blast away decades of moss on asphalt shingles, there is a solution here for you.
Let’s get that roof looking brand new again.
- Cleans & degreases all washable surface
- Orally non-toxic & biodegradable
- Deodorizes surfaces & upholstery
- No scrubbing required
- Removes mold stains from most surfaces
- Works within seconds of application
- Cost-efficient
- Cleans mold, mildew, & algae stains
- Potent product requires no scrubbing
- Concentrated formula
- Can be used manually or with machine
- Non-corrosive for metal roofs
- Easy to use, no rinsing necessary
- Non-toxic & biodegradable formula
- Safe for all EPDM rubber roofs
- Professional strength
- Works on upholstery, grout, awnings, etc
- Unique triple-action formula
- Works with wind and rain
- Works on almost all outdoor surfaces
- Less toxic with no bleach
- No scrubbing necessary
- Non-acidic and non-bleach
- Safe for most surfaces
- Cleans moss, mildew, mold, algae stain
- Apply to surface and leave
- Bleach-free formula
- Gentle without staining or bleaching
- Up to 10,000 square feet coverage
- Biodegradable, effective & fast-action
What to Look For
Not all cleaners are created equal. Here is what you need to look for before you buy.
Product Reviews
A clean roof prevents rot, extends shingle life, and boosts curb appeal.
I researched ingredients, safety data, and customer reviews to find the most effective solutions available. I looked for products that balance cleaning power with safety.
Here are the 10 best roof cleaners to protect your home.
Simple Green Industrial Cleaner/Degreaser
Best Eco-Friendly Cleaner
Simple Green is a legend in the cleaning world for a reason. It proves you don’t need harsh toxicity to get results.
This industrial-strength degreaser is non-toxic and biodegradable. If you are worried about runoff hurting your prize winning rose bushes or harming your pets, this is the safest bet on the list. It is non-abrasive and non-corrosive, making it safe for asphalt, metal, and even solar panels.
Versatility is the main selling point here. You can use this on your roof, but you can also use it on driveways, siding, carpets, and engines.
It is highly concentrated. You can dilute it manually for a pump sprayer, or dump it into the reservoir of a pressure washer. It cuts through grease, soot, and general grime effectively. Just note that because it lacks bleach, it might take a bit more scrubbing to remove heavy moss.
Pros
- Safe for almost every washable surface.
- Compatible with pressure washers.
- Orally non-toxic and biodegradable formula.
- Excellent degreaser for soot and road grime.
- Non-corrosive and safe for metal.
Cons
- Doesn’t kill mold spores as instantly as bleach.
- Requires rinsing.
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 |
Our Ratings
RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover
Most Versatile
If patience isn’t your virtue, RMR-86 is your product. This stuff is fast.
RMR-86 is a bleach-based powerhouse designed to eliminate mold and mildew stains instantly. There is no waiting for rain or scrubbing for hours. You spray it on, watch the stains vanish, and rinse it off.
It is incredibly versatile around the home. While it works wonders on asphalt shingles, you can also use it on concrete, vinyl siding, wood decks, and bathroom tile.
However, power comes with a price. It smells very strong (like a swimming pool), and you need to be careful with runoff. It is potent stuff, so wear old clothes when you apply it. If you have black streaks or green algae, this will delete them in minutes.
Pros
- No scrubbing required.
- Instant results on mold and mildew.
- Simple spray-and-rinse application.
- Ready-to-use formula (no mixing).
- Works on wood, concrete, and vinyl.
Cons
- Strong chemical fumes (wear a mask).
- Can harm plants if not rinsed thoroughly.
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 |
Our Ratings
Mold Armor E-Z House Wash Cleaner
Best Bleach Based Roof Cleaner
Mold Armor E-Z House Wash is designed for people who want high power with low effort. It uses a bleach-based formula to attack organic growth like algae and mildew.
The “E-Z” part usually refers to the application (depending on the bottle style you buy). It is formulated to be sprayed on, left to sit for about 10 minutes, and rinsed off. It handles vinyl, wood, brick, and concrete roofing materials well.
Because it contains bleach, it brightens surfaces significantly. It strips away that gray, weathered look from wood and blasts dark stains off shingles.
You can use it at full strength for stubborn stains or dilute it for general maintenance. It is a solid choice if you want that “pressure washed” look without actually using a pressure washer.
Pros
- Cost-effective bleach-based cleaner.
- Brightens weathered surfaces.
- Requires no scrubbing.
- Works on siding, fences, and roofs.
- Fast-acting formula.
Cons
- Bleach smell is strong.
- Need to protect nearby plants from runoff.
