As a homeowner, you may have noticed something a bit "off" in your bathroom, kitchen, or basement—perhaps a musty smell or spots on the walls that just won’t go away. It’s easy to confuse mildew and mold, but knowing the difference between these two can help you tackle the problem early before it becomes a much bigger issue.
Mold and mildew are both types of fungi that thrive in damp, humid environments. But when it comes to treating them, it’s important to know exactly what you’re dealing with, as they each require different approaches for removal. The last thing you want is to ignore a potential mold problem thinking it’s just mildew—it’s a much bigger deal than you might realize!
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the differences between mildew and mold, how to spot them, and why it’s so important to leave mold remediation to the professionals.
Mildew vs. Mold: What’s the Difference?
It’s crucial to know what you're dealing with because mold, especially, can have significant health risks and structural impacts on your home. Mildew, though annoying, is typically easier to clean and less harmful.
Appearance
Mildew is typically white or light gray, with a powdery or fluffy texture. It often appears on the surface of things like walls, tiles, and fabrics, especially in areas with high humidity (like bathrooms or kitchens).
Mold, on the other hand, can come in a variety of colors—green, black, orange, or even purple—and often has a slimy or fuzzy texture. Mold tends to grow deeper into materials, such as drywall, wood, or carpets, and can spread quickly if left untreated.
Location
Mildew usually stays on the surface and is most commonly found on hard, non-porous surfaces (think tiles, grout, and windowsills). It thrives in areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms or kitchens.
Mold, on the other hand, can grow almost anywhere—especially in damp, poorly ventilated spaces—and it often spreads deeper into the material, making it harder to clean without specialized equipment.
Health Risks
Mildew can still cause respiratory irritation and allergies, but it’s generally less harmful to your health compared to mold. Mildew exposure may lead to sneezing, coughing, or a stuffy nose, but it's usually a temporary nuisance.
Mold can pose serious health risks, especially to those with respiratory issues, allergies, or weakened immune systems. Mold exposure can lead to symptoms like chronic coughing, wheezing, skin rashes, headaches, and even more severe issues like lung infections or neurological problems. If you suspect mold, it's not something to take lightly.
How to Spot Mildew and Mold: What to Look For
Identifying mold or mildew early can save you a lot of time, money, and stress down the line. If you notice these warning signs, it’s time to take action.
Musty odors: Both mildew and mold have distinct musty smells. If you notice a damp, earthy smell, it’s time to check for fungal growth. While mildew tends to have a more "clean" smell, mold usually smells more pungent and musty.
Visible growth: Look for discoloration, particularly in areas prone to moisture. If you see patches of white or gray on your walls or ceilings, it’s likely mildew. If you see green, black, or other darker colors, that’s typically mold.
Texture changes: Mildew often looks powdery or fuzzy on the surface, while mold may be slimy or wet, especially in areas like carpets or behind walls.
Dealing with Mildew: What You Can Do
Mildew, while unpleasant, is relatively easy to manage on your own. You can often tackle it with basic cleaning supplies, preventing it from turning into a bigger problem.
Clean with household products: Mildew is usually surface-level, so a solution of vinegar and water, or a store-bought mildew cleaner, should do the trick. Scrub the affected area with a brush and dry it thoroughly to avoid regrowth.
Control humidity: To prevent mildew from coming back, use dehumidifiers in high-moisture areas like the bathroom or basement, and make sure to ventilate the space properly (open windows, use exhaust fans, etc.).
Mold Remediation: Why You Should Leave It to the Experts
While mildew might be something you can handle on your own, mold is a different story. If you’ve discovered mold in your home, it’s time to call in a mold remediation professional.
Here’s why:
Mold spreads quickly: Unlike mildew, mold often grows deep into materials like drywall, insulation, and wood. Removing mold isn’t just about cleaning a surface—it requires specialized equipment and techniques to remove the mold without causing further damage to your home or spreading spores.
Health risks: Mold exposure isn’t something you want to risk. Professional mold remediators are trained to handle mold safely, ensuring that the area is thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated without putting your health in jeopardy.
Long-term solutions: Mold remediation specialists don’t just clean up the current mold—they also identify and address the underlying cause (like poor ventilation or leaks) to prevent future mold growth.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Wait to Address Mold
While mildew might seem like a small issue, mold is serious business. If you suspect mold in your home, don’t wait—address it quickly to prevent health risks and structural damage. Whether it’s mildew or mold, early detection and action are key.
If you find yourself dealing with mold, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional mold remediation service. At GreenShield Restoration, we specialize in mold removal and remediation, ensuring your home stays safe and healthy. We’re here to help—call us today to schedule an inspection.