Mold and mildew are common problems in homes. Many people don’t know the difference. Knowing the difference between mildew or mold is crucial to tackling these problems. This article will explain how to distinguish mildew from mold based upon their appearances, where they are found, what they do, as well as how you can get rid of them.
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Mildew vs. Mold: Appearance
Although color patterns may not be a reliable way of identifying mold from mildew, they can provide clues. These are just a few of the details that can help you determine which type is infesting your house.
Mildew
Mildew can be found in grey, tan, or white colors. Mildew usually grows in a flat, spreading outwards to create patches that eventually cover a surface. It can appear as if it has a fluffy or powdery texture. It may appear to have a powdery or fluffy texture if it is allowed to mature.
- Generally, white, grey, or white
- Flat growth pattern
- Texture fuzzy or powdery
- Mold
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Although it may appear slimy when first growing, mold can often look translucent. Mold can form odd spots of color and has irregular growth patterns. There are many color options available, including blue, yellow, brown and gray as well as black and white. Mold can eat through a lot of the material it rests on, and sometimes causes rot underneath.
- You can be any color
- It starts fuzzy and then becomes slimy
- Light-colored to dark-colored plants
- Mildew vs. What is mold?
It is important to know where the mildew is growing. They both prefer warm, humid areas but there are other details that can help you identify them.
Mildew
Mildew can grow on any surface that is constantly damp, such as fabric, paper, and leather. Mildew can be found on floors, walls and ceilings in rooms that have high humidity such as bathrooms or kitchens. Mildew can also be found on vegetables but prefers leafy plants such as lettuce.
- Mildew is a common problem
- Fabrics, paper and leather
- Ceilings, floors, walls, and ceilings in bathrooms and kitchens
- Leafy crops
Mold
Although mold can grow in damp places, it prefers food. Mold loves to eat food that is old, such as cheese, bread, and meat products. However, it can also be found in dark, wet areas like the corners of sheds or attics or garages.
Mold thrives in:
- Anywhere there is water damage
- Products such as cheese, bread, or meat are all available.
- Garages, sheds and attics
Mildew vs. What is the difference between mold and mildew?
Mildew and mold both grow by spores. This is similar to mushrooms. However, spores in mildew or mold are more hazardous for humans.
Mildew
Mildew is not as harmful to humans as mold. Mildew can cause complete destruction of crops. Mildew can also grow on food, such as leafy vegetables. This can cause toxic releases. Mildew that grows on surfaces like mirrors or bathroom walls won’t normally cause any damage to the surface. However, mildew can cause symptoms such as headaches, coughing, and difficulty breathing if it is released.
Mold
Mold can be very destructive and more dangerous to your home than it is to your health. Mold can cause structural and vehicle damage. It can cause drywall, wood, grout, and mortar to disintegrate, and rot, which can severely compromise the overall structure.
Mold can also lead to more serious and lasting health problems. It can cause breathing or cardiovascular problems, joint pain, fatigue, depression, and migraines depending on the mold type. Many people may be allergic to mold, resulting in symptoms like congestion, skin rashes and sore throat.
There are many types of mold found in homes
There are many types of molds that can grow in your house. The good news is that they are only three to four common. This makes them easy to identify and eradicate.
Stachybotrys is also known as “black mold” and is the most dangerous and invasive of all molds. It is toxic and can grow in large, oval-shaped patches of dark green or black.
Aspergillus is a common mold that can be found in ceilings and walls with water damage or inadequate ventilation. It can be found in many colors.
Cladosporium is a mold that can be found on walls and fabrics in areas with poor ventilation. It is usually olive or light brown in color and has a similar texture to suede.
Fusarium is a type of mold that grows on foods. It can appear as pink, red, or white at first, but it darkens over time. It can cause allergic reactions and is toxic.
Acremonium is a common mold. It can be pink, white, grey, or orange. To grow, it needs high humidity. It is often found in HVAC systems, window sealants, humidifiers, and other similar areas.
Alternaria is a black mold. This mold can trigger asthmatic symptoms. It is often found in bathrooms with poor ventilation or water damage.
How to remove mildew
The area where mildew is growing in your home will determine how to get rid of it. The steps below can be used for any surface in your house.
The mildew-prone material should be dried. If it’s possible, you can dry it by placing it in the sunlight. A fan can be placed in an area that is large. This can spread the spores, so be careful.
Pro tip: When using a fan, place a box above the fan and the area. This prevents the spread of spores.
To kill small areas without causing damage, first use white vinegar. For larger areas, use the full strength of vinegar. The mildew can be removed by scrubbing the area and drying it.
Use ammonia if it is on furniture or in other areas of your home. Combine one gallon water with a cup ammonia, half a cup white vinegar and a quarter of baking soda. This will clean the area thoroughly.
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How to remove mold
You can remove small patches of mold under windows and in humidifiers with some bleach and scrubbing. If you are concerned about a serious infestation in your walls or elsewhere in your home and don’t wish to call a professional to remove it, these steps will help.
Protect yourself. Cover your head with old clothes. Wear a mask to keep out the disturbed spores.
While you are working, turn off any ventilation systems (e.g. furnaces or air conditioners).
To keep the area ventilated while you are working, place a fan in a window. You should dispose of the fan after you are done working, as it is nearly impossible to clean.
You can prevent spores from spreading while you are working by moistening your workspace.
To stop the spread of bacteria, seal the area. You can do this by wrapping plastic tape around any doors. Be sure to inspect any air ducts that lead into or out of the space.
Remove any moldy carpet from a room. Carpet with moldy stains must be removed.
It is best to remove the baseboards from walls if it has penetrated the trim. To check if the insulation and frames are intact, use a screwdriver to remove any stained walls.
To prevent spores from sticking to the wall, clean the stained areas and insulation first.
Before removing any materials, place them in a double bag. Securely tie it closed.
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Make sure you inspect the insulation and walls for signs of rot. If necessary, remove or replace it.