Difference Between Mold and Mildew and How to Get Rid of Them
These greens that grow on old bread are mold, right? What about black coating on wet parts of the basement? Who has that musty smell? Basically: What’s the difference between mold and mildew? This is exactly what Michael Rubino, author of Mold Medic: An Expert’s Guide to Mold Removal , wrote in a recent article for mindbodygreen . Here’s what you need to know.
What is the difference between mold and mildew?
In short: mold is a type of mold. Per Rubino:
Molds come in all sizes, shapes, textures, and colors, while mold is usually characterized by a white or gray powdery mildew.
When you see mold, you are most likely seeing mold from the Ascomycota division, which tends to be lighter in color and more powdery in texture.
Which type is bad for your health?
It would be Aspergillus, a type of mold that some people may be allergic to, which can make you sick. Rubino says Aspergillus “tends to look like a white-gray powdery substance suitable for mold.” He goes on to explain where it can be found:
This is a common but potentially dangerous mold that we often see in the home renovation industry – mainly on windows, frames and sills; on doors and frames leading outward; under the bathroom rugs; on shower curtains, often between the lining and the curtain; and on the bathroom grout or sealant.
How to get rid of mold and mildew
Even if you’re still not sure if you are dealing with mold or another type of mold, this is not what you need in your home. Now the question is whether you should try to clean it yourself or hire a professional.
If mold appears regularly in your home, say, in the bathroom, Rubino says there is a good chance it is in other rooms as well. In this case, he recommends contacting a licensed mold inspector to inspect, assess the damage, and draw up a plan.
As for cleaning yourself, what you need to do depends on the surface the mold is growing on. Here’s a tip from Rubino:
Hard, non-porous surfaces
If you notice a single instance of mold on hard, non-porous surfaces such as metal or glass, you can simply spray it with a mold remover ( I recommend this ) and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth. Since these areas are covered, mold roots (hyphae) cannot grow in them, so a quick cleanup will take care of everything. Always throw away the microfiber towel when you’re done. Yeah, don’t wash it; throw it away!
Semi-porous surfaces
If you notice mold on semi-porous surfaces such as hardwood, you may need to sand the area to completely remove the root structures of the mold. Otherwise, you run the risk of easily growing back. (Think of mold as a weed: if you just remove the stem, it will continue to grow again. You also need to get rid of the roots.)
Textile
To get rid of mold on textiles, you have two options: clean them with a fabric cleaner that can remove the mold ( which is what I recommend ), or replace them.