Are those Spots Mold or Mildew?

Please note that both, mold and mildew are a type of fungus and are found in almost every part of the world, across most kinds of environments. In the natural world, they are considered rather important since they are an integral part of the food cycle, helping to decompose organic manner and re-nourish the soil. However, within residential spaces mold and mildew are a major hazard, as they put forth aesthetic and health-related problems. To identify whether a spot in the indoor spaces is mold or mildew, you can use the following information.

Examine Infestation Sites

Mold and mildew tend to thrive in damp or moistened surfaces. However, there is a slight difference in their infestation sites. Mold is more commonly found in areas where some form of organic matter is present. This includes places like sinks of kitchens that are in the vicinity of food. Again, things made from wood contain cellulose and other plant resins that can attract mold.

Mildew is more common among inorganic materials like moist walls, cracks and fabrics. This is why despite having negligible traces of organic matter; bathrooms are largely vulnerable to mildew spores. The household variety of mildew can be found on almost every kind of artificial surface, including plastics, tile grout and metallic surfaces.

Identify Mold by Smell

It is usually observed that mold tends to present a detectable odor. Rooms harbored by mold growth for some time are very susceptible to developing an earthy odor or a stench resembling the stink emanating from rotting food. Similarly, mold found in damp, unventilated areas tends to exude a typical stale smell that is commonly seen among damp carpets or rugs. If you are unsure about the kind of smell, simply vacuum the suspected area. The vacuuming dislodges the mold spores into the air, immediately boosting the typical odor, making it easier to identify the smell.

Identify Mold Spots with Basic Home Testing

If you are struggling to decode whether a spot has been caused by mold or mildew, undertake a simple test. Just wash the patch with some water and soap. Don’t dry the patch. If the stain subsides or doesn’t resurface with renewed coloration, it is most likely to be mold.

However, if the patching coloration resurfaces, mildew spores are most likely since they tend to be present deep within a surface and re-multiply. You can further confirm this with a bleach test. Again, wash the suspected spot with some chlorine bleach. If the shade of the stain diminishes rapidly, the spot is likely to be mold since mildew spores cannot be comprehensively cured with household bleach.

Identify Spots by Assessing Appearance

Mildew can be easily distinguished on the basis of its typical coloration. Though this requires some patient observation, the results are quite accurate. Mildew typically has a black or dark-grayish coloration. Molds can range from being black and white to various shades of gray, green, blue and even dull red hues.

If you struggle to identify a spot on the basis of coloration alone, try to observe the texture of the spot. Most varieties of mildew have a characteristic, powdery or velvety appearance.

Powdery mildew usually has slightly duller, whitish or gray shade. The more velvety-looking mildew usually surfaces in the form of sugar crystal-like shape with a dull-white coloration.

Identify Spots by Extent of Hazardous Effects

Some varieties of household molds are infamous for inducing allergic reactions among people. This includes the Stachybotrys variety of mold. These molds produce harmful toxins, grouped as mycotoxins. The allergic reactions include skin-related allergies and respiratory problems. Mold allergy is more common than mildew-induced allergies. Children are particularly prone to developing coughing bouts due to inhaling air-dispersed mold spores.