Know When To Clean And When To Call
Its easy to take care of mold and mildew as a homeowner, but its also a good idea to know when to call in the pros. You should be able to take care of mildew yourself, but if it keeps coming back, or is causing health problems for your family, you may want to call in the pros. It might just be mold, not mildew.
Mold is great at hiding in hard to detect locations such as in drywall, under sinks, and in carpet. If the area of mold covers more than about 10 square feet, there is a good chance the mold problem is more than an isolated issue. If you smell a musty odor in your home you cant identify, or have health problems associated with mold, its time to call in the professionals.
To learn more about what mold removal really looks like check out our post: Home Mold Remediation.
Especially if you dont live in our service area, check out our post: How to Choose the Best Black Mold Removal Company. We help you know all the questions to ask and all the answers!
Common Types Of Mold And Mildew
Mildew is thin, superficial, and flat in appearance. It can thrive on many damp surfaces including clothing, paper, leather, walls, ceilings, and floors. These are the most common types of mildew found indoors:
- BasidiosporesThis variety is associated with dry rotted wood. These mildew spores eventually become mushrooms and can cause severe allergic reactions.
- AureobasidiumGenerally described as bathroom mold, this mildew is found in showers and bathtubs.
- BotrytisOften found in humid greenhouses, this type of mildew is found on indoor plants and can trigger asthma symptoms.
- RhizopusDangerous to those with existing health conditions or nutritional deficiencies, this toxic mildew grows on garbage, house dirt, and food.
Mold is dark, sometimes described as hairy, and can grow into surfaces. These are the most common types of mold found indoors:
How To Remove Mold And Mildew
There are different methods for removing mold and mildew, depending on the surface.
Walls: The removal process for mold vs. mildew on walls is the same. Mix one cup of chlorine bleach with one gallon of warm water and lightly scrub the affected area. Let the solution dry for 10 minutes, then repeat the process at least two more times to ensure all mildew or mold has been removed.
Bathroom or kitchen tile: Kitchen or bathroom mold vs. mildew removal can be done with a commercial cleaner or with a mix of one part bleach to two parts warm water. Spray, scrub, and rinse the area at least once to remove the mold. Here are tips for dealing with mold under the sink.
Fabric: Its never fun to identify mildew vs. mold on clothes, but both have the same removal process. When cleaning certain fabrics that have mold or mildew growth, take them outside to prevent any spreading of spores. If the material is still wet, let it sit in the sun until dry. Next, use a brush to remove as much mold and mildew as possible. For any remaining stains, use the bleach and water method of removal. If the piece is washer friendly, send it through a cycle after removing the mildew with bleach.
Clothing: In many cases, your best bet would be to throw away the piece of clothing. Unless its a treasured item, the threat of spreading more mold spores just isnt worth it. Using gloves, place the clothes in trash bags, seal them tightly, and discard them.
You May Like: How To Remove Mold Yourself
You Have Cardboard Boxes Stacked In The Garage
Mold grows quickly on moist paper, so a garage filled with stacked cardboard boxes is likely to turn into a fungus playground if high humidity or leaks make the boxes wet. You can cut down the potential for mold growth by repairing any roof or ground leaks in the garage. But it’s also a good idea to separate boxes enough to allow airflow between them, or even better, transfer the contents to plastic storage containers with tight lids. Placing a few buckets filled with cat litter or activated charcoal around the garage will also help control moisture.
How To Prevent Mold And Mildew
The best defense against mold and mildew and the illnesses they can cause iskeeping surfaces clean and dry. Here are some tips:
Resources and further learning
You May Like: How Do You Clean Mold Off Of Leather
Tips For Cleaning Mold And Mildew
- Remember that your goal is not to kill the mold or mildew spores, but to remove them. When they have been removed completely they cannot grow back.
- Ventilate, ventilate, ventilate! Ventilation is 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.
- Be sure to spray and then wipe all surfaces with a damp rag. Dry wiping will disturb spores and send them into the air! Airborne spores can regrow in new locations, and cause even more mold to grow. Mold and mildew spores are not visible to the naked eye, so be sure to cover all surfaces with your cleaner of choice, even if they look clean.
- Vacuuming is not the best method of removal. Do NOT use a vacuum to clean mold unless you have a vacuum with a HEPA filter. HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air, which means the filter can stop most particles of dust, pet dander, allergens, etc. that are 0.3 microns or larger and keep them from being put back into the air. The HEPA filter should be changed periodically to increase efficiency. Use with caution as mycotoxins may not be filtered out even when using a HEPA vacuum. Remember that you will eventually have to empty the vacuum, and it will be filled with the mold.
