Have you noticed something growing within your house, but you can’t quite put your finger on what it is?
This could be mildew, or even worse, mold. It’s a problem that many homeowners know all too well.
You may have recently had water damage or high humidity. This could mean that you have areas in your house that are prone to developing mildew or mold. It’s important to know the difference and what to do if you find it in your home.
Want to learn more about mold vs mildew? Read on to learn the differences and treatments for these unwanted guests.
Mold vs Mildew: Which is Which?
Mildew is a less harmful type of fungus that often indicates the beginnings of mold. If your home has mildew, the good news is that it’s much easier to treat. But if it’s left untreated, it can turn into its much more unpleasant form, which is mold.
Mold is a more harmful form of fungus that thrives in damp or wet areas. Many homes grow mold after a flood or other types of water damage. If you find mold, it’s important to get rid of it right away as it can cause some nasty health effects.
Types of Mold and Mildew
Each type of fungus can present itself differently based on its type. While the general look of mildew is powdery or fuzzy, there’s much more to it.
Mold also presents itself in many different ways. This can make it a little difficult to pinpoint exactly what type you’re dealing with. Some types can even be worse than others.
The Few Types of Mildew
Mildew only has a few different types that like to frequent your household.
By far the most common is downy mildew which you’ll find on fresh fruit. It’s usually yellow or brown in color.
Another common type is powdery mildew. This type thrives on plants where it appears to be white or brown.
The more dangerous types include basidiospores. It’s common to find on wood that has started to rot. Unfortunately, this type of mildew can become quite toxic causing allergic reactions.
Rhizopus is another type of toxic mildew. You can find it on garbage or other household items. This type is also known to cause severe reactions in some people.
The Many Types of Mold
Like mildew, mold has many types that vary in appearance. Some of the most common types to find in your home can also be among the most dangerous.
The most common type of mold is aspergillus, which you’ll find in your walls. It can be yellow, green, or even black, although it is not the true black mold. It does come with some health effects which include respiratory problems.
With water damage often comes Penicillium, which is blue or green in color. This type of mold is known for causing allergic reactions, so it’s important to get rid of it.
Alternaria is another type of mold that loves to grow on water damaged areas. You’ll most commonly find this type in your bathroom growing in the shower. This is why it’s very important to squeegee or clean up the shower when you’re done.
This type is usually brown or black in color.
One final type you should know about is black mold, the worst of all. Although it takes on the name black mold, it can actually differ in color. It can be black, brown, grey, or even green.
This mold is very toxic and it can cause very severe health problems if you don’t invest in mold removal. This can include symptoms such as asthma attacks or sinus infections.
While these are just the most common types, there are many other types of mold as well. Having mold tested is a good way to tell which type it is.
What’s More Dangerous: Mold or Mildew?
The dangerous part of mold and mildew is that their spores can be inhaled. When this happens, our bodies work to create more mucus to stop the spores from entering our bodies.
Despite this, many health effects can be seen with both types of fungus. Typically, mold tends to be a little more dangerous than mildew is.
How Should I Go About Mold Removal?
Both types of fungus need to be removed from your home so that you can stay healthy. While mildew may not be as bad, it can still develop into mold later on.
Before removing the fungus, you should have it tested to be sure of what it is and what type it is. This way, you’ll know how to remove it safely.
For each type, you can go about removing them in different ways.
How to Remove Mildew
If you’re dealing with a case of mildew, you can usually clean this up yourself.
It’s a good idea to grab some bleach, gloves, and a scrubbing tool. You’ll want to clean up the area with these tools and you can be sure that the mildew will be gone.
While this is an easy process, if you’re dealing with mold you’ll need to take many more safety precautions.
How to Remove Mold
If you’ve determined that its mold you’re dealing with, then it’s important to leave this up to professionals.
Mold isn’t an easy clean like mildew is because mildew only affects the surface of a material. Mold works its way inside of the material and breaks it down.
To fix this, you need to invest in mold removal and entirely replace the material that was corroded by it.
Professionals can pinpoint the affected areas and make sure that the mold is completely removed from your home.
Don’t Let It Grow On You
Now that you know all about mold vs mildew, you also know how to deal with it. It can be scary to know that it’s growing in your home, but if you call on the professionals then it will be taken care of.
At PNW Restoration, we specialize in mold remediation in the Portland area. If you’re looking to get rid of mold in your home, contact us today for mold restoration services!
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