Mold and Mildew: Do the Differences Matter?

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

Mold damage in Salt Lake City, UT.

It is important to understand the difference between mold and mildew before addressing a mold damage problem in your Salt Lake City, UT, home:

• Mildew is often used as a generic term that refers to a variety of molds and fungi, but mildew has distinct characteristics of its own.
  
• Mold refers to all microscopic fungi with a multicellular filament form.
  
• Mold is one type of fungus. Other forms of fungi include yeasts and mushrooms.
  
  

While there are beneficial applications of mold, you certainly don't want to find any growing in your shower, on your walls, or anywhere else in your home.

Mold and Mildew

Similar Beginnings, Different Problems

Mold and mildew growth is encouraged by the presence of moisture, oxygen, and a food source. The two problems have distinct and visible differences. Mold may originally look like dirt. It comes in a variety of dark shades, including green, red, and black. Mold damage often has a fuzzy appearance. Mildew, however, has a light white or gray appearance initially, turning brown as it grows. It has a flat profile, appears powdery, and shows up shaped like small dots. Mold growth tends to be more problematic than mildew because mildew causes surface damage, but mold eats into wood, paper, carpeting, and other surfaces.

Prevention Techniques

Fortunately, it is pretty easy to prevent the growth of mold or mildew. Look for problem areas in your home. If you have rooms or corners that don't get a lot of sunlight, that retain moisture, and that have limited ventilation, there's a potential for damage. The presence of dirt and other debris can increase the risk of mold or mildew, so address this issue as well.

Effective Solutions

It's easy to confuse mold and mildew, but when you have a mold damage problem, it's important to know what you're dealing with to provide an appropriate solution. The best option is to contact mold and mildew cleanup and remediation professionals. These experts have the training, tools, and experience to handle the problem effectively.