Mold Vs. Mildew: Here Are 3 Differences

Walking into your bathroom and discovering an unwelcome addition can be distressing. You know it’s one of the two, but deciding if it’s mold vs. mildew can put you into panic mode.

Before you scour every corner of the Internet to figure out the culprit, let us tell you three critical differences between mold and mildew. Additionally, we will let you in on a little-known fact – mildew is actually a form of mold!

Keep reading to determine what has invited itself into your home so that you can create a plan for evicting it!

Appearance

Mold and mildew have very different looks. Mold will be slimy in texture and will be raised above the surface of the wall, shower, window sill, or wherever it grows. Additionally, mold can come in various colors, some being green, black, or red.

If you are faced with mildew, you will notice that it has a powdery appearance and stays flat to whatever surface it adheres to. Although mildew is a form of mold, it will primarily come in the colors of white and gray.

Smell

Although you may not realize it, there are distinct differences in the smell of mold vs. mildew. You can more easily recognize the scent that mildew gives off because it is similar to what you get when you leave clothes in the washer too long. And we have all done that a time or two in our life.

On the other hand, mold has a strong smell that continues to get more intense over time. While both mildew and mold have a similar makeup, mold produces microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs), which create a pungent smell. The smell and the MVOCs can also cause health issues for those in your home, so it is vital to get it resolved immediately.

Location

Sometimes you can instantly decipher whether you are dealing with mold or mildew by its location. While mildew can typically be found on surfaces, mold likes to grow underneath and burrow into walls and crevices.

Walking into your bathroom, you may find mildew spots on the walls around your shower. However, if you were to rip the trim off the wall or replace the tub, you may see mold growing underneath. Both mold and mildew have their preferred areas for growth, which is why the care plans for removal are vastly different.

In Summary

While it can be nerve-wracking to discover, figuring out the mold vs. mildew situation doesn’t have to be a stressful piece of the process. Knowing the key differences to look for can help you understand what you’re dealing with and figure out the best plan for taking care of it.

For your next step, reach out to us to request an inspection. As experts in our field, we can thoroughly analyze the situation and develop a comprehensive plan. Our mold removal process is less disruptive to you and your home and also more effective. In no time, we will have you in a safer and cleaner environment!