4 Important Differences Between Mold and Mildew

10/9/2019 (Permalink)

Knowing whether you have mildew or mold growing in your home is important for knowing how to tackle the problem.

While often used interchangeably, mold and mildew are actually not the same thing. Understanding the differences between these two types of fungus are important for knowing how to effectively deal with mold damage in your home in Elmhurst, IL. Here are four essential differences between mold and mildew. 

1. Appearance

When it first starts to grow, mildew will look white or gray on whatever surface it is growing on. Over time, mildew may start to turn yellow, brown or black. Mildew normally grows in flat patches and is fluffy or powdery in appearance. Mold, on the other hand, is often much darker than mildew and can be white, yellow, varying shades of green, blue, or black. It usually has an irregular growth pattern and looks either very fuzzy or slimy. 

2. Location

While mold and mildew can be found on many of the same surfaces, mildew growth is most commonly found on plants and flat surfaces in your home. Mold can penetrate objects and make its way into drywall or floorboards, but mildew can only live on the surface. Both are attracted to moisture, which makes bathrooms and kitchens common breeding grounds. 

3. Damage

If found in your home, mildew is more of an annoyance than a serious issue. Mildew is the most harmful to plants and crops. Mold damage, on the other hand, will become worse with time and can cause severe rotting to your home. 

4. Treatment

You can easily clean mildew at home using a store-bought cleaner or natural mold killer and a cleaning brush. However, removing mold is much harder. For severe mold growth, you will need to get assistance from a mold remediation specialist. 

Knowing whether you have mildew or mold growing in your home is important for knowing how to tackle the problem. Visit https://www.SERVPROelmhurst.com/ for more information on mold and mildew.