If you’ve ever noticed a musty smell or fuzzy patches growing in your home, you might be wondering what exactly you’re dealing with. Is it mold or mildew? What’s the difference between mold and mildew anyway?
Mold and mildew are both types of fungal growth, but mildew refers to certain kinds of mold or fungus. Mildew is typically white, gray or yellow and grows on the surface of moist, warm areas. Mold tends to be green or black, and it usually grows underneath the surface of anything that has gotten wet.
While this is a quick answer, you likely still have some lingering questions. What causes mold and mildew to grow? Is one more dangerous than the other? And most importantly, how do you get rid of them? Keep reading to learn more and arm yourself with the knowledge to keep your home fungus-free.
What Causes Mold And Mildew To Grow?
Mold and mildew thrive in moist environments. They can grow on a variety of surfaces, including fabric, paper, wood, glass, and plastic. Mildew often grows in damp areas like basements, laundry rooms, and bathrooms with poor ventilation. Mold tends to grow where there’s been flooding or water damage, and on wet surfaces like drywall, carpeting, or ceiling tiles.
In order for mold and mildew to grow, they need four things: moisture, a food source (like dirt or dust), suitable temperature (warmer climates speed up growth), and oxygen. So areas that are damp, dark, and have poor air circulation are prime real estate for these fungi.
Is Mold Or Mildew More Dangerous?
Both mold and mildew can cause health issues, especially for people with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems. Exposure can lead to respiratory problems, sore throat, skin irritation, and other uncomfortable symptoms.
However, certain types of mold can be more dangerous than others. “Black mold,” or Stachybotrys chartarum, is a greenish-black mold that can grow on materials with a high cellulose content, like fiberboard or gypsum board. Exposure to this type of mold can trigger more severe health problems.
Mildew, on the other hand, is generally less harmful than mold. While it can still trigger allergic reactions and worsen breathing problems, it typically poses a lesser health risk than most types of mold.
How Do You Get Rid Of Mold And Mildew?
The good news is that you can usually remove minor mold and mildew infestations with common household cleaners. Bleach, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and commercial mold and mildew removers are all effective options. Just be sure to ventilate the area well and wear protective gloves and a face mask.
For larger mold infestations, it’s best to call in a professional mold remediation service. They have the tools and expertise to safely remove the mold and prevent it from spreading further.
To keep mold and mildew from coming back, it’s important to control moisture levels in your home. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas, fix any leaks promptly, and make sure your home has good ventilation. With a little prevention, you can keep these pesky fungi at bay.
Can You Prevent Mold And Mildew Growth?
While it’s impossible to completely eliminate mold and mildew spores (they’re everywhere!), there are steps you can take to make your home less hospitable to these unwanted guests. The key is to control moisture.
Use exhaust fans or open windows when cooking, running the dishwasher, or showering to remove excess moisture from the air. Make sure your clothes dryer vents outside. Address any leaks from plumbing or roofing right away. And consider running a dehumidifier in particularly damp areas like basements.
Keeping your home clean and free of clutter can also help. Dust and dirt are food sources for mold and mildew, so regular cleaning goes a long way. Make sure to also dry out any wet areas promptly, whether it’s a spill on the carpet or a damp shower curtain.
What’s That Musty Smell?
If you’ve ever walked into a damp basement or old attic and been hit with a musty, earthy odor, you’re probably smelling mold or mildew. This distinctive scent is caused by microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs), which are gases produced by mold during its growth cycle.
Not all molds produce a noticeable smell, but if you do detect that telltale odor, it’s a good indication that you have a mold problem, even if you can’t see any growth. In this case, it’s a good idea to investigate further and look for any hidden mold growth behind furniture, under carpets, or inside walls.
The musty smell alone isn’t harmful, but it does indicate the presence of mold, which can impact your health. If you can’t pinpoint the source of the smell or if you find extensive mold growth, it’s best to call in a professional for assessment and remediation.
Breathe Easier, Mold-Free
Now that you know the difference between mold and mildew and how to combat them, it’s time to take action. Give your home a thorough inspection, keeping an eye out for any signs of mold or mildew growth. If you spot anything suspicious or can’t seem to shake that musty odor, don’t hesitate to call in a professional for an assessment.