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.
Mildew vs. Mold: Key Differences
Mildew and mold are both types of fungi, but they differ significantly in appearance, growth patterns, and potential harm.
Mildew is the less invasive of the two, often appearing gray or white and turning brown with age. It thrives in damp, warm, and humid spaces like cabinets, showers, and laundry rooms, where it typically stays on the surface rather than penetrating materials. While less aggressive, mildew still poses health risks if left untreated.
Mold, on the other hand, is more invasive and spreads by releasing spores into the air, which can latch onto surfaces like clothing or walls. Mold often has a fuzzy texture and appears in various colors, including black, green, or red. Some molds, like black mold, can be hazardous, requiring professional remediation to address. Mold grows in similar moist environments as mildew but can also thrive outdoors.
Key Visual Differences Between Mildew and Mold
Mildew: Flat, powdery texture, gray or white that turns brown.
Mold: Fuzzy or slimy texture, vibrant colors like black, green, or red.
Growth Patterns to Watch For
Mildew: Stays on the surface of damp areas, primarily indoors.
Mold: Penetrates materials, spreads through spores, and grows indoors and outdoors.
Understanding these differences can help you identify and address fungal growth in your home effectively.
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.
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.
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