Understanding the Difference Between Mold and Mildew

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

Call our experts at SERVPRO for your mold damage.

A musty smell in your home in Chardon, OH, signals that you have a fungus problem. How big of a problem often depends on whether the odor comes from mildew or mold. Both can grow just about anywhere there is moisture, warmth and organic matter to feed on. They often grow in unsightly patches. There's a difference, however, between a mildew problem and mold damage.

Mildew

Milder is the milder fungus of the two. Although you certainly wouldn't welcome it in your home, it is the easier one to clean. There are several signs that the problem you have is mildew growth:

• Moist environment
• Surface infestation
• Gray or white patches

Mildew can be cleaned with a mild household cleaner and a stiff brush. Simply scrub the patches away, and you can reasonably expect that they will not return.

Mold

There are many different types of mold, and they take on different appearances. If the growth is green or black, or if it has a fuzzy texture, you are dealing with mold and not mildew. Mold may also be slimy, whereas mildew is not.

Mold damage is also more invasive. If the surface where it lands is porous, it will grow down into the structure, making it very difficult to remove. When this occurs, you will probably need to hire mold cleanup experts to take care of the problem, especially if it appears on your walls, floors or ceiling. This is not an issue that can remedied with a simple swipe with a soapy cloth. Unless you remove all the mold growth, it will come back.

If you know you have a fungus problem but don't know if it's mildew or mold damage, you can always have it tested. Knowing a few key signs of each, however, can help you decide how the cleanup process should proceed and whom to call for help.