Mildew and mold are often referred to as if they are the same. You might be familiar with these two fungi types since both can grow underneath your homes in crawl spaces and around the bathroom walls.
What is mold and mildew? Although the terminology can be confusing, mildew is a specific type of fungus that includes several types of mold. However, not all mildew or mold should be treated in the same way, but it is important that both are eliminated quickly so your home remains safe.
How Do These Two Fungi Grow?
For fungi to grow, they need the right conditions. Three factors are necessary for spores of different types of fungi to grow, namely, food (including the soil), water, and oxygen. Mildew and mold can grow or die by altering any one of these factors.
Spores can land on any surface and germinate. After the surface has been dampened, mold can appear as soon as 24 to 48 hours later. Mildew’s white-gray patches spread outwards on the surface. Meanwhile, molds grow through a surface base and this makes it harder for them to be removed.
What Differentiates Mold from Mildew?
In identifying mold types, especially mildew and mold, what is important is to distinguish their physical characteristics. Given this, the next time you see fungal spots on your property, use the following characteristics as a guide in learning the difference between mold and mildew:
1. Physical Features
Mildew is usually white, gray, dry, and has a powder-like appearance. Mold, on the other hand, often contains a tinge of green or slightly blue with a distinctly slimy texture.
The smell can also be a basis in determining the difference between mold and mildew. In particular, mildew contains a mustier scent, similar to damp clothing. Meanwhile, mold is usually pungent. Its odor is stronger because mold produces more volatile organic chemicals as it continues to grow.
2. Growth Pattern
Mold and mildew can grow on ordinary materials like wood, leather, and paper. Mold, though, is often shows up in damp areas like bathroom walls and basements. Mildew, for its part, loves moist places, ideally in areas having 62 to 93 percent relative humidity.
The temperature is also important in the growth of these two fungi. Mildew, for example, will reproduce when the temperature is between 77 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit.
Additionally, since mildew is a surface fungus, it’s common for people to see it in moist areas although it doesn’t really cause much damage. Mold, on the other hand, is capable of digging itself below the surface, and this poses difficulties for those wanting to eliminate it.
3. Cleaner Efficacy
The key difference between mold and mildew is how they are eliminated. Mildew can be removed easily with household cleaners and a scrub brush. For molds, the process for removing them will vary depending on their nature.
While bleach or other similar cleaning products can effectively remove many mold or mildew varieties, there are a few that can be harmful to your health so you’ll need to wear a mask or any protective gear when you work on getting rid of them. Additionally, some mold types such as the black mold, are best removed by mold specialists.
What To Do When Molds Grow at Home
Generally, mildew is harmless; molds, however, have certain varieties – black mold – that can trigger respiratory diseases such as asthma and other types of allergies.
Here are some tips on what to do in case there are molds in your household:
1. Dispose unwanted materials.
Start with any material that can be removed or disposed of such as wallpaper, rotting wood, and drywall. This should ideally be done after an intense rainfall or flooding.
If the material is soaked in water for a prolonged period, there is a good chance that it has retained some level of moisture – and where there is moisture, mold is soon to follow.
2. Use a vinegar solution.
Vinegar is one of the strongest acids and is readily available for use as an effective mold and mildew remover. It has been used as a cleaning agent since time immemorial and has also worked well in eliminating fungi. At the first sign of fungi growth, mist the surroundings using a vinegar solution.
The ideal ratio for an effective vinegar solution is 50:50. However, for quick mold removal, you can mist undiluted vinegar onto the affected area.
Preventive Measures Against Mold Growth
As the popular saying goes: “prevention is better than cure”. Avoid property damage and respiratory problems by making sure that your household is free from mold and mildew. Consider the following:
1. Keep humidity low.
When an area is damp and full of moisture, it is usually because of the surrounding humidity. Using dehumidifiers is a great way to control and maintain current humidity levels.
Keeping a humidity meter will also come in handy as this can help check if your house is getting a little too humid.
2. Fix leaks.
Water is an integral part of every creature’s life and molds are no different. If there are any leaks in your plumbing system, it is best to fix them as soon as possible. Leaky faucets will eventually give way to the growth of either mold or mildew.
3. Add mold inhibitors.
If you are doing spring cleaning at home and you decided to include some re-painting, consider investing in mold inhibitors. These products help prevent mold build-up even when the area gets moist or humid. They are readily available in many hardware stores and are quite affordable.
4. Consult a professional.
To avoid cases of mold infestation, frequent consultation with your plumbing service company will help ensure that you’ll have no leaking pipes and your plumbing system will be in pristine condition.
Professional plumbers can also give you advice and tips on how to ensure that your plumbing system will not encounter problems that could eventually lead to leakage and mold infestation.
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