Understanding Mold vs. Mildew
Mold and mildew are both types of fungi that can grow in homes and commercial spaces. Both tend to gravitate towards areas with high moisture levels, with flooring being a prime area for both mold and mildew. When replacing an existing floor, understanding the difference between mold and mildew can help you to properly and safely address the issue and ensure a successful installation of new flooring materials. The first step in avoiding mold and mildew in the first place is to keep areas well-ventilated and dry at all times. Doing this will prevent both mold and mildew from growing. If you do find either mold or mildew underneath your floor coverings, here is