When it comes to mildew vs. mold, homeowners often have trouble identifying the differences (1) between these two fungi. Knowing their different characteristics will help you when preparing for the battle against these household culprits.
What is Mildew?
Mildew (2) is a common grey and white fungus that’s often powdery in appearance. In homes, mildew will grow on damp materials like paper, leather and fabrics in addition to walls and other wet surfaces. Because of this, mildew is most commonly found in bathrooms, kitchens and basements. In addition to identifying mildew by its fuzzy appearance, you can also point it out before actually seeing it. Mildew usually gives off a musty smell that indicates an infestation is nearby.
Regardless
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Let the solution dry for 10 minutes and then repeat the process at least two more times to ensure all mildew or mold has been removed.
Fabrics:
When cleaning certain fabrics or pieces of furniture that have mold or mildew growth, take them outside to prevent any spreading of spores. If the material is still wet, let it sit in the sun until dry. Next, use a brush to remove as much mold and mildew as possible. For any remaining stains, use the bleach and water method of removal. If the piece is washer friendly, send it through a cycle after you’ve removed the mildew with bleach.
Professional Help:
For those in need of extensive mold removal (5), turning to a professional may be necessary. Firstly, professional mold removal can run you anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand, so make sure your concern is a valid one. Once you request a removal, the company will first schedule a consultation. If they suspect mold, then they will move on to testing. Once a mold problem is identified, contractors will begin the removal process. Keep in mind, each of the three steps usually include a process