When you talk to people about mold and mildew they probably use them in the same sentence thinking that they are the same thing or very similar. Although the cause of each of these are usually the same problem, they are each a different problem that needs to be treated and have their own troubles. Even if you are a careful homeowner, you may still find yourself with one or both of these growing in your home. The one thing that mold and mildew have in common is they each need some moisture to start to grow. They are both a fungus that have been found in bathrooms, basements and kitchens most commonly. The reason these are the most common places is because of the leaks that tend to happen more often in these areas.
Orsack Plumbing Company explains the difference between mold and mildew and what is the biggest cause of them.
What is Mildew: If you a thin, whitish substance in the corner of your bathroom that looks like it might be growing, you most likely have mildew. If you want to identify mildew you are going to be looking for a thin layer of fungus that presents more like a film and is usually a gray or white color. The fungus is found on surfaces that have moisture like under a sink that has a plumbing leak.
What is Mold: Mold is a bigger deal and has a different look than mildew does. Mold will be darker in and is normally a green to black color. It also will build up much faster than mildew and has a fuzzy look. The mold will also grow in an area that has a lot of dampness and moisture and can grow pretty quickly if left untreated. The smell of mold will have a musty smell that you can identify in a room that the mold is growing.
Are Mold & Mildew Harmful to Your Health: Although you don’t want to have mold or mildew due to the fact that it makes the area look unsightly, you also don’t want them because of the health concerns that each pose. The small fungi spores are able to get in the air and in turn into your lungs. They are not good for anyone but are especially bad for people that suffer from asthma. Mold can grow on any surface.
Can You Clean Mold & Mildew: The great thing is that if you see the mold or mildew growing you can get it cleaned and removed. You want to use a good cleaner and a scrub brush to get all the fungi spores off the surface they are growing on. You can use the cleaner to soak the area then use your scrub brush to remove the mold and mildew.
Signs of Mold from Water Leaks: The most frequent signs of mold are small white and black spots in the kitchen and bathroom areas that are leaking. These rooms are prone to leaky faucets which makes proper faucet maintenance vital!
You Need To Find The Source of Mild & Mildew: It is great that you can remove the mold and mildew but if you do not find the source of the trouble you will have more growing in no time at all. Most of the time the growth is due to a leak in the plumbing. Call a plumber out to do a leak inspection to see if they can pin point the problem and repair it. Orsack Plumbing Company offers expert leak detection!
