Difference Between Mold and Mildew

Mold, mildew—it’s all gross, foul-smelling gunk that can infest your home. Do you know what the mold vs. mildew difference is? Both are molds (fungi), both can develop in the damp areas of your home and both are frustrating to have growing in your space. However, there are some key differences that will tell you what you’re dealing with. In turn, that will help your mold removal contractors know how to get rid of the problem.

How to tell if you have mold and mildew

Here are four ways to determine you have mold or mildew issues in your home:

• Appearance: You can usually tell the difference between mold and mildew just by looking at it. Mildew looks like a powdery film on the surface, while mold tends to be raised, slimy and/or fuzzy. Mold might be red, black, green or blue, while mildew tends to appear gray or white.
• Smell: Mildew smells mildly musty, like walking into an attic that’s been closed up for years. Mold has a far more powerful odor, thanks to the volatile organic compounds it gives off. If it smells particularly foul, you’ve got a mold problem.
• Behavior: Mildew is usually a surface-level problem, whereas mold “burrows” into the surface. Both tend to show up in damp areas, on organic materials like paper, leather, wood and more. Mildew often appears in high-humidity areas, like showers and bathrooms, whereas mold is harder to spot. You might see it in your high humidity areas, but since it burrows, it’s often below the surface—and a much bigger problem than it first appears to be.
• Health effects: If you’re sensitive to mold, you’ll probably feel the health effects from a mold infestation right away. Mildew can trigger allergies, but mold can result in headaches, memory loss, depression and mood changes. It may also contribute to skin irritation, respiratory illness and other issues. Black mold is especially harmful. If you think you have a mold infestation, make sure to get it removed right away.

How to remove mold or mildew

If you have mildew, you can usually remove it yourself. Simple household cleaners and a scrub brush will usually do the trick.

On the other hand, mold is another story. Since mold burrows into surfaces, it’s far more insidious. You may go to remove mold only to find that it’s infested your drywall and part of the structure of your home. Plus, removing it requires using safety equipment to protect your health.

If you think you have a mold infestation, it’s important to call a professional team as soon as possible. They’ll be able to inspect your home and let you know what kind of mold you have, how far they think it may have spread and what the removal process may entail. It’s best to leave this job to the pros—they’ll have the appropriate knowledge and equipment to leave your home safe and mold free.

When you need help with mold removal or aren’t sure whether you’re dealing with mold vs. mildew, Active Mold Control LLC is standing by. Let our team of experts help you restore your home when you call today.

Categorised in: Mold Testing Services

This post was written by Writer