• Start Here!
  • Products I Love
  • Recommended Reading
  • About
    • About Jennifer
    • About This Site
    • Work With Me
    • Policies
      • Disclaimer
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

Mold Help For You

Got mold? Everything you need to know about mold detection, mold testing, mold removal, cleaning mold, mold prevention, and toxic mold basics.

  • What Is Mold and Other Mold Facts
  • Mold Prevention
  • Mold Testing
  • Mold Removal & How To Kill Mold
  • Leak Detection
  • Mold Resistant Products
You are here: Home / Mold Removal / RMR-86 Review

RMR-86 Review

By Jennifer First published: August 6, 2019. This post may contain affiliate links. 13 Comments

21 shares

RMR-86 Mold and Mildew Stain Remover is one of the products I did NOT personally use. Why? It’s bleach based. Bleach does not kill mold and in fact can make the situation worse. Please read my post on Does Bleach Kill Mold for more information.

Having said that, I do want to give you sound information on the RMR-86 product in the event that you have already purchased it and were planning on using it.

RMR-86 Mold Remover Product Collage

What is RMR-86?

RMR-86 Mold and Mildew Stain Remover is not a EPA registered mold killer. The scientifically designed formula of RMR-86 allows it to remove mold stains and mildew stains in 15 seconds with zero scrubbing. Please read that again… remove mold stains, not remove mold.

That’s a problem. You can read why on my Best Products To Remove Mold post. I also talk about it on my Mold Removal page.

Since I did not personally use this product, I read hundreds of reviews and am sharing the pros and cons based on what other’s have said.

Active Ingredients

  • Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride
  • Dimethyl Ethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride
  • Water

Pros of RMR-86

  • No scrubbing
  • Dries quickly
  • Works on a variety of household surfaces including interior and exterior ones
  • Not a huge investment (a gallon size is less than $50)
  • Removes mold odors as well as stains (note from Jennifer – RMR BLEACHES mold. That is different than removing mold).
  • Suitable for prepping before repainting surfaces
  • The most recommended mold removers for boats (again – not a true mold remover)
  • Ready to use – no dilution required

Cons of RMR-86

  • Not a long-term mold inhibitor
  • Not a good idea to tackle a larger mold issue
  • Cannot be used in poorly ventilated areas
  • You need a lot of preparation beforehand (protective gear, storage solutions, test spots)
  • Difficult and dangerous to store
  • Short shelf life
RMR-86 Infographic

Toxic or Non Toxic

Very toxic. Its composition contains sodium hypochlorite to take care of old and stubborn cases of mold.

Do not use the RMR 86 without wearing gloves or safety goggles. You also need a lot of ventilation so open windows and doors if possible. Reviews include things like “the smell makes us want to tear our eyes out” and “we could not return home for 2 days it smelled so bad.” RMR Botanical is available to mask this odor. See a problem yet?

You must wash your face and hands immediately after using the product. Avoid smoking, eating or drinking while using this mold remover.

You’ll also have to store the remainder somewhere safe once you’re done. Be sure to check on it often just in case the bottle leaks. It will eat through surfaces if left untended for too long.

The Final Verdict

I would NOT use RMR-86 for any reason. Simply put, it does not kill, clean, or remove mold and it is highly toxic. The end. But if you really want to purchase it, you can do so here.

Curious about the other mold removal products I have reviewed? Come check them all out here so you can choose the right product for your mold situation.

21 shares
Filed Under: Mold Removal Tagged With: Mold Cleaning Products, Product Reviews
Mold Help For You's official logo and signature.

Products I Use And Trust

Micro Balance Health Products Banner
CitriSafe banner with CitriSafe logo and various CitriSafe products including Remedy Mold Solution
BioBalance HavenFog, HavenMist, and HavenClean bottles
"Austin Air Purifier on casters in a living room
My top pick for air purifiers to remove mold spores
Purity Coffee Bag on green background
The only coffee I trust to be mold and mycotoxin free
Various products from EMF Solutions
EMF Products I trust & are tested to work with 5G
brentwood home mold resistant mattress
Non-toxic, mold resistant mattresses

Meet The Author

I am a Certified Mold Inspector from the International Association of Certified Mold Inspectors. I have also completed the esteemed Mold Masterclass. I am currently enrolled in the Professional Home Inspection Institute's Certified Residential Mold Inspector and Mold Remediation programs as part of my Continuing Education Units from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). I am also a member of the International Society for Environmentally Acquired Illness. My earlier years afforded me the opportunity to graduate with honors with a Bachelor's Degree in Ethnic Studies.

Having gone through my own mold nightmare spurred me on to become a certified mold inspector with the goal of helping others avoid extreme situations.
Learn More About Jennifer...

Stuff I Have To Tell You

Statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and/or information are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease.

I may receive a commission if you purchase through links in this post.

Mold Help For You is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliates sites. For additional information, please visit my Terms & Conditions page and/or my Affiliate Disclosure page page.

« The Best Thermal Imaging Camera For Moisture and Mold Detection
Moldex Review »

Comments

  1. Rob E. says

    January 20, 2020 at 7:09 pm

    “RMR-86 . . . does not kill, clean, or remove mold and it is highly toxic.”

    Jennifer, RMR also has what seems to be a newer product – RMR-141 RTU Mold Killer. Would you consider commenting on its potential strengths and weaknesses?

    Very informative website.

    Thanks,
    Rob E.

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      January 21, 2020 at 10:08 am

      Thanks Rob! Glad you found me. Upon a quick glance at the ingredients I am concerned about it’s potential toxicity. Beyond that, it looks promising. I went ahead and ordered a bottle and will do a full review in the next few weeks.

