Is it Mold or is it Mildew?
 Is it mold or is it mildew? These terms are so commonly interchanged, that most don’t know that they are different. There are certainly some similarities, but the one distinguishing difference is that mildew is simpler to combat. If your invader is mold, then you have a much more serious problem on your hands. So, how are these two agents of ick different? And more importantly, how do you get rid of them?
Mildew is a type of fungi most commonly associated with bathrooms. It can range in color from gray to dark brown and grows on flat, moist surfaces. Poor ventilation and high humidity cause it to be found in bathrooms because people often take very warm showers with the door closed. And while mildew can certainly cause damage to a home, these tend to be cosmetic in nature. The great news is, since mildew lives on surfaces, combating this fungus is very easy! Usually, a simple household cleaner such as bleach and a sponge will generally do the trick.
Mold is another story entirely. Ranging in colors from white, red, black, or green, this stuff typically looks furry or slimy. It can grow on wallpaper, wood, drywall, ceiling tiles, even dust and can often be found in crawl spaces and basements. Identifying a mold outbreak can be challenging and because this fungus feeds upon the surface on which it grows, a lot more difficult to treat. A good indicator of a mold problem are wet areas and a musty smell.
Mold in your home can cause structural damage and very serious health issues, so finding it before it gets out of hand is critical. But identifying a mold problem can be hard, and it is even harder to fight. But, there are measures you can take to decrease your chances of an invasion of the fungal kind. Mold needs four things to grow: water, food, air, and the right temperature. Take away what it needs to survive, and you may win the war. The key is ventilation. Try installing a fan in your bathroom if you don’t have one or place dehumidifiers in your basement.
So, what if the problem is too overwhelming? It may be time to call in cavalry. The tricky thing about mold is that it may be caused by multiple sources. Determining these problem areas and their subsequent cleanup should be left to the professionals. JR Environmental can provide an inspection and even assist with clean up and restoration efforts. If you need a hand getting rid of your unwanted visitors, give us a call! We’ll help you win the war and get your home back!
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