Mold and mildew are often used interchangeably, almost as if they were the same substance. They both thrive in damp, dark, poorly ventilated areas and can wreak havoc in your home and with your health. Simply put, neither mold nor mildew is welcomed in the home, especially if you suffer from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory ailments.
Read on to learn about mold vs. mildew so you can safely eradicate these growths and keep your home and family safe.
What Are Mold and Mildew?
Mold and mildew are fungi that develop as a result of excessive moisture in confined spaces. They grow in a wide range of temperatures, with some strains especially thriving at higher temperatures. Both mold and mildew can eventually damage the home and/or cause health concerns.
Differences Between Mold and Mildew
While mold and mildew are both fungi that need water, oxygen, and food in order to live and survive, they differ in a number of ways. Mold tends to have a higher profile and can even become fuzzy, while mildew is usually flat. Mold exhibits darker colors such as deep green and black, while mildew may begin as white, then turn brown or gray. Mildew is easier to clean, not as invasive, and therefore not as dangerous or insidious as mold.
How Mold and Mildew Form
Mold and mildew need the right conditions for growth: food, water, and oxygen. Increasing or decreasing any of these factors will cause mold and mildew to either grow or die.
Once spores land on surfaces, they germinate, and grow. Mold and mildew may start as early as 24 to 48 hours after a surface has been dampened, so it’s important to stop them in their tracks immediately. Mildew’s white-gray spots spread outward, not upward, remaining on the surface. Mold, on the other hand, eats into its base and sometimes grows upward, making it harder to remove.
Where to Look for Mold and Mildew
Routinely inspect the following areas for mold and mildew and address them promptly if found.
- In crawl spaces
- Around showers and bathtubs
- In ceilings, near exhaust fans or recessed lights
- In or near areas where water is dripping
- In the wall near the clothes dryer vent
- Near HVAC vents
- Under carpeting that has been wet at one time
How to Prevent Mold and Mildew
It’s impossible to prevent mold and mildew spores from entering your home. However, you can stop the factors that help them to thrive, such as moisture, lack of sunlight, poor ventilation, and dirt and debris.
- Keep things clean.
- Increase ventilation in the affected area.
- Install dehumidifiers to reduce humidity.
- Ensure that sources of natural ventilation such as windows remain open.
- Make sure that HVAC vents remain open and unblocked.
- Check that clothes dryers vents are clean and that they securely attached.
At Optimum Air, we have a variety of indoor air quality solutions to make your home safer and more comfortable. For fresh, clean indoor air that never quits and makes you feel better all over, contact us today.
