Mold vs Mildew
Denver Mold vs. Mildew: What’s the Difference?
Mold and mildew seem often to be mentioned in tandem. Home cleaning solutions claim to prevent “mold and mildew.” Homeowners are cautioned against the potential air quality dangers of “mold and mildew.” Denver mold and mildew may have similar sounding names, both might be fungi, and no one wants to see either in their home. But there are distinct differences between mold and mildew, and it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with those differences.
Appearance
One of the most obvious things that sets mildew apart from mold is its appearance. Mildew grows on the surface and looks like a gray or white powdery substance. As a surface fungus, it’s relatively easy to spot. Mold, on the other hand, can be harder to find.
There are hundreds of breeds of mold, but the most toxic types of mold range from green to black. They may have a fuzzy appearance, but stachybotrys, otherwise known as toxic black mold, usually has a slimy top layer that holds back mold spores. When stachybotrys dries up, it releases puffs of black mold spores which carry through the air and spread.
Location
Mildew grows most often in bathrooms because of the moisture. Again, it is a surface fungus, so you’ll most likely find it on the surface, such as on your shower tiles. Look at the space between each tile for a light powdery substance. It can also grow on wallpaper, wood, fabric, and on food that’s gone bad.
Mold often grows out of sight in the beginning, inside walls or ceiling or even in the floor. It can grow in dark, moist corners and feeds off of organic materials, which includes just about every building material you can think of. In the case of both mold and mildew, if you’ve recently had a flood, you may be at risk in the areas most water damaged.
Removal
Of the two, mildew is certainly the easiest to eliminate. There are household cleaners that can be bought at just about any store capable of killing mildew with the power of a light spritz and a scrubbing brush. It’s easier to catch because it’s more visible, so you can usually stop it at the source.
However, usually by the time you’ve noticed mold in your home, it’s already a growing infestation. Mold is more difficult to get rid of, especially when it grows in between walls. Denver mold may require an inspection or a proper extermination in order to get rid of the whole of the problem.
Both mold and mildew spell problems for your home, your indoor air quality, and your family’s health. However, the methods of noticing them and removing them are different. Mildew is easy enough to remove on your own. At the first sign of mold, it’s best to call in professional help.