Mold And Mildew Health Concerns
The health of both humans and pets may be affected by the presence of mold and mildew in the home. While some people may not be affected at all, others who are especially sensitive may experience symptoms such as itchy eyes, wheezing, or a runny nose. People with asthma or allergies will feel the most severe reactions to mold and mildew.
How To Get Rid Of Mold And Mildew In Your Home
Removing mold yourself can be difficult and damaging to your health. If the moldy area is larger than 10 square feet, the safest and most efficient way to remove the mold is to call a mold remediation company. We have the proper equipment and training to remove mold and help to prevent mold growth effectively.
You can take some steps for a smaller affected area less than 10 square feet. Take proper precautions, and wear protective gear. This includes rubber gloves, N-95 masks, and goggles/protective eyewear.
If you try your own mold remediation for small areas, you can use common household products, like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, undiluted vinegar, and a spray bottle. Among the many kinds of molds that can grow indoors, black mold is one of the most infamous. Learn about black mold removal. Remember that these are not the same products or steps PuroClean would use to remove mold. Chlorine bleach or a bleach solution does not kill mold, and we dont recommend using bleach to eliminate mold.
Mildew on plants can be removed by wiping the leaves gently with a dampened paper towel. After each wipe, freshen the paper towel. Replace the paper towel when all parts have touched the moldy surfaces and cut off any leaves that still have
Mold Vs Mildew: Is There A Difference
Mildew is a kind of mold, which means mold and mildew have a lot in common. They are both fungi, are often found inside homes, thrive in moist environments, spread from surface to surface easily, and may cause problems with your health and your home.
So, is there really even a difference between mold and mildew? Yes, there are certain characteristics that differentiate mildew from other molds. Let us take a look at each mold and mildewwhat it looks and smells like, where it grows, and the risks it poses.
Don’t Miss: How To Test For Mold In Drinking Water
Signs Of Mold And Mildew In Your Home
Mildew can typically be detected via sight. Youll know mildew by its powdery appearance and white or gray color. Mold can be more difficult to detect because it grows on food and more permanent structures, including the interior of those structures.
If youre unsure whether youre looking at mold or mildew, an easy way to distinguish between the two is to place a few drops of bleach on the affected area. After five minutes, check the spot for any differences. If the area is lighter, youre likely dealing with mildew, but if the spot is still dark in color, its probably mold.
Another way to determine the presence of mold is to purchase an at-home test kit. These kits are sold in stores or online and use petri dishes to capture mold scores. After the petri dish has been exposed to the homes air for several days, its returned to the manufacturer, who reports back to you whether mold is present. While these kits are helpful for preliminary screening, they wont help you locate the molds source.
Professionals have more advanced methods of testing, including air sampling, surface testing, and bulk testing. Air sampling tests the concentration of spores in the air. In surface testing, samples are gathered through swabbing or tape lifting and then examined in a laboratory.
How Mold And Mildew Form
Mold and mildew need the right conditions for growth. To begin, they need mold spores as a type of seed. Spores grow with three factors: food , water, and oxygen. Increasing or decreasing any of these factors will cause mold and mildew to grow or die.
Spores land on the surface, germinate, and grow. Mold and mildew may start as early as 24 to 48 hours after the surface has been dampened. Mildew’s white-gray spots spread outward, not upward, remaining on the surface. Mold, though, eats into its basewhich makes it harder to removeand sometimes grows upward.
Don’t Miss: How To Get Rid Of Black Mold
How To Clean Mildew
Now that you know how dangerous mold and mildew can be, youâre no doubt eager to make sure you rid your home of these fungi. Surface mold and mildew are relatively easy to clean, provided you catch them early. To clean mildew, spray the surface with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Let it sit for a few hours, then wipe away. You can also make a paste of three parts baking soda and one part vinegar, and apply it to the surface. Let it sit for an hour or more, then scrub it off.
Hydrogen peroxide is also a top-line defense against mildew, but it should never be combined or come in contact with vinegar, as this can be toxic. You can also use a bleach-and-water solution to kill mildew, but again, donât perform this method too soon after trying vinegar or hydrogen peroxide as it can be dangerous.
In the future, to prevent mildew, keep the air well-circulating with a fan and open the shades. Mildew hates light, so keeping it bright and airy will decrease mildewâs chance of growing in your home.
The Differences Mold & Mildew
Mildew typically is white or light grey in color. Many types of mold also have this color, but there are many more colors of mold. Mold can come in yellow, green, blue, black and more. These different colored variations of mold can often cause more severe health risks than mildew. Some forms of mold can cause bronchitis, paralysis, and even death. Because of this, mold is generally considered much more dangerous and more urgent to remove. Finally, the texture is a huge difference between mold and mildew. The latter has a fuzzy or powdery look to it. Mold on the other hand can come in many textures. It can be fuzzy like mildew, slimy, or even three dimensional.
