Mold and mildew may look the same but they’re not. Telling them apart can be helpful in determining the proper technique for removal, among other things. Read on to know how to tell mold and mildew apart.
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Mold vs. Mildew – What’s the Difference?
Most people think that mold and mildew are the same. After all, both are black or green growths of fungi that love dark, damp places. However, there are a few difference between the two, including external appearances and techniques for removal. Here’s how to tell them apart:
Mildew is a fungi patch that is usually gray or white. It is visible on the surfaces and easily removed with any store-bought mold cleaner. Mildew has a powdery of fluffy appearance, and over time, will turn brown or black.
Molds are green or black fungal growths that occur when there is a more significant fungal infestation.
It also is visible on surfaces, but it can burrow through layers of damp or moist material such as stale bread, cooked rice, and other food items, leather, plastic, and the like.
Fuzzy or slimy in appearance, mold can be blue, green, yellow, light brown, black, and grey. It also comes with a noticeable odor and often rots the surfaces it invades.
Standard Mold and Mildew Removal
You can remove mold and mildew by mixing equal parts bleach and water in a spray bottle. Spray on affected areas, let it is for 15 minutes, and then scrub it off. This method can remove both mold and mildew infestations and staining.
For fabric stains, use 1/2 cup of borax dissolved in 2 cups hot water and rub in affected areas. Let the solution soak into the fabric and let it sit for a few hours before washing and rinsing.
Removal of Black Mold
Black mold is a more severe form of household fungal infestation. Inhalation can lead to some respiratory problems, so removal requires protective equipment and special chemical cleaning solutions.
The first step is to remove the source of moisture from the area, followed by sealing any air vents or ducts and openings such as doors and windows that lead to other rooms in the house, see also How to Spot Dangerous Black Mold. This will prevent black mold spores from spreading to other places in the house.
Wear protective gear, including a respirator of the face mask and cover your arms and legs to avoid contact with the mold. Use a commercial black mold removal cleaner to disinfect affected areas. Once you’ve done that, place all equipment used in the clean-up in a garbage bag and seal it before disposal to avoid distributing mold spores to outside areas.
Mold and mildew are different types of fungal infestations. For health reasons, early identification is essential; whether you are dealing with mold or mildew, you must avoid the spread of spores. Aside from ensuring prompt removal, making sure that surfaces stay dry can help you prevent further fungal investigations at home.
