Is It Mold or Mildew?

7/19/2022 (Permalink)

Learn The Key Characteristics of Mold and Mildew

While many people confuse mold and mildew, they are two different types of fungi that need different care. Both mildew and mold damage can be harmful to your home in Belleair, FL, so it is necessary to know the key characteristics of each.

1. Appearance
One of the easiest ways to tell them apart is by examining aspects of the way they look, including color and texture. Mildew growth will typically be powdery-looking and light in color — typically yellow, gray or white. On the other hand, mold is generally a darker color, like green or black, and can be fuzzy or slimy-looking.

2. Location
While both fungi appear in warm, moist places, they prefer to grow on different types of materials. Mildew usually grows on soft items, such as leather, paper, or fabric, which have gotten wet. You may also find it on the floors, walls, or ceilings of humid rooms, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Meanwhile, mold growth is primarily found on the inside of floors, walls, or ceilings that have gotten wet.

3. Effects
While mold and mildew may appear similar at first, their effects are vastly different. For instance, mildew typically does not harm the surfaces that it grows on. However, mold damage can be serious since mold grows on the inside materials of houses and can cause structural issues if left untreated. Therefore, it is important to treat mold as soon as you find it.

4. Removal
Another noticeable difference between these fungi is how difficult it is to remove them from a home’s surface. Typically, mildew comes off with a good cleaner and a scrubbing brush, while mold takes much more effort. Often, mold removal is something that should not be undertaken by the average homeowner but left to mold remediation professionals.
The first step to protecting your home from mold damage is being able to tell the difference between mold and mildew. Being able to identify these fungi based on their appearance, location, and effects will tell you whether you need to purchase a light mildew cleaner or hire someone to remove your mold.