Because they're often mentioned in the same breath, the difference between mold and mildew may not be obvious to the average homeowner. First, let's make one thing clear: Both are equally unwelcome additions to your home. Nobody wants active fungi growing on surfaces in living spaces or anywhere else in the house. Both thrive in moist environments and both are generally considered a factor in unhealthy living conditions.
Given those similarities, the difference between mold and mildew is otherwise fairly distinct. Here are some of the ways these two microorganisms can be distinguished.
- Appearance " Mold growth is a fuzzy formation that may be any of several different colors including green, blue, brown, yellow, white or black. Mildew forms a flat growth pattern and may be a downy consistency or powdery. It typically begins as a whitish or yellow color, then turns dark brown or black.
- Structural issues " Mold embeds itself into the substrate of building materials where it grows. Over time, it can cause structural damage. Mildew, on the other hand, is generally a surface phenomenon and doesn't penetrate deeply into materials. One quick way to tell the difference between mold or mildew on surfaces is to wipe away the substance with a wet cloth. If it leaves little or no evidence of penetration into the material, it's probably mildew and not mold.
- Health effects " Since both mold and mildew release spores into the environment, both may constitute a health hazard. However, mold generally is the more aggressive reproducer and releases airborne spores with far greater toxicity to humans than common mildew. Health consequences from long-term exposure to mold include allergic reactions, respiratory illness, asthma and flu-like symptoms.
For more advice on distinguishing the difference between mold and mildew in your home, contact the water damage restoration professionals at Rytech.
Image via Shutterstock.com
