The Ultimate

Mold Guide

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Mold vs. Mildew

Mold and mildew are often confused for each other because they share many of the same qualities, but they also differ in key ways. It is important to be able to tell the difference between mold and mildew because they require different approaches in order to remove them. And you do want to remove them as soon as possible because they can cause health issues and damage to the structural integrity of your home if they are left alone to fester and grow.

As for the similarities, they are both members of the fungi family, which means they share some basic core traits such as the ability to get nutrients through absorption. Additionally, they both grow when wet conditions are present. If you want to avoid mold and mildew appearing in your home you should make sure there is not any water leakage or excess condensation around the house, because a little moisture is all mold and mildew need to grow.

Now for some distinguishing factors. Whereas mildew will grow flat along the surface of a material, mold has the ability to burrow deep into materials like food, drywall, and wood. So for example, just because you cut off a portion of a piece of bread where you spotted mold does not mean the mold has not spread into more parts of that piece of bread and you may not want to eat it. Typically, mildew appears in gray or white and has a powdery texture. Mold can be found in many colors including black, white, yellow, green, and even pink and has a slimy or fuzzy texture.

Both can be significant issues for a homeowner and those living inside of the home. Mold can break down materials that make up the structure of a house like wood and drywall and compromise the integrity of the building. As far as health problems, mold can cause a wide range of issues for individuals exposed to it including headaches, allergic reactions, respiratory issues, exhaustion, joint pain, dizziness, neurological issues, and heart problems. The individuals most at risk are babies and kids, older folks, and those with weak immune systems. Exposure to mildew can also cause headaches, respiratory issues, and sore throat. The longer the exposure occurs the worse it can get and the more people it can affect. Therefore, quick action is imperative.

Since mildew is usually just on surface of a material, it can be cleaned up easily with household products and some scrubbing. If you are lucky and caught a small mold infestation early on a hard surface, then this may be all you need to get rid of mold in your home. But if there has been significant spreading and the mold has burrowed into porous materials, you may need to call in a professional mold removal team. Keeping the more moisture-rich areas of your home, such as the bathroom, basement, and kitchen, well-ventilated and monitored is key to preventing mold and mildew growth in your home.

Comparison Chart

Below is a simple chart that depicts some of the main similarities and differences between mold and mildew. The embed code is listed below the graphic if you are interested in using it.

  • Mold
  • Mildew
  • Texture

    slimy or fuzzy

    Powdery

    Both arE Fungi

  • colors
    • Black
    • White
    • Yellow
    • Green
    • Pink
    • Gray
    • White
    • Black
    • Yellow
    • Brown
  • picture

    Both love
    Damp
    Environments

  • Growth
    pattern

    burrows under
    the surface


    grows flat on
    the surface

  • exposure
    symptoms

    • respiratory

    • neurological

    • joint pain

    • headache

    • allergic
      reaction

    • heart

    • headache

    • Respiratory issues

    • sore throat

    both can grow
    on virtually any surface

  • how to
    remove

    May need professional
    Help

    easily cleaned with
    household products

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