The Difference Between Mold & Mildew

When you think of household fungi, you probably think of two terms: mold and mildew. There’s a good reason for this: both grow alongside each other in similar conditions, both have invisible microscopic spores that float around in the air around us, and both can cause serious health problems if they’re allowed to fester and continue to spread. However, the good news is both mold and mildew can be treated and cleaned to get rid of the issue once and for all, provided you know which one you are dealing with (or both). Check out our blog to learn about the differences between mold and mildew.

Appearance

Mold and mildew are often found together so it’s often difficult to tell them apart. You have to look closely at any stains in order to figure out whether you’re dealing with mold, mildew, or possibly even both. Mildew has a somewhat fluffy texture, and is usually white or grey in color. Mold, on the other hand, can come in a wide variety of colors, including blue, yellow, white, brown, or grey but is most commonly green or black (which you have to be the most careful about).

Where They Grow

Mold and mildew have another huge difference: where and how they grow. Mildew is generally found only in damp, dark places. Generally, it almost exclusively grows on wet, surfaces in dark areas, on paper, in fabrics, and on other types of organic materials found throughout your home (including on old or spoiled food). It’s worth noting, however, that mildew is a surface fungus, and doesn’t penetrate any lower than what you’re able to see.

Mold is quite a bit different. Unlike mildew, mold can and usually does penetrate the surface of whatever it grows on, meaning you’re dealing often with a much larger infestation than you might think. This infestation can cause serious damage, especially when it starts to grow on your drywall or inside your walls, as it can continue to rot your walls and even cause damage to your home’s structure.

Where mold grows also heavily depends on the type of mold you’re dealing with. In fact, there are several different common types of mold, and each grow under their own specific ideal conditions. Some require a wet, dark area, others foster well in cool or cold areas (like your refrigerator).