Read Also: How To Treat Mold On Subfloor
Mold And Mildew With Food
Both mold and mildew can develop on foods. However, flowers are not very likely to develop mold. Mold and mildew can both develop in dry as well as wet areas. The key to their growth is not liquid or fluid but moisture content. Humidity can also lead to the growth of either or both.
There is no difference between mold and mildew when it comes to being conscious of them or to prevent them from thriving. Keeping areas dry and airy, fresh and well ventilated is the best way to prevent the growth of either or both. Neither mold nor mildew should be allowed to thrive and any food, fruit or area that has been affected by either mold or mildew or both should be attended to immediately.
What To Use To Clean Mold And Mildew Safely
Before using any cleaners, you must ventilate! Ventilation is extremely important during cleaning, so that any disturbed spores exit the building. Close and tape off doors to the rest of the house and use a box fan in a window pointing out while cleaning. This will prevent spores from invading the rest of the home, and remove them from the air of the room to be cleaned. Also, ventilation helps remove the smell of whatever your cleaner of choice. Remember smelling good does NOT equal clean!
There are 3 simple ingredients you can safely use to clean away mold and mildew in your home: white vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide. Remember NOT to mix these ingredients! Keep reading for maximum cleaning power and safety!
Can it really be that simple? What about all of those mold and mildew cleaners that are being marketed? What about the claims that a certain product kills mold, removes mold, removes stains, disinfects surfaces and prevents mold from ever returning? If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
Believe it or not simple and safe ingredients are better. To learn more about the products you use to clean your home, and how they are NOT regulated by the federal government, check out our articles: Cleaning Products Homemade vs. Store Bought and How to Choose the Best Black Mold Removal Products.
Hard Surface Cleaning
Hydrogen Peroxide
White Vinegar
Baking Soda
Essential Oils
Cleaning Softer Surfaces
Also Check: Can Black Mold Cause Long Term Health Problems
Whats The Difference Between Mold And Mildew
Many people use the term mold and mildew interchangeably so there is some obvious confusion over the difference between the two. Its important to understand what each one is before taking action when you believe you have a mold or mildew problem in your home.
There are some subtle differences between mold and mildew, and although they are both fungi that grow in moist conditions, they can be differentiated and treated individually. This will help you decide if you need Red Deer mold removal services.
How Can I Tell if I have Mold or Mildew Just By Looking?
Just because they are both in the fungus family, doesnt mean they will appear or even act the same. If you find white, gray or yellow spots that appear fluffy or like a powder growing on a surface that is located in a warm and moist area of your home, you have mildew.
Conversely, mold appears green or black with a fuzzy or even slimy texture. Mold tends to grow in places that have been exposed to water directly.
Where do Mold and Mildew Typically Grow?
As a fungus, both mold and mildew can grow quickly under warm and wet conditions. They do differ, however, on where they prefer to grow.
Mildew can often be found on surfaces that were once wet and have remained damp. These might include towels, paper, or leather. Within a home, mildew may also be seen on floors, walls, or ceilings in rooms that have high levels of humidity, like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
Do Mold and Mildew React the Same Way on Surfaces?
Best Commercially Available Products For Diy Mold And Mildew Removal
The best mold removal products are those that are non-toxic and safe to use around children and pets.
There are 2 commercially available mold removal products that we recommend. Both are cleaners that are safe to use in your home and near children or pets. Remember that you should always wear personal protective equipment when cleaning mold of any color, no matter how safe your cleaner may be.
To purchase
The other product we recommend has not been reviewed by EWG, however, it is an excellent and safe product that we can highly recommend. Bioesque Botanical Disinfectant Solution kills fungi and mold within 3 minutes. It also kills bacteria and viruses including COVID-19.
To learn more about this product and its safety check out the companys website at: Bioesques Botanical Disinfectant Solution.
To purchase
Read Also: Can You Get Mold Out Of Fabric
The Differences Between Mold And Mildew
Most people dont realize this, but mold and mildew arent the same thing. Theyre both types of fungi, and while mildew can actually be identified as a type of mold, it doesnt grow or spread. There are, however, some key differences between mold and mildew that every homeowner should know.
Basic Differences Between Mold and Mildew
Mold is typically found on organic surfaces, while mildew grows flat, and is typically found on fabrics and basement or bathroom walls. The major difference between the two is that mold is harmful to your homes air quality and can cause irreversible damage. Mildew is harmful, but not a major threat to air quality and doesnt usually require removal like mold. Because mildew can be mistaken for mold, its good to know the difference between the two before you call in a specialist.
