They’re gross, toxic, and types of fungi that love moisture: mold and mildew. Both are signs of excessive moisture in your home, are toxic, and should be removed right away. But what exactly are mold and mildew, and what are the differences between the two? Thankfully, there are distinct differences between the fungi cousins. Follow along with WOW Total Cleaning & Restoration to determine which is which.
While both members of the fungi family, mold and mildew have different identifying issues and risks. Mold is usually black or dark green and usually grows beneath the surface, such as underneath a carpet, in a wall, or in food. Mildew is much shallower—it grows on the outer surface of wet areas such as a shower curtain or indoor plants. Unlike mold, mildew is white or gray and can give a fuzzy appearance.
The difficult thing about mold is how it seeps into surfaces and objects. When the green or black spores are finally visible on the surface, this means the mold has thrived for some time. There are multiple types of mold, each of which grows and look different.
A. Aspergillus - The most common type of mold is Aspergillus, which appears in a plethora of colors (such as green, brown, white, gray, black, or even yellow) and grows on paper, clothes, walls, and insulation. Allergic reactions and lung infections are common after long exposure.
B. Alternaria - Another type of mold is Alternaria, which often appears after extensive water damage and looks dark brown, black, or gray. Alternaria can grow in a variety of places, such as sinks, bathrooms, windows, and doors, and can cause asthma.
C. Cladosporium - Another strain of mold that is more common in cooler areas and appears on wood, carpet, curtains, and mattresses, and can cause nail and skin infections.
In areas with low humidity, Penicillium is an easy-spreading, foul-smelling, green or blue type of mold that grows on spoiled food and various parts of the home, such as a mattress, walls, fabrics, and furniture.
D. Black Mold - Perhaps the most known and feared type of mold, however, is black mold. Black mold is the most dangerous and toxic kind and can cause numerous health problems. It’s known for having a dusty smell and can exist in AC units or basements.
On the other hand, mildew is much easier to spot than mold and doesn’t have as many types. There are two types of mildew: powdery and downy. Powdery mildew is white or gray and has a web-like appearance. It often grows on indoor plants, and the mold can turn yellow and black after a while. Downy mildew is found on produce or shower curtains and looks very similar to powdery mildew.
Removing mildew is much easier than removing mold. While mildew can be removed with a brush, mold is different—it spreads through the air, making removal difficult. If you suspect mold growing in your home, it’s best to call a professional to ensure that the mold will not reproduce and spread. Professionals like WOW Total Cleaning & Restoration have decades of experience in water damage restoration and mold removal. WOW Total Cleaning & Restoration has led the Austin area in expertise, customer service, and professionalism. Contact us today for more information about our services.
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