Mold Vs. Mildew: 3 Tips for Spotting the Difference

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

It can be difficult to tell mold from mildew.

Keeping up with the household chores at your Broken Arrow, OK, residence can be a challenge. From washing dishes to cleaning carpets and scrubbing out your bathtub, there is much to maintain. One particularly challenging chore can be targeting and eradicating mold and mildew in your home. Because mold damage can happen fast if it is not handled properly, knowing how to spot the difference between the two can help you resolve the issue before it gets out of hand.

1. Appearance

Mildew is typically white or yellow and may have a powdery surface appearance. It may also turn darker as it ages. Like mold, mildew growth will likely spread if it is not treated.

2. Location

You may find mildew in your bathroom or any other room with a high humidity level. While most strains of mold also thrive in this environment, mildew is more likely to grow on flat surfaces, such as shower tiles, windowsills, and shower curtains. Mold is more likely to hide under your bathroom sink cabinet or around the base of a leaky toilet, where consistent dampness allows it to grow.

3. Cleanup Effort

One of the surest ways to tell mold from mildew is how easily it cleans up. Mildew usually grows on the surface of what it occupies and can usually be wiped away with a household cleaner and sponge. Mold is typically tougher to clean up and may require the services of mold damage and remediation company. Once mold growth takes hold on a surface, it usually cannot be resolved with bleach or other cleansers and may even thrive if you introduce water-based cleaning products. Overall, mold removal is best left to experts.

It can be difficult to tell mold from mildew. However, since mold damage can be costly to reverse, it can benefit you as a Broken Arrow homeowner to be able to spot the differences.