Identifying Mold by Appearance
Although proper identification of the mold or mildew can only be performed by someone who specializes in mold removal, Regina homeowners can learn some of the common features of mold so that they have an idea of what theyre dealing with.
Mold has a fuzzy appearance, and is generally green, purple, black, brown, pink, or orange. It grows in different shapes and often in consistently damp areas of the home. If you suspect that you have mold, you should call in a mold removal specialist right away to sample everything, as mold spores can travel through the air and contaminate many areas in your home.
Identifying Mildew by Appearance
Mold Vs Mildew: Whats The Difference
Its easy for people to mix up mold with mildew, considering both are fungi known for thriving in warm areas that have a lot of moisture. But there are some differences between the two that people should know before trying to prevent or treat either from growing. Heres a rundown of how to tell the difference between mold vs. mildew prior to treating the problem.
Don’t Miss: How Serious Is Mold In Your House
Concerned About Mold And Mildew In Or Around Your Home Contact A Professional
Minor mold and mildew issues can often be handled by the homeowner without the need for professional testing or remediation. However, if you think you may have large amounts of mold or mildew growing in your home or are suffering from an unexplained cold or flu-like symptoms, expert testing and analysis are likely in order.
The state-of-the-art laboratory and team of expert consultants at JSE Labs are here to help. We offer accredited testing services and inspections and can help you determine the best course of action to keep you and your family safe.
How Hard Is It To Get Rid Of Mold Vs Mildew
Yet another difference of mold vs. mildew is how difficult it is to get rid of each fungus. With mildew, all it typically takes is a mildew cleaner and a good scrubbing brush. However, mold is not an issue that most people should be dealing with on their own. Mold removal is best left to professionals. That being said, it is possible to prevent mold without hiring anyone for the job, since there are mold prevention tactics to try.
Its also possible to buy bought mold and mildew prevention sprays at the store and online. In fact, Gold Eagle is a great source of such products, making it easy to prevent fungal growth after learning the basics on mold vs. mildew.
Recommended Reading: What Is Black Mold Poisoning
The Difference Between Mold And Mildew
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency , mold is an umbrella term for all species of microscopic fungi that grow in hyphae, or multicellular filaments. Mold can grow on any organic matterfrom leather to ceilings to floorsthat’s gotten wet, especially if you have a chronic issue with moisture in your home. It loves wet, warm environments. Mold can also cause musty, unpleasant odors in spaces with limited circulation, like basements.
Mildew only refers to certain types of mold or fungus that usually appear where moisture or humidity levels are high, like shower walls, bathroom tiles or windowsills. It’s a type of surface fungi, so it can almost always be remedied with a simple cleaner, scrubbing brush and a little elbow grease. Mold, on the other hand, can be much more widespread. For instance, if you see mold on your side of the ceiling, there’s likely more that isn’t visible to you. That’s why mold can signify lasting damage, while mildew is more of a quick fix.
The Similarities Between Mold And Mildew
Before we get into what makes the two different, first lets take a look at why people get them confused so easily.
Both mold and mildew are types of fungi and theyre both often found inside the home. Theyre both need moisture to survive and neither are too picky about their growing locations. They can grow on surfaces, your food, your walls, and more. Plus, given the chance, they can spread quickly without your knowing.
To make matters worse, they can even look similargray or white, powdery or fuzzy, mold and mildew have a variety of different looks, and none of them are what any of us wants to see.
You May Like: How To Control Mold In Basement
Mold Vs Mildew On Walls: What You Should Know
Most homeowners have had at least one experience with mold and/or mildew on their wall. I have personally dealt with both and neither is an ideal guest in your home. Up until recently, I had assumed they were the same thing but they have some key differences. In todays article, I will go over the differences and how to get rid of them!
First off, what is the difference between mold and mildew? Well, both are considered fungi and have similar characteristics. They grow rapidly in warm moist environments where they feed on organic material. However, mold is the same species as mushrooms while mildew is not.
Mold typically appears as green or black spots that can appear fuzzy, slimy, or scaly. This fungus occurs naturally outside but can also grow when spores land on surfaces indoors and start to multiply.
Mildew is often found in bathrooms and kitchens and appears as a powdery-like substance that is caused by an airborne spore landing on moist surfaces. It will eventually develop into unsightly spots of discolored, faded, or peeling paint.
Again, both can be a nuisance, and thankfully both can be dealt with too. Lets talk about them more and some tips I have for getting rid of them!
Need To Find A Professional Mold Removal Service
If the mold problem is out of control, then its time to call in the professionals. For help finding a professional mold removal service, check out our tips for hiring service providers for your home. Need help planning your upcoming move as well? Our website makes it easy to find and book the best moving company for the job. Best of luck and happy moving!
Read Also: Does Hydrogen Peroxide Kill Mold Spores
