You notice something unusual and unsightly on the surfaces in your home, and naturally, questions arise. Is it mold or mildew? What exactly is mold, and how does it differ from mildew? How should you clean or remove it? Are mold and mildew the same? Understanding the distinctions between the two and knowing the proper removal methods are crucial to addressing the issue effectively. For assistance, you may want to consider a mold removal service in Chicago to help you tackle the problem.
What is Mold and How is It Different from Mildew?
Mildew and mold are types of fungi that can be found in the home. They thrive when there is moisture in the environment and can be difficult to eliminate. Mold and mildew can be sneaky and spread quickly without homeowners ever knowing they exist. They also grow on various surfaces, from food to your shower and even a single sheet of paper.
And neither mold nor mildew is a welcoming sight to a homeowner.
So, yes, mold and mildew share many similarities. In many ways, they are similar. However, mold and mildew are different. They have different sizes, shapes, and colors, as well as risk factors, and there are different ways of dealing with each.
A homeowner should understand the answer to the questions “What is mold?” and “What is mildew?” so that when one or both of these fungi are noticed, they can be dealt with properly and promptly.
How are Mold and Mildew Different?
You may think mold and mildew are the same, but there are many differences between them. Mildew is a type of mold.
Mold is a type of fungus that grows in black or green patches and easily penetrates the surface of whatever it is growing on. Mold can even appear fuzzy or slimy in texture. Mold is typically the result of a larger infestation than mildew.
Mildew typically grows flat and doesn’t penetrate the surface, making it easier to clean and remove. It is usually a patch of gray or white fungus.
Problems Associated with Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew can cause damage around your home. Neither mold nor mildew should be left untreated. Once you identify either one, you should remove it to minimize damage and further growth.
Mold is well known for causing structural damage to homes. It can also lead to severe health problems, including allergic reactions, migraine headaches, respiratory issues, inflammation, and mental health concerns. With over 10,000 different types of mold, the effects on your home and health will vary greatly depending on which type is present. Therefore, when you find mold in your home, it is essential to understand what mold is and identify the specific type you are dealing with. While mildew isn’t associated with a high degree of structural damage, it can still harm plants and crops and cause health issues such as headaches and respiratory problems. For practical solutions, consider contacting a Chicago mold remediation service to address any mold-related concerns.
Mold and Mildew Prevention
Prevention is always worth its weight in gold, and this is especially true regarding mold and mildew. It is much easier to prevent mold and mildew than to eliminate it once you have a big problem.
Mold and mildew need moisture to grow, so the first step in mold and mildew prevention is to keep excess moisture out of your home. Use a dehumidifier to keep the humidity in your house low (40-50%). Always have your heating and cooling systems inspected annually to ensure they work correctly; good air circulation can help prevent moisture build-up. If you find any leaks in your home, you should fix them right away. Inspect the attic, basement, and perimeter of your home and your roof so that you can find leaks quickly and deal with them promptly. If water does get in your home, dry it out as soon as possible and follow other mold remediation and prevention guidelines.
Mold and Mildew Clean Up
Once you discover mold or mildew in your home, clean and remediate it promptly. If left untreated, the problem will only worsen, and mold, in particular, poses a severe threat. If you have noticed something unusual or suspect mold in your home, you may wonder about the best method to remove it. Unlike typical home maintenance projects, mold remediation requires special attention. When addressing mold in your home, you might wonder whether to attempt a DIY approach or call in the professionals. Consider contacting a mold remediation service in Chicago to ensure the issue is handled correctly for effective results.
Clean-up depends on how much mold is in your home, how deep the infestation is, and what mold it is. This is why most professionals who are knowledgeable about mold recommend that you have a professional inspection completed before attempting to remove mold yourself.
Mildew is easier to deal with if you can contain it. Because it doesn’t penetrate surfaces, it can usually be wiped down with special antifungal cleaners. The key is complete removal because any mildew left behind can multiply and quickly become a problem again.
Conclusion
Although mold and mildew may not rank high on your favorite topics, you must address them once you spot them in your home. Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of mold and how it differs from mildew. Knowing the facts about mold and mildew is especially important if you are a homeowner. You must learn how to prevent it and what to do if you find some in your home. Many resources are available online for further information, and there are also mold professionals who specialize in inspection and remediation. These experts can answer all your questions and recommend the best way to eliminate mold or mildew in your home. If you have any doubts, please contact a mold remediation service in Chicago for assistance.