      Reply
    • Rob E. says

      January 22, 2020 at 3:03 pm

      Thanks, Jennifer. In the meantime, I’ll continue trying to acquaint myself with your comprehensive material.

      Reply
    • Aaron says

      February 19, 2021 at 8:10 am

      Actually everything you stated is complete and utter BS. Sodium Hypochlorite is nothing more than common household bleach. The strength is the only difference. Theirs is 8% and common household is between 3-6%.
      As for it not working… bleach does kill mold. Though, for lasting effects it doesn’t. Professionals tend to use vinegar or ozone over a period of time based on the extensiveness of the mold. Also, UVC lamps can be used but, their penetration level doesn’t go past the first few thin layers. That is why a liquid needs to be used or a gas such as OZONE.

      Reply
  2. Amanda M Shouse says

    October 9, 2020 at 11:32 am

    Hi I am also interested in a review from this product. I am going between the chrobium or however you say it and the 141 because I don’t think it leaves a film that needs to happen in chrobium. I believe I have widespread mold issue into the house I moved into. I have reread my lease and specifically states that I accepted house as is so trying to fix on my own. Very musty smell that was covered by paint smell previously.

    Reply
  3. Shinsuke Ito says

    December 30, 2020 at 5:56 pm

    I used the RMR-86 in my bathroom and it works very well but I didn’t any protective gear while using RMR-86. I am OK now but is there any healthy issue will be appear? My entire apartment smell the product and I have 2 kids. What should I do. I open the all window and doors.
    Can I take shower now?

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      January 12, 2021 at 10:51 am

      Air out your apartment as often as possible. Ventilation is key! You will be ok but make sure to at least wear gloves and eye protection next time along with a mask. You are ok to shower now for sure.

      Reply
  4. Craig says

    April 14, 2021 at 7:42 pm

    Hello Jennifer,

    I appreciate your advice on RMR-86! I’d like your advice on what would be good for cleaning mold off my white ’95 car, and then keep it off. I used to live in a house with nothing but a driveway and a green moldy white plastic fence 2-3 feet from the car on the driver’s side. That’s when the green buildup started and then made it to both sides from the roof. I lived there for 11 years. There was also a 50 foot Magnolia tree that grew very close to that fence on the other side, maybe a foot away.

    The car is parked under a carport now and has been for 2½ years, but the mold keeps coming back, especially on the driver’s side and the rear bumper now, both of which which get Sunlight , though I think it’s no where as much direct Sunlight as before, or at least for much less time, and I hardly ever go out anymore. Safe (or Safer) usage and storage would also be concerns, if such a product exists.

    RMR-86 is also rather pricey, especially for bleach, and I guess RMR-86 Pro is just a higher percentage of bleach, but I will follow your advice to the letter, no matter what your recommended product is or costs! And if you sell it as well, then both of us will benefit, and I’ll tell my friend who recommended RMR-86 about it. I’m glad that I did some research on it first!

    Thank you in advance,

    Craig

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      April 16, 2021 at 12:05 pm

      Hi Craig! A couple of questions so I can give you the right advice. Is there actual mold growth on your car or is it staining from previous growth? Is the roof hard top or soft top? Is the car a convertible? Is the paint the original paint? Lots of paint chipping or pretty clean?

      Reply
  5. Someone who can read says

    June 15, 2021 at 10:05 am

    Rmr-86 is not designed to kill or prevent. It is a cleaner not a killer remover nor does it prevent. Maybe if you could read and comprehend providing you could read in the first place. You would not be giving false and inaccurate information. People like you are the reason why everyone should never believe everything they see or read on the internet.
    Professional…you?
    What a joke because you cant even read the front label which clearly states

    INSTANT MOLD STAIN REMOVER.

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      July 17, 2021 at 5:17 pm

      Thank you for the feedback. If you read my short article in it’s entirety, you would see that I clearly state over and over again that RMR-86 does not kill or prevent mold and that it is only a stain remover as it is bleach based. There is absolutely no false information in my article. It is too bad that you felt the need to attack me, especially when you are the one who didn’t read or comprehend what was in this article.

      Reply
  6. Zao says

    September 21, 2022 at 1:12 pm

    Hello,
    I believe the active ingredients you mentioned are only for the RMR- 141 version NOT RMR-86.

    If someone can please inform us what the 2 Secret ingredients are below that would be helpful. I assume these are the ones which actually make the mold stain dissolve instantly ?

    RMR 86 PRO
    Active Ingredients:

    Sodium Hypochlorite 6% – BLEACH
    Surfactant Mixture 8%
    Inert Ingredients 10%
    Other Ingredients 76% – WATER

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      September 28, 2022 at 10:04 am

      Sodium Hypochlorite is the bleaching agent that makes the stain disappear. Beyond that, I cannot speak to their secret ingredients as I do not have that information.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Grab Your Free Guides

Cover photos of mold prevention tip sheet and leak prevention tip sheet

Copyright © 2023 · Divine theme by Restored 316

The information on this website has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. | By accessing or using this website, you agree to abide by the Terms and Conditions, Full Disclaimer, Privacy Policy, Affiliate Disclosure, and Comment Policy. | We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. | Please do not use my words or pictures without my permission. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. |

Main Menu
  • What Is Mold and Other Mold Facts
  • Mold Prevention
  • Mold Testing
  • Mold Removal & How To Kill Mold
  • Leak Detection and Moisture Intrusion
  • Mold Resistant Products
  • Products I Love
  • Recommended Reading
  • About Us
    • About Jennifer
    • About This Site
    • Work With Me
    • Contact Me
    • Disclaimer
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Grab Your Free Guides and Tip Sheets!
  • Recent Articles
  • Join Our FB Group
  • Home