Can you tell the difference between mold and mildew? Read this article to find out.
If you can’t tell the difference between mildew and mold, do not worry, for you aren’t alone. Most people fail to distinguish between mildew and mold and mistake them for each other. However, there are some subtle differences between mold and mildew, which you must be aware of. In the upcoming paragraphs, we will try to understand the differences between mildew and mold, their effects on human health, and how you can prevent them from spreading.
Let’s break it down
How Is Mold Different From Mildew?
Mold comes from the family of fungi in the form of tiny spores. These spores are minute particles which cannot be seen by the human eye. In order to survive and cause mold damage, all they need is a food source and some water. Usually mold tends to hide within the dark and damp areas of your property. It is harmful to human health, and it also ruins the various house materials and surfaces in your home.
Mildew is also a kind of fungi, but it usually grows on flat and moist surfaces. Unlike the damages caused by mold, the damages caused by mildew are much more cosmetic in nature. Mildew is also harmful to human health, but not as harmful as mold. It generally affects your crops, plants and trees, but it can be treated easily.
What Effects Do Mold and Mildew Have on Human Health?
We have already discussed how dangerous mold is to human health. If you have asthma or some other form of allergy, mold can worsen your condition. Some of the common symptoms of mold exposure are as follows.
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Wheezing
- Scratchy and dry skin
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Shortness of breath
- Tightness of the chest
The symptoms of mildew exposure are different from the symptoms of mold exposure. Some of the common mildew exposure symptoms include headaches and nausea.
Where Do They Both Grow?
As we have already discussed, mold comes in the form of very small spores, which are impossible to see. Because of moisture and a food source, these spores grow and cause mold damage. Although it can grow anywhere, mold chooses dark and damp areas.
On the other hand, mildew grows in places where water is used regularly, such as in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room.
How to Identify the Two?
Mold comes in different colors, but it usually has a fuzzy texture. Some of the most common color tones of mold include black, green, brown and black. Moreover, mold has a musty and pungent odor, which is similar to the stench of a wet basement.
On the flipside, mildew is powdery and it usually appears in a greenish color tone. However, its color tone is similar to that of mold, and therefore, distinguishing between the two can be a little challenging.
If you are experiencing mold damage, get in touch with us. We offer the best mold restoration services in Greenville, SC.