Product Specs
| Roof Type | Vinyl, wood, aluminum, concrete, and wood |
| Formula | Bleach-based |
| Coverage | Not specified |
| Ease of Use | No scrubbing required |
| Quantity | Two one gallon bottles— can be diluted |
Our Ratings
Pro Purple Concentrated Cleaner & Degreaser
Easiest To Use
Pro Purple is exactly what it sounds like: a heavy-duty, professional-grade degreaser. This isn’t a dedicated “mold killer” like the bleach sprays; it’s a grime fighter.
This concentrate is excellent if your roof suffers from dirt, soot, tree sap, or grease build-up. It comes with a spray bottle, but the real value is in the gallon refill.
The formula is non-corrosive, which is a huge bonus for homes with metal roofs or expensive copper gutters. It won’t eat away at the finish.
You can run this through a pressure washer or use it manually. It is water-based, so it doesn’t rely on harsh solvents, but it is still strong enough to irritate skin, so glove up.
Pros
- Highly concentrated value pack.
- Non-corrosive; safe for metal roofs.
- Excellent on grease and road grime.
- Versatile application (manual or machine).
- Includes a spray bottle.
Cons
- Chemical odor is noticeable.
- Contains diethanolamine (check safety warnings).
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 |
Our Ratings
Protect All Rubber Roof Cleaner
Best for Rubber Roofs
If you own an RV or a home with a flat rubber roof (EPDM), you cannot just grab any bottle of bleach. You need something specialized. Protect All is the industry standard for this.
This cleaner is engineered to remove the chalky residue and road grime that accumulates on rubber roofs without drying out the material. Keeping the rubber moisturized is key to preventing cracks and leaks.
It is non-abrasive and biodegradable. The application does require a bit of elbow grease, you usually spray, mop/scrub, and rinse, but it is the best way to extend the life of a rubber roof.
It helps remove that white oxidation that streaks down the side of your RV when it rains.
Pro Tip
Wash the sides of your RV or house immediately after rinsing the roof. This prevents the dirty runoff from drying and leaving streaks.
Pros
- Safe for EPDM rubber roofs.
- Removes chalky oxidation.
- Non-toxic and biodegradable.
- Extends the life of rubber membranes.
- Non-abrasive formula.
Cons
- Requires manual scrubbing with a sponge mop.
- Runoff can streak windows if not rinsed quickly.
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 |
Our Ratings
Star Brite Mold Stain & Mildew Stain Remover
Best for Mold and Mildew
Star Brite brings marine-grade cleaning power to your home. Originally designed for boats, this stuff is tough enough to handle constant moisture and aggressive algae.
It uses a triple-action formula with buffered bleach and chelating agents. In plain English: it lifts dirt and kills mold stains simultaneously. It is high-alkaline, so it attacks acidic grime effectively.
Because it is made for boats, it is safe on fiberglass and vinyl, making it a great choice for awnings and gutters. It works on contact without scrubbing.
However, be careful with it. It is strong. Do not use it on fabrics that aren’t colorfast, and rinse it thoroughly from metal surfaces to prevent corrosion.
Pros
- Professional marine-grade strength.
- Excellent on fiberglass and vinyl.
- Triple-action formula lifts dirt and stains.
- No scrubbing required.
- Fast-acting.
- Made in the USA.
Cons
- Contains sodium hypochlorite (bleach).
- Can degrade some threads or fabrics if left too long.
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 |
Our Ratings
Wet & Forget Stain Remover
Best Value
Wet & Forget is the ultimate “work smarter, not harder” product. It is a slow-acting cleaner that requires zero rinsing.
You simply mix the concentrate in a pump sprayer, saturate your roof, and walk away. That’s it. Over the next few weeks and months, the wind and rain gently wash away the dead moss, mold, and algae.
It is non-acidic and contains no bleach, so it is safer for the surface of your shingles than harsh instant cleaners. It actually works with the pH of the roof to keep growth from coming back for up to a year.
This 2-pack concentrate is a massive money saver. It makes enough solution to cover huge surface areas, making it the most economical choice for large homes.
Pros
- Zero scrubbing or rinsing required.
- Bleach-free and non-acidic.
- Prevents regrowth for up to a year.
- Safe for almost all outdoor surfaces.
- Incredible coverage per bottle.
- Works on moss, mold, and algae.
Cons
- Results are not instant (takes weeks/months).
- Toxic to fish (do not use near ponds/lakes).
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 |
Our Ratings
Wet & Forget Outdoor Moss, Mold, Mildew, & Algae Stain Remover
Most Effective
This is the ready-to-use hose-end version of the famous Wet & Forget formula. If you don’t own a pump sprayer or just hate mixing chemicals, this is the version for you.
