Mildew Vs Mold - The Key Differences You Need To Know

If you’re a homeowner, renter, or investor, undoubtedly you’ve come across the words mildew and mold. These words are enough to strike fear into the heart of anyone.

Mildew vs mold are often used interchangeably and while they are similar, there are some key differences dwellers need to be aware of. These differences can impact your health, home, and ultimately, your wallet.

From their appearance to the ways to tackle them, it’s crucial to understand each type of invader so that you can make informed decisions. Read on for the differences between mold and mildew, and what you can do about it.

What Is Mildew?

Mildew is a type of fungus and is considered to be the lesser of two evils (when compared to mold). Despite its inability to reproduce in invasive quantities, it can still pose a health risk if left untreated.

Mildew’s appearance is gray or white and often turns brown as it ages. It will flourish in a space that is damp, humid, and warm. For homes that stay warm and humid (like Florida) it’s almost certain that you’ve grown mildew at some point.

This fungi thrives in areas like cabinets, showers, and laundry rooms and is typically superficial (meaning it doesn’t invade walls or other surfaces).

What Is Mold?

Mold is a more invasive type of fungi. It reproduces by sending tiny spores into the air and then penetrating those surfaces. For example, if you have mold on a wall and a small breeze catches some of those spores, they can be carried to a pile of clothing. Those clothes will then be susceptible to growing mold too.

The appearance of mold differs from its flat cousin mildew. Mold can become fuzzy and comes in a variety of different colors. You may see black, green, or even red! But don’t fret, as damaging as mold can be, not all mold is as dangerous as black mold. You will however need a professional mold remediation specialist to assess your mold issue.

Similar to mildew, mold thrives in moist environments but can be found outdoors as well. 

Health Implications Of Mildew and Mold

Unfortunately, having mold or mildew in your home isn’t just a cosmetic issue. Sure, it looks bad, but it can also wreak havoc on your health.

Mildew

• Coughing/Sneezing – The telltale musty smell is actually due to the spores, which can irritate your respiratory tract.
• Skin Irritation – Direct contact can lead to redness or rash.
• Sore Throat – The constant respiratory issues can lead to post nasal drip, which causes a sore throat.
• Headaches – Prolonged exposure may cause a headache in some people.

Mold

• Allergic Reaction – Mold spores can trigger any number of allergy symptoms. Very similar to a cold, mildew can do the same thing.
• Asthma Attacks – If you have asthma, you’ll want to take care to avoid mold, as it can cause an attack.
• Fungal Infections – In those with weakened immune systems, mold can cause a fungal infection, which can be difficult to get rid of.

Depending on the specific type of mold that is taking up residence in your home, you may experience even more serious effects. Mycotoxin comes from toxic mold (the dreaded “black mold”) and it can take a serious toll on your health.

If a person has been exposed to toxic mold, they may feel dizzy, fatigued, or experience memory loss.

How To Prevent Mildew and Mold

Mold and mildew cannot thrive in an environment that’s too dry, so your first step towards prevention is removing excess moisture.

With how much upkeep it takes to keep a home in living condition, it’s understandable that wet areas go unnoticed. However, it is vital to the structure of your home that you assess mildew or mold (or call a professional to do that for you) as soon as possible to tackle any problems head on.

And while mildew is typically easy to get rid of with over-the-counter cleaners, mold is much more difficult. There are market items like mold killing primer for walls, but if you don’t get to the root of a problem then it will just grow back. Mold remediation can take upwards of a week, so prevention is key.

In order to prevent mildew or mold from forming in the first place, there are several steps you can take.

• Keep Humidity Low – Some A/C units do a great job of removing humidity from your home, but in tropical climates like Florida, you may still be looking at higher humidity levels through your home. For those pesky humid days, you can invest in a dehumidifier. Optimal levels of humidity that prevent the growth of mold or mildew should remain below 50%.
• Keep A Clean Bathroom – Or really anywhere that experiences a lot of water usage. The humidity can build up and that is where fungi thrive. Make sure to use exhaust fans if your home is equipped with them. You can also use mold killing cleaners on surfaces.
• Remove Wet Items – If carpet or upholstery has been exposed to water that cannot be dried quickly or efficiently, you’ll want to rip those out and replace them.
• Call a Professional – Some water damage just cannot be repaired on your own. You’ll need a professional water restoration service to stop mildew or mold in its tracks.

You Are Not Alone

If you have found yourself thinking “How do I get rid of mold?” you are not alone.

The differences between mildew vs mold are easily confused but once you take some time to examine the problem, you’ll be able to identify which issue you’ve got and fix it before it burdens your home.

Finding mildew or mold in your home can be extremely stressful, but you are not alone. In humid climates like Florida, you’ll have a hard time finding someone that hasn’t experienced mold or mildew at some point in their lives.

Luckily, there are businesses like Axel Works that specialize in getting your home back to a safe and livable condition. We are here for you 24/7 and are happy to help you restore your home.