Everyone should know the difference between mildew and mold.
When it comes to water damage, you’ve probably heard the terms mold and mildew used in conjunction. Knowing what they are and the differences between the two will help you assess the damage in your home and what steps you should take to fix it and get rid of these smelly nuisances once and for all before they continue to wreak havoc on your home and health.
Similarities
Before we cover the differences between mold and mildew, let’s cover why some people get them confused. Mold and mildew are both considered a type of fungus that enjoys moist and humid conditions, which is why they are easily confused, and why they tend to reveal themselves in moisture-damaged areas of your home. They both also find porous materials to be the most attractive, like wood, drywall, paper, clothing, carpet, upholstery, and insulation. From prolonged exposure, mold and mildew also affect air quality and cause respiratory irritation, especially in asthmatic people.
Differences
Through visual inspection, you’ll usually be able to tell the difference between mold and mildew based on their appearances. Mildew is mostly white or gray in color and has a powdery texture. Mold, on the other hand, is black, yellow, or green with a fuzzier texture. Mildew is usually a surface issue that can be cleaned with a mixture of soap, bleach, and water. However, having dangerous mold in your home requires a more involved removal process that often requires professional intervention.
Solutions
If you ever find mold or mildew in your home, the best solution is to contact a professional service that can do a full assessment on the type of mildew or mold that is present, what factors caused them to grow, and how these issues should be treated. If there’s an area in your home particularly susceptible to higher levels of humidity, moisture, or water damage, use a dehumidifier in that area to help prevent the issue from reoccurring.
Mold Prevention And Mold Remediation From Environmental Consulting And Contracting Group
If you are ready to say goodbye to water in your home or business once and for all, contact the professionals at Environmental Consulting and Contracting Group. We have over 30 years of combined experience in professional mold remediation and basement waterproofing, so rest assured that we will find and remove the problem once and for all. We offer our valued customers a lifetime guarantee against the return of mold growth because we are so confident in our work. Give us a call at 1-877-591-MOLD or visit us online for more information. To learn more ways to combat mold growth in your home, follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Google+.
Tags: Black Mold, dangerous mold, mildew, mold