3 Key Differences Between Mold and Mildew

5/26/2021 (Permalink)

Molded insulation in a Waterloo, OK home.

Three Differences Between Mold And Mildew

When areas of your home in Waterloo, OK, are wet, humid, mold and mildew are likely to grow. As a homeowner or renter, it may be hard to recognize what exactly is growing. However, learning the differences can help you from stopping any more mildew or mold damage from occurring. 

1. Mold is Fuzzy, Mildew is Flat
Although it can be tough to determine which is which, an easy way to identify the difference between the two is by how they look. Black mold looks fuzzier and often appears slimy or slightly raised from the surface. It usually is a dark color, and also causes warping and bulging of walls. Mildew is flat and often appears dry. It also has a musty smell, but mold colonies are a little more pungent.

2. Mold Is Worse Than Mildew
Although both are unwanted guests, it's important to recognize that mold is a much bigger problem. If you see signs of mold, it's time to call mold remediation services for professional help. This is because mold is more invasive and can cause more mold damage to your home.

3. Mildew is More Common
Although less invasive, mildew is commonly found in humid areas of the home such as bathrooms and windows. Mildew growth has a distinctive smell, and you'll notice little gray or white splotches. Keep in mind that mildew is often considered an early stage of mold, so you'll want to take care of it quickly, too.
Knowing the difference between the two types of growth can help you take the right steps to remove it. In any case, be sure to get professional help quickly to avoid more mold damage.
If you have areas of your home that could have mold or mildew, look for these differences to help identify what kind of mold growth you are dealing with.