What is the Difference Between Mold and Mildew?

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Mold and mildew are fungi that can grow indoors and cause problems for property owners. They are often results of a prior water damage problem, such as a leaking roof, a broken appliance, leaks in the plumbing, or a flooding event. While they have their differences, they can cause health and structure problems and therefore need immediate remediation from a professional mold removal company.

What is the difference between mold and mildew? ServiceMaster of Cobb will discuss them in this article.

Mildew and mold are terms that are often used interchangeably, but are actually two different things. Mildew is a whitish-gray powdery substance which is mold in its early stage. It grows on surfaces of organic materials such as food or plants, as well as on wood or fibrous items like cardboard, drywall, fabric, insulation and wallpaper. Mildew can most often be found growing in high-moisture places, such as on windowsills and shower walls. 

Mold can either be green, gray, brown, or black in appearance, and may be fuzzy, flat, or slimy. Like mildew, it grows on damp places. Mold propagates through microscopic airborne spores and can appear in as little as 24 hours. Mold can be found in areas of high humidity and inadequate ventilation. Unlike mildew, which is a surface fungus, mold can grow in hard-to-reach areas such as behind drywall and underneath floorboards. 

Mildew's effects on health are milder compared to mold. Mildew is naturally occurring, but mildew in large quantities can cause allergies and may even compromise structural integrity. When consumed, mildew can cause lung problems.

While most mold species are harmless, some such as Stachybotrys chartarum, are toxic to human health and can cause serious illnesses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists the following reactions when exposed to mold:

People with a higher risk for reactions to mold exposure include those with compromised immune systems, asthma, and chronic upper respiratory illnesses.

When left untreated, mold and mildew can cause long-term health issues and property damage. It is therefore essential to locate them and have them removed as early as possible. Professionals, such as ServiceMaster of Cobb, can assess the damage quickly and formulate a comprehensive mold remediation plan.

Do-it-yourself cleanup is unsafe and insufficient to effectively eradicate mold and mildew from your property. Trust the professionals at ServiceMaster of Cobb to perform the job for you. Since 2003, we have been helping clients from residential and commercial properties deal with their water, fire, and mold problems. Our firm is well-equipped to provide cleaning and restoration services through our state-of-the-art equipment and licensed technicians who have the qualifications and knowledge of the industry's best practices to give a satisfactory result.

Contact ServiceMaster of Cobb at (678) 264-3310 for Georgia customers, ServiceMaster Cleaning & Restoration at (423) 220-4482 for Tennessee customers, and ServiceMaster Downtown Commercial at (678) 909-1078 for commercial cleaning services. Our Emergency Response Team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you immediately. You may also connect with us online to schedule an appointment.