The proprietary Xtreme Reach™ nozzle attaches directly to your garden hose and can spray up to 30 feet high. This is a game-changer for two-story homes or steep roofs that are dangerous to walk on. You can clean the roof while standing safely on the ground or a ladder.
Like the concentrate, it uses a non-bleach formula to kill moss and algae over time. It relies on the weather to do the rinsing for you.
It works on everything: roofs, siding, driveways, and decks. Just make sure you apply it on a cool, dry day so it has time to soak into the growth.
Pros
- Hose-end sprayer reaches up to 30 feet.
- No mixing or measuring required.
- No rinsing or scrubbing.
- Safe for most surfaces (non-bleach).
- Unlimited shelf life.
Cons
- Costs more per use than the concentrate.
- Takes time to show results.
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 |
Our Ratings
Rust-Oleum Jomax House Cleaner
Best Budget Roof Cleaner
Jomax is a unique product. It isn’t just a cleaner; it’s a “activator” that you mix with bleach and water.
Why would you buy this instead of just using straight bleach? Because Jomax makes the bleach work better and safer. It contains a mildewcide and detergents that help the bleach stick to vertical surfaces and penetrate dirt. It also buffers the bleach, making it less likely to damage painted surfaces or kill your plants (though you should still be careful).
Because you add your own bleach and water, one small bottle of Jomax concentrate makes five gallons of powerful cleaning solution. This makes it incredibly cheap per gallon.
You spray it on, wait five minutes, and rinse. It is highly effective on black streaks and mold.
Pros
- Extremely cost-effective.
- Buffers bleach to make it safer for surfaces.
- Helps solution stick to roofs and siding.
- Makes 5 gallons of solution per bottle.
- Kills mold and mildew fast.
Cons
- Requires purchasing bleach separately.
- You must mix it yourself in a sprayer.
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 | 1 gallon — makes 5 gallons |
Our Ratings
Wash Safe Industries Exterior Surface Cleaner
Best Without Harsh Chemicals
If you refuse to use bleach but need results faster than the “wet and forget” products, Wash Safe is your middle ground. It uses hydrogen peroxide as its main active ingredient.
Think of it as “oxygen bleach.” It fizzes and bubbles when it hits organic growth, physically lifting debris out of the shingles. It is significantly safer for landscaping, pets, and people than chlorine bleach.
It comes as a powder that you dissolve in water. Once applied, it starts breaking down into water and oxygen within hours, so it is fully biodegradable.
It is safe for cedar shakes, asphalt, slate, and tile. While it might struggle with super heavy black crusts compared to chlorine, it handles moderate cleaning jobs beautifully without the toxic runoff.
Pros
- Hydrogen peroxide formula is safer than bleach.
- Biodegradable and eco-friendly.
- Safe to use around water/landscaping.
- Works on cedar, asphalt, and slate.
- Immediate bubbling cleaning action.
Cons
- Powder must be thoroughly dissolved.
- Can leave a white residue if not rinsed well.
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 |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Roof Type | Formula | Coverage (square ft) | Ease of Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Green Industrial Cleaner | Eco-Friendly Cleaner | 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 Roof Cleaner | Vinyl, wood, aluminum, concrete, & wood | Bleach-based | N/A | No scrubbing required |
| Pro Purple Concentrated | Easiest 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 | Asphalt, steel, shake, tile, clay | Not bleach-based | 1,125 | Yes, wet surface & leave it |
| Wet & Forget Outdoor | Most Effective | Asphalt and fiberglass, steel, clay, shake and tile | Bleach-free | 180 | Yes, spray, wait, then forget |
| Rust-Oleum Jomax | Budget Roof 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 |
Roof Cleaning Tips
You have the cleaner; now you need the technique. Here is how to clean safely and effectively.
- Protect your plants: Before you spray any chemical, soak the plants around your house with fresh water. Do it again immediately after you finish cleaning. This dilutes any chemical runoff.
- Safety first: Wet roofs are like ice rinks. Wear non-slip shoes (like Cougar Paws) or use a safety harness. If possible, stay on the ladder and use a long-range sprayer.
- Spray cool: Do not clean on a hot, sunny day. The sun will dry the chemical before it has time to work. Cloudy, cool days are best.
- Top to bottom: Always spray from the ridge down to the gutter. Never spray up under the shingles, as this can force water under the roof and cause leaks.
- Clear the debris: Blow off leaves and sticks before applying cleaner. You want the chemical touching the roof, not the mulch sitting on top of it.
























