Mold Vs. Mildew: Do You Know The Difference?

Mold and mildew are types of fungi that grow on damp surfaces. While similar, mildew and mold have characteristics that set them apart, which dictates the most effective cleaning methods.

Mold and mildew are most common in bathrooms, basements, and areas with water damage or excessive humidity levels. Both can cause health problems, allergic reactions, and structural damage to your home.

If you are able to identify mold vs mildew, you can clean up the spores and stop these fungi from spreading.

What Is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungi that grows in multicellular structures known as hyphae. It can take on many shapes, textures, and colors. The most toxic indoor mold is black mold, also known as Stachybotrys chartarum. It’s common on often damp surfaces such as shower ceilings.

Mold spores are always present, they just aren’t harmful during the early stages of their growth. They begin to grow when their ideal, dark and moist environment is present.

What Is Mildew?

Mildew is technically a type of mold. Still, it differs from how we normally think of mold varieties. Rather than a texturized surface, mildew is flat and doesn’t grow in as many colors as mold.

Like mold, mildew grows in moist environments. You might find it on bathroom or basement walls or growing in damp clothes that have set in a hamper for too long. Mildew poses fewer health and structural risks and is easier to clean.

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Mold vs. Mildew: Here’s the Difference

Mildew Is Dry

Mildew is a dry and powdery substance that grows on surfaces. It has a texture similar to peach fuzz or mushroom spores.

Mildew Has A Light Color

To the naked eye, mildew spores are grey, white, or light green. Though the materials underneath mildew can be dark, if you look closely, you’ll notice that the powdery part of mildew is a light color, usually white.

Mildew Grows On Surfaces

Mildew doesn’t penetrate deep into surfaces; instead, it sits on top.

Mold Is Slimy

While mildew is soft and powdery, mold is slick and slimy. It often has a raised texture (sometimes fuzzy.) If you find a substance that looks like mildew but is slick, it’s probably mold.

Mold Comes In Many Colors

While mildew comes in a set amount of colors, mold comes in a rainbow of colors, including black, green, brown, pink, orange, yellow, and red.

Mold Grows Deep

Mold grows deep into surfaces, which is what enables it to cause structural damage. So if your “mildew” doesn’t” wash off easily, it’s probably mold.

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Signs Of Mold and Mildew

The earlier you spot mold and mildew, the less cleaning you’ll need to do. Here are the non-visual signs of mold.

Musty Smell

Both mold and mildew smell damp, musty, and a little rotten. The smell is from the microbial volatile organic compounds that the mold produces.

If the smell is coming from your HVAC system, then there’s a good chance that there is mold growing inside of it. Test regularly to ensure that there aren’t any harmful bacteria building up.

Health Issues

If you’re experiencing breathing issues or a runny nose, mold could be the culprit. Other health effects include itchy eyes, runny nose, and respiratory problems. Check out a full list of symptoms before you self-diagnose and see a doctor if you have breathing problems.

Peeling Walls

Bubbling, peeling, and cracking indicate moisture. Where there is moisture, there is often mold.

Recent Flooding

If you have a leaky pipe or experienced overflowing sinks or toilets that you didn’t promptly clean up, mold may be present. Look for visual signs.

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How To Prevent Mold Vs Mildew

While getting rid of mold can be difficult, preventing mold isn’t. Take these precautions to prevent mold from growing in your home.

• Clean up standing water – including splashed bathwater, leaks, and spills.
• Let moisture-prone areas dry out – your laundry basket, for example, needs to air out between uses to prevent mold growth.
• Fix leaks promptly – moisture leads to mold and mildew, and leaks can cause severe damage.
• Run a dehumidifier – high humidity rooms (like basements) will benefit from a dehumidifier.
• Ensure bathroom exhaust fans work – bathroom ceilings are a prime spot for mold, especially in rooms with non-working exhaust fans.

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DIY Mold and Mildew Removal

In most cases, you can remove mold yourself. The EPA recommends calling in mold remediation specialists when mold covers more than a 10-square-foot patch.

To eliminate mold, you must first kill it and then scrub it off.

Hydrogen Peroxide

You can kill mold and mildew with 3% hydrogen peroxide.

• Put undiluted hydrogen peroxide on the mold (using a spray bottle is easiest)
• Saturate and allow the peroxide to sit for 10-15 minutes
• Scrub with a sponge or soft-bristled brush
• Rinse and dry the wall

If mold or mildew persists, repeat the process.

Bleach And Water Solution

Fill a spray bottle with one part chlorine bleach to three parts water. Spray the mold or mildew, let it sit for 15 minutes, and then scrub the area. Rinse and dry the surface afterward.

White Distilled Vinegar

Spray undiluted white distilled vinegar on the mold, allow it to sit for fifteen minutes, scrub the mold off, rinse, and dry the area.

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