Can You Spray Kilz Over Mold
Although it is designed to be applied directly to mold and mildew prone surfaces, any existing mold and/or mildew on the surface should be removed before priming and painting. This will ensure best results. Wash the area with a mildew remover, rinse with water and allow to dry before priming…. continue reading
Recommended Reading: What Removes Mold From Shower
Mold And Mildew: Prevention Of Microorganism Growth In Museum Collections
National Park Service – Conserve O Gram, Number 3/4
“Mold and Mildew: Prevention of Microorganism Growth In Museum Collections”
Formerly issued as Conserve O Gram 3/6. Revised, July 1993.
Mold is the common term used to describe a downy or furry growth on the surface or organic matter, caused by fungi, especially in the presence of dampness and decay. A fungus may be any of a large number of microorganisms that are parasites feeding on living organisms or dead organic matter.
Mold is often used interchangeably with the word mildew. They are the generic terms that describe a variety of microorganisms, including fungi, algae, rusts, yeasts, and bacteria, that are agents of deterioration for museum objects. They produce irregular stains that can permanently damage an object. Collection managers must be able to recognize signs of these problems and be prepared to take preventive actions.
The Microorganisms
Fungi are simple-celled organisms that do not need energy from light for growth. The fungi bear microscopic spores that are produced in enormous quantities, are always present in the air, and spread via air currents. They are often water repellent and are resistant to desiccation . Extreme cold and heat will destroy them.
NOTE: Some species of microorganisms cause health risks in the form of chronic lung irritation. Always exercise caution when handling badly infested materials, i.e. wear a high-efficiency particulate air filter respirator and disposable gloves. .
Damage
Does Mold Or Mildew Smell Sweet
Categories Home & Garden
If you come home and find a sweet smell, you should first look at the kitchen. Maybe someone is cooking something delicious! Cant find the source of the smell? Can mold or mildew cause a sweet smell? What else can cause a sweet or earthy smell? Is it good for your house?
Keep reading the article to know the answers.
Read Also: Does White Vinegar Kill Black Mold
What Does Mold Or Mildew Smell Like
Mold and mildew smell like rotten wood or earthy-sweet. The odor is not pleasant. If you get those smells, dont get close to the mold colony to sniff. The spores are quite dangerous to health.
The spores can cause difficulty breathing, runny nose, skin and eye irritation. If you stay in a house infected by mold and mildew, it can cause more severe health issues like heart problems, brain disease, respiratory problems, depression, etc.
Molds are more harmful to us. Molds cause most of the health issues we mentioned. On the other hand, mildews are not as dangerous as molds. But they can cause allergies, skin and eye irritation, asthma etc.
What Is The Appearance Of Mildew And Mold
Since mold and mildew are both part of the kingdom of fungi, they can appear similar. However, there are some differences that help distinguish the two. Mildew is powdery and downy in texture and appears as white or grey. Sometimes this white color may turn to yellow, blue or green. Depending on the time of mold, it can be fuzzy and in various colors including black, blue, green, or yellow. The way each fungus grows will also determine its appearance. As mentioned, mildew grows flat while mold grows as raised texture and expands outwards.
Also Check: How To Check For Mold In Your Apartment
What Does It Mean If Your Inspector Or Mold Expert Calls It Mildew
See MOLD / ENVIRONMENTAL EXPERT, HIRE ? for help in deciding if you need a mold expert or not. But if your “mold expert” or home inspector tells you that s/he found mildew growing in or on the building, that person may be less of an expert on finding, identifying, and removing problem mold than you hoped, and therefore
- The mold test consultant or mold inspector may not be adequately skilled in finding the most important reservoirs of mold contamination in the building.If the mold inspector does not understand the basic mycology of what kinds of mold are likely to grow where in a building under what conditions, the inspector is unlikely to know where to look for problem mold and is at risk of reporting superficial mold contamination while completely missing the more serious problem mold reservoir in the structure.
Atwe discuss more aspects why the difference between mold and mildew matters.
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
Also Check: How To Remove Mold From Central Air Conditioner
How Do I Get Rid Of Mildew In My House
If your “mildew” is found on building surfaces, it is mold, but it is not mildew, and you need to follow normal mold cleanup procedures.
See BASICS YOU NEED to FIND & REMOVE MOLD for a detailed step by step guide to removing problem mold and for identifying and fixing the cause of mold growth in the first place.
If you are having trouble tracking down a moldy smell in your building, try the suggestions we describe
at ODORS GASES SMELLS, DIAGNOSIS & CURE.
If your mildew is indeed growing on a living plant it can weaken or even kill the plant, at least by interfering with photosynthesis. Mildews on plants may be a species of mildew fungus that is plant specific. For example a mildew that grows on grapes may affect only those plants and may not infect nearby plants of other types, roses for example.
But the conditions that cause powdery mildew to grow on plants invite infection of many plants in a given area. These include crowding , and dampness or high humidity. If a plant is already stressed or weak from other conditions, it may be more susceptible to mildew infection as well.
While lots of “mildew cleaning” products are sold with the intention of removing mold from building surfaces , do not use such products on plants – you will probably kill the plant.
See MILDEW REMOVAL & PREVENTION for details on what to do about cleaning off or removing mildew, and how to both cure and prevent mildew.
How To Prevent Mold And Mildew Growth
Taking preventative measures now will help to prevent future infestations. The most important step to prevent a black mold vs. mildew infestation is to keep all areas of your home and items within it dry at all times. You can keep your home dry with the following tips:
-
Keep interior doors open to improve airflow and circulation.
-
Use humidifiers and air conditioners to keep indoor humidity below 60 percent.
-
Use exhaust fans during your shower or bath and let them run for 30 minutes afterward to help move moisture outside your home.
-
Halt the causes of kitchen mold in its tracks by ensuring the room is well-ventilated.
-
Check for leaks in the plumbing and appliances frequently.
According to the CDC, you shouldnever point fans at moldy surfacesbecause this will spread spores. Instead, put a fan in the window and have the air blowing out of the home. Make sure you clean the fan thoroughly if you use it in a room that is affected by mold.
When it comes to protecting yourself and your home, you will generally take the same steps for prevention and removal whether you find mildew vs. mold. Though a home warranty doesnt protect against mold, it can help you repair or replace your systems and appliances if they malfunction due to wear and tear. A home warrantyfrom American Home Shield® protects your budget when major parts of the hardworking items in your home experience covered issues.Compare planstoday to choose the best one for your household.
Also Check: How Much Does It Cost To Treat Black Mold
Can Mildew Make You Sick
Like mold, mildew can cause health problems with prolonged exposure. While the fungi themselves are not toxic, certain species produce mycotoxins, which can cause mild to severe symptoms in humans. These symptoms are typically reminiscent of a cold or flu and are more dangerous if you suffer from a pre-existing condition like allergies or asthma.
The main reason mold poses a greater threat to human health is because its more likely to go undetected for extended periods of time. Because mildew is a surface fungus, its usually easier to spot and remove.
Related: 7 Ways to Deal with Mold Quickly to Avoid Allergies
Mold And Mildew Testing
If you are not sure what type of fungi you are dealing with, you can have them tested:
- Home testing the easiest way to identify the kind of microorganisms in your home is to drip a few drops of household bleach on the affected area. Wait for about five minutes and inspect the spot:
Both mold and mildew thrive in moist environments and can quickly affect large areas of your home.
if it has become lighter, you are dealing with mildew
if it remains dark, it is mold that has developed in your home.
You can also use various mold and mildew testing kits that are available on the market
- Professional testing if you suspect considerable mold growth in your property or if you arent sure about the best course of action to take, your best bet is to ask for professional assistance. Contact a trustworthy mold removal company in your area for inspection, testing, evaluation, and efficient mold removal services that will help you get rid of the harmful fungi in your home.
Recommended Reading: What To Do If You Have Been Exposed To Mold
Mildew Vs Mold: What Is The Difference
Do you have mold in your home? Or is it mildew? Not sure? You are not alone. Many people are confused about the difference between mold and mildew, or if there is any difference at all. While these terms are often used interchangeably, there are a few subtle differences that can impact how mold or mildew is identified and treated.
When you want to know how mold and mildew could affect your health and the quality of your indoor air, it is important to understand all of their nuances. Keep reading to find out what are the differences between mold and mildew, how they may affect your health, and how to prevent both from growing in your home.
What To Wear To Clean Mold And Mildew Safely
Before even choosing a cleaning product, you should know what kind of safety equipment to wear to clean a moldy surface. Mildew is rarely toxic, however, it is sometimes difficult to tell mold from mildew. Err on the side of caution, and wear the safety equipment! Youll never be sorry you were extra cautious.
The basic equipment consists of an N-95 respirator, goggles or eye protection, & protective gloves with long cuffs. Long pants, a long sleeved shirt and waterproof boots are important to wear as well. Closed toed shoes are a good substitute for boots, especially if you are working on a small area of mold.
Both mold and mildew are a respiratory irritants and allergens, so a mask with a N-95 respirator is important, especially if you know you are allergic to mold. A simple dust mask will NOT protect you from the mold spores or mycotoxins.
To learn more about face masks see our post: In-depth Guide to Face Masks: Allergies, Grass Cutting, and COVID-19.
Also Check: How To Protect Yourself From Black Mold
