Mold vs. Mildew: How to Tell the Difference

In our area of central Florida, homes are prone to moisture which can lead to mold, mildew, and fungus. Each has their own issues and presents in a different way, but they can look similar. It’s important to understand the difference so you know what you’re dealing with in your home. Both mold and mildew are types of fungi, but some types do not present as immediate a danger as others.

If you’re in Plant City, Lakeland, Winter Haven, and nearby areas, here’s how to tell if you have mold or mildew in your home.

Common Signs of Mildew & Problems It Can Cause

If you have mildew, then it’s not as severe as a mold issue, but it still needs to be quickly addressed. Unlike mold, mildew only grows on the surface of a wall, cabinet, or other hard surface. It tends to be grayish in color or sometimes brown. It’s a powdery substance and gives off a foul odor.

While mildew can still cause allergies, it won’t exacerbate as many issues as mold will. Typically, you can clean it off with some bleach or vinegar. Since mildew is easier to get rid of, it isn’t as imminent of a threat as mold is.

How to Know When You Have Mold Instead of Mildew

There are four things mold needs to survive: water, air, food, and a temperature between 40-101 degrees. When these conditions are met, then mold can grow. Unlike mildew, mold isn’t always as easy to spot. Generally, the first sign of mold is a musty, dank smell. Mold causes many adverse complications and should never be cleaned by an untrained person. Mold can be many different colors and if you spot one area of mold, it’s likely there is more lurking underneath inside your walls, flooring, or cabinetry. Unlike mildew, mold is usually slimy or fuzzy and difficult to remove.

Side effects of mold exposure include eye irritation, breathing issues, sore throat, rash, sneezing, confusion, and other flu-like symptoms. Black mold can cause severe versions of these symptoms, so if you spot mold, contact a mold remediation professional such as True Builders immediately.

How to Get Rid of Mold Inside Your Home

Again, it’s not recommended for just anyone to clean mold. It takes a trained professional with proper equipment to ensure that the mold is all taken out and that no one is adversely exposed to mold spores in the air. Mold remediation is a process that requires several steps to get rid of all the mold and replace the areas it had invaded.

If you need mold remediation services at your central Florida home, then contact us today.

At True Builders, we provide mold remediation services across central Florida, including Plant City, Lakeland, Winter Haven, and other areas such as Zephyrhills, Temple Terrace, and Wesley Chapel. If you’re in need of a mold professional to evaluate your home, then contact us today at (863) 647-1800. Our team is available 24/7 to take your call and help!