Mold vs. Mildew: What's the Difference, and Does It Matter?
Mildew is a common name for some molds that grow flat on damp surfaces. What the terms mean, why mildew isn't safer, and how to clean it by surface.
Thoughtful, practical guides to help you make a safer choice for your home.
Showing 37–48 of 53 guides
Mildew is a common name for some molds that grow flat on damp surfaces. What the terms mean, why mildew isn't safer, and how to clean it by surface.
Mold can start in a wet wall within 24 to 48 hours, but you may not see it for weeks. Why walls stay wet, how to dry them, and when to open one up.

Pro mold removal often runs about $1,200 to $3,750, but hidden, HVAC, or whole-house jobs cost far more. Learn what drives price and how to compare quotes.

Mold can trigger allergies, asthma, and rarer lung and sinus diseases. Learn what is proven, what is disputed about mold illness, and what to do next.

Outdoor mold often peaks from summer into fall, but indoor mold follows moisture year-round. See seasonal risks, allergy tips, and a home checklist.

Mold testing often runs about $250 to $800, per HomeAdvisor. Learn what drives the price, when testing is unnecessary, and how to avoid conflicted inspectors.

UV-C can inactivate mold, but there's no reliable kill time for home surfaces. Learn why dose matters, where UV lights fail, and what to do instead.

Small mold jobs may take a day or two; larger ones often run 1 to 2 weeks before rebuild. See each phase, what causes delays, and how to confirm it's done.

On allergy reports, a high outdoor mold count starts at 13,000 spores/m³. Indoor air tests have no safe limit. How to read each and what to do.

Many guides say to let vinegar sit on mold for an hour, but that isn't a proven kill time. How to clean small hard-surface spots safely.

Any mold growing indoors can affect health. Learn what's known about common household molds, the black mold myth, who is most at risk, and what to do.

Vinegar may slow some mold on hard surfaces, but there is no proven kill time. See what research shows, where it fails, and when to call a pro.