Mold Versus Mildew

No homeowner wants to come across mold or mildew in their house. Not only are mold and mildew gross to look at, but they can also cause health problems. However, identifying it is sometimes easier said than done. So, what is the difference between mold and mildew?

Mold is a broad type of fungus with many variants, including mildew, and they both grow in damp, dark conditions. Mildew is typically gray or white and dusty whereas mold is often green, gray, or black and feels fuzzy or slimy. It’s easier to clean and remove mildew, which often appears as small spots, than it is to clean and remove black mold.

Pay attention to the color and consistency when determining whether you have mold or mildew. Don’t hesitate to call a mold remediation company for an inspection if you discover mold or mildew. Follow along as we highlight the differences and similarities between mold and mildew. 

What Is The Difference Between Mold and Mildew?

Mildew is a unique type of mold, whereas mold is a broad term encompassing specific types of fungus. Mold can appear in many colors, but household mold typically appears green, black, or gray. Conversely, mildew is white or gray and varies in its darkness.

Mildew is typically flatter than mold, which is fuzzy or slimy and in many cases, smells quite strong. The powdery consistency of mildew makes it easy to distinguish from household black mold. Because mold is darker, it’s often easier to spot than mildew, depending on the background. 

Black mold is common in homes, and it grows on organic matter, like plants, as well as materials like cellulose. Mildew can grow on most surfaces in a home, especially if they’re damp. It’s easier to clean and remove mildew than black mold. 

Why Does Mildew Grow On Walls?

Mildew mostly grows on walls due to excessive moisture from humidity and leaks. That’s why many homeowners find mildew on the walls in their kitchens and bathrooms. Mildew and black mold can both grow in bathrooms, especially if the room is poorly ventilated. 

For example, there is a strong risk of mildew growth if you take long showers without running a fan. Mildew doesn’t appear immediately, but you may notice spots of mildew within 1-2 days of condensation. Luckily, in many cases, mildew sits on the surface instead of embedding itself within a material.

That makes it easy to remove mildew before the problem gets worse. It’s a great idea to frequently check the surfaces in parts of your house where you struggle with humidity. Otherwise, you must reduce the humidity and condensation in your home with smart shower practices and a dehumidifier. 

How To Prevent Mold And Mildew

1. Boost Ventilation

A lack of ventilation is bad for any room in your home. For example, mold and mildew can easily grow in bathrooms without fans. There is a misconception that long, hot showers cause mold to form, and this scares some homeowners. 

However, that is only likely if you don’t run the ventilation fan in your bathroom during your shower. Even turning your fan off too soon after a shower can cause mold and mildew to grow. Ideally, you should run your fan for up to 30 minutes after you shower. 

Make sure the fan is properly connected to the outdoor vent. That may not be an option for you if your fan is temporarily broken, so you should at least crack open a window. This will reduce the indoor humidity and lower the risk of mold and mildew growing. 

2. Repair Leaks

Mold and mildew love leaks, as they provide enough moisture to help them grow. That’s why patching leaks is essential if you want to prevent mold and mildew. Doing so can also save you a fortune during winter, as your pipes are unlikely to freeze. 

Inspect your kitchen and bathroom for leaks under your sinks and around your faucets. Use plumber’s putty to patch these leaks or call a plumber if you’re inexperienced. Patching leaks can also reduce the slipping hazard in these rooms and make your home much safer. 

3. Use A Dehumidifier

Sometimes, improving ventilation means spending money on renovations you can’t yet afford. You can save money while fighting mold if you instead buy a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers pull moisture from the air and reduce the humidity in a room. 

They come in handy during allergy and flu season as well, and dehumidifiers are good for homeowners with asthma. You can buy whole-house dehumidifier systems, but they may not be necessary. For example, you can find small dehumidifiers that are perfect for single rooms prone to mold and mildew.

Set up a dehumidifier in an area of your house where mold is common, such as the basement. The reduction in humidity should work wonders to stop mold in its tracks. 

Powerful systems often cost over $150, but small units cost as little as $70. Dehumidifiers have many other uses, such as pest control, so they’re worth investing in. 

4. Run Your Air Conditioner

Air conditioners don’t just make your home more comfortable on hot days. They also dehumidify the air in your home, which can reduce the risk of mold in muggy houses. This comes in handy for homeowners who live in humid climates and struggle with mold and mildew. 

However, you don’t need to run your AC constantly, so don’t worry about crazy energy bills. Instead, run your AC when you notice an increase in indoor humidity. It helps to set up a humidity meter to determine when the humidity level goes over the 30% to 50% range. 

Run your AC to lower the humidity level if it is at 50% to 60%. Many homeowners run their air conditioners upon getting out of the shower. This, paired with running the bathroom fan, can help prevent mold and mildew. 

5. Keep Your Towels Clean

It’s easy to put off cleaning your shower towels and hand towels, as waiting for them to dry can be inconvenient. However, leaving them to hang when they are damp creates the perfect conditions for mold to grow. The combination of the towel’s moisture with the darkness of the room when you aren’t using it can nurture mold. 

Ideally, you should wash your bathroom towels at least once weekly. It’s a great idea to keep spare bath and hand towels for when you wash the dirty set. That way, you never have to go without towels in your bathroom. 

6. Insulate Your Pipes

Poorly insulated pipes are prone to condensation, which can create a wet mess. The room that the pipes are in can quickly become damp and humid if the pipes aren’t insulated. A lack of pipe insulation can also cause pipes to freeze and eventually burst over winter. 

Non-insulated pipes often cause mold and mildew to grow in basements and crawlspaces. However, this can happen anywhere you have pipes that are not insulated. Mineral wool and fiberglass insulation are effective at preventing pipe condensation during temperature changes. 

7. Clean Your Shower

The humid air in a bathroom isn’t the only reason mold and mildew can grow in them. Each time you shower, you likely get your bath products wet and leave them that way when you get out. Upon getting out, you may also get the floor and even the walls damp. 

The combination of the water, humidity, bacteria, soap scum, and darkness of the room contributes to mold. That’s why it’s a great idea to occasionally dry and clean your shower. This includes your bottles of body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. 

The fewer damp items in your bathroom, the less likely mold will grow. Place an absorbent rug or mat as close to your shower as possible to reduce the water mess. Cleaning your bathroom 3-4 times per month can work wonders to prevent mold. 

Summing It Up

Mildew is simply a type of mold, which is a specific fungus with many variations. Both mold and mildew are typically caused because of moisture and thrives on surfaces made of organic matter. Bathrooms, basements, crawlspaces, and kitchens are common places for mold and mildew to grow. 

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• Does Homeowner Insurance Cover Mold?
• How To Prevent Mold After A Flood