Mold and Mildew Are Not The Same Thing

3/22/2019 (Permalink)

The words Mold and Mildew are often used interchangeably the realty is the are two different species within the fungi family.  And thus, mold and mildew react differently to the environment and need to be cleaning up differently as well.

Mold is one of mother natures major decomposition sources.  Mold consumes “dead” or decaying” organic materials such as a fallen tree or leaves as a food source.  But unfortunately, mold cannot tell the difference between a dead tree and your drywall.  Mold reproduces by releasing a very small seed into the environment called a spore.  Theses spores use indoor or outdoor air currents to travel and colonize in other locations.  Think of them as a dandelion seed floating along looking for a place to land.  When this spore lands all it needs to begin to colonize is a water source and organic material. Mold will not only colonize on the surface of the organic material but penetrate beneath the surface quickly causing structural damage if left un treated. Thus, finding a removing mold in the early stages is very important to prevent wide spread damage to your property.

Mildew on the other hand is primarily a parasite meaning is lives off a living host such as plants.  It can be found in your home in damp or moist locations but unlike mold mildew remains on the surface and can be wiped away easily.

How can you tell the difference between mold or mildew?  Typically, active colonies of mold appear black or green while mildew looks grey or white.  Also, if you pour bleach on the surface mildew will die and not come back while the surface mold may be killed but it will rapidly reappear because it permeates the material.

If you suspect you have an issue with mold give the experts at SERVPRO of Lexington / Thomasville a call at 336-224-2565 for your no cost assessment today.