Mold vs. Mildew
Mold and mildew are types of fungi; typically, mold is black or green, and mildew is gray or white. Mold tends to grows on food, whereas mildew is an issue on damp surfaces, like bathroom walls, basement walls, or fabrics. It grows in the form of multicellular filaments or hyphae, while mildew has flat growth.
This article will help you to differentiation between them.
What are the main differences?
Mold looks slimy or fuzzy, while mildew is powdery.
It’s important to figure out whether you’re dealing with mold or mildew, and luckily the two types of fungi differ in appearance, making them easier to identify. Mildew usually looks white or gray and dry, or even powdery. It always appears flat. Mold, on the other hand, often is raised and can be green, red, blue, or black. Plus, it generally looks either slimy or fuzzy.
Another way to identify the difference is by smell. Mildew has a milder, musty sm
ll that some compare to damp socks, but mold smells stronger and more pungent. The reason mold has a more powerful odor is that as it grows, it produces microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs).
Mold burrows, but mildew grows on the surface.
Both mold and mildew can appear on natural materials like wood, paper, or leather. In the home, they’re most likely to show up in damp areas like basements, bathroom walls, and anywhere with past water damage. Mildew, in particular, thrives in humidity—a relative humidity between 62 and 93 percent is ideal for growth—which is why you’ll see it in shower stalls and on windowsills.
Mildew can cause some health effects but effects from mold—especially black mold—are more severe.
Health risks some with the presence of both mold and mildew, but the effects of mold—especially black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum—are much more severe. People can suffer mild respiratory problems, sore throats, and headaches from mildew. Mold, on the other hand, can affect the nervous system and result in memory loss, headaches, mood changes, and depression. Mold also can cause skin and eye irritation, congestion, respiratory illnesses, and general aches and pains. Because of this, eliminating both of them as soon as they’re detected is essential.
Mildew can be removed with household products and cleaners, but removing mold is more complicated.
A major difference between them is how to eliminate each. Standard household cleaning products and a scrubbing brush work on mildew, which exists on surfaces. Once a fungus identified as mold, however, it’s important to establish what kind of mold it is because the procedure for removing it varies depending on the type. Some types of mold can be removed with bleach or specialized cleaning products while wearing protective gear like a mask and goggles.
