Mold vs Mildew: Easy Guide for Kids and Parents

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What Is the Difference Between Mold and Mildew?

Mold and mildew are types of fungus, and they love moisture. You can find them growing in your bathroom, basement, or even on your clothing. They may look alike, but mold vs mildew have big differences in how they grow, smell, and affect your health.

Mildew usually looks white or gray and stays flat. Mold is often green, black, or even orange and gets fuzzy or slimy. Both love dark, wet places. Yuck!

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Where You Might Find Mold and Mildew

In the Bathroom

The shower, tile, and bathtub are perfect places for mildew to grow. If you see black or gray spots, it might be mildew. Mold may show up on the ceiling if there’s poor ventilation.

In the Basement or Attic

If your basement or attic feels damp or smells musty, mold or mildew might be hiding. Poor airflow and high humidity create a happy home for fungus.

In the Kitchen and Laundry Room

Behind the washing machine, under the sink, or near the clothes dryer, mold and mildew can grow if there’s a leak or too much condensation.
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What Causes Mold and Mildew?

While water damage categories address the contamination level, water damage classes focus on the amount of water absorption and the potential for damage to various structures and materials. The class system helps restoration professionals determine the extent of saturation and the necessary drying equipment to be used. Classes vary depending on the types of materials affected (e.g., porous or nonporous surfaces) and the overall impact on the building’s structure. This distinction is critical for planning an effective remediation process and ensuring that drying is both efficient and sufficient to prevent mold and further degradation.

Water Damage and Leaks

Mold and mildew grow after a flood, leaky roof, or plumbing issue. Water damage makes drywall, wood, and even carpet damp enough for fungus to spread.

High Humidity

Too much humidity indoors makes it easy for mildew and mold growth. A dehumidifier helps by pulling extra moisture from the air.

Poor Ventilation

No fresh air? That’s a problem! Bad ventilation traps moisture, especially in bathrooms, laundry areas, and the kitchen.
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What Does Mold Look and Smell Like?

Mold can be black, green, yellow, or even white. Some types, like stachybotrys, are very dark and slimy. Others, like penicillium, are blue-green and fuzzy.

Mold smells bad. It has a strong, musty odor—kind of like old, wet towels or paper.

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What Does Mildew Look and Smell Like?

Mildew is usually gray, white, or light brown. It’s flat and powdery. Ever heard of powdery mildew or downy mildew? Those types can also grow on plants, leaves, and soil.

Mildew has a lighter smell, but it still isn’t pleasant.

Health Problems from Mold and Mildew

Allergy and Irritation

Mold and mildew can cause allergy symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and skin rash. Some people feel a sore throat or irritation when breathing moldy air.

Breathing Issues

Mold can hurt the lungs, especially if you have asthma. It affects your respiratory system and can make you cough or wheeze.

More Serious Health Risks

Some molds release mycotoxins, which may lead to toxicity or even disease. These can damage your body if you breathe them in for too long.
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Mold and Mildew in Your Home

On Surfaces

Mildew and mold love soft stuff like upholstery, carpet, and clothing. They also grow on hard surfaces like tile, floor, desk, and ceiling.

On Plants

Powdery mildew and downy mildew often grow on leaves, roots, and seeds. They look like a dusting of powder and can hurt your plants.
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How to Remove Mold and Mildew

Use Vinegar or Bleach

To clean mildew, mix vinegar or bleach with water. Always wear gloves and open windows for airflow. Use a brush or sponge to scrub the area.

Never mix bleach and vinegar together—it can make dangerous fumes!

Wash Clothes and Towels

Put moldy clothes, towels, or upholstery in the washing machine with hot water and vinegar. Dry them fully to stop the mold from coming back.

Call for Mold Remediation

If mold covers a large area or is in your walls, call a mold remediation expert. They’ll do a full mold inspection and use special tools to remove mold safely.

How to Stop Mold and Mildew from Growing

Control Moisture

Keep your home dry. Use a dehumidifier if it feels damp. Fix plumbing leaks quickly. After a flood, dry all wet areas fast to stop mold growth.

Improve Ventilation

Use fans and open windows. Install vents in the bathroom, attic, and kitchen. Good airflow helps dry wet spots and keeps mildew away.

Use an Air Purifier

A good air purifier can trap mold spores in the air. It helps with indoor air quality, especially if someone has asthma or allergies.

Keep It Clean

Clean bathrooms, kitchens, and basements often. Watch for stains on drywall, wood, or ceiling tiles. If you see any signs, clean them right away!

Common Places People Forget to Check

  • Behind the toilet

  • Inside ducts

  • Under flooring

  • Around windows

  • In the closet

  • Behind furniture

  • Near the roof or attic

Mold can hide! Doing a full check every season can stop a small problem from becoming a big one.

FAQs About Mold vs Mildew

What’s worse for your health: mold or mildew?

Mold is usually worse. It can cause asthma, lung problems, and even serious disease. Mildew can cause allergies but is less dangerous.

Can mildew turn into mold?

Not really. They’re different types of fungus, but they grow in similar places. However, both can be found together in damp areas.

How can I tell if it’s mildew or mold?

Mildew is flat and light-colored. Mold is darker, fuzzier, and smells stronger. Mold also grows deeper into surfaces like wood or drywall.

Does bleach kill mold and mildew?

Yes, but only on hard surfaces. Bleach doesn’t always kill deep mold inside walls, flooring, or carpet. Use vinegar for a safer option or call a pro.

What is the best way to prevent mold and mildew?

Keep your home dry and clean. Use a dehumidifier, fix leaks, and make sure you have good ventilation. This helps stop mold before it starts.

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Eric Allison

Eric Allison is a seasoned professional in property restoration, serving as the primary contact and founder of Preferred Restoration Services, LLC, based in Tustin, California. With a career spanning over two decades, Eric has developed extensive expertise in addressing fire, water, and mold damage, ensuring properties are restored to their pre-loss condition.

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