3 Differences Between Mold and Mildew

9/25/2019 (Permalink)

Mildew often occurs on living plants and crops

Distinctions Between Mold and Mildew

If you have water damage or high levels of moisture in your home in Raleigh, NC, then you may eventually discover that your house has developed a fungus growth. However, there are several varieties of fungus that you could be dealing with. It is important to determine whether you have mildew or mold damage since they should be handled differently. The following are a few distinctions between these types of fungus.

1. What It Looks Like

An easy way to determine whether you have mold or mildew growth is to examine the way it looks. Mildew is often white or gray and tends to grow flat. It usually has a powdery appearance. On the other hand, mold comes in a wide variety of colors, from black to white to green. Mold can be either slimy or fuzzy depending on the variety.

2. Where It Grows

While both mildew and mold growth are more likely to occur in areas with a lot of moisture, there are some differences. Mildew often occurs on living plants and crops though it can sometimes be found in other areas. Mold is more likely to grow on other surfaces and can be found in a variety of places. It may be hiding behind your walls, inside your air conditioner or on your shower tiles.

3. How Easy It Is to Remove

Because of the way it grows, mildew is often easier to remove than mold damage. Mildew remains on the surface of an object, so it can be scraped or scrubbed off. Mold, however, penetrates porous materials, so removing it from the outside will not always get rid of the growth.
Whether you have mildew or mold damage, it is important to have the fungus removed from your home as quickly as possible. Doing so will prevent it from spreading and causing further problems. A mold remediation company can inspect your home to determine the location, cause and type of growth and then perform cleanup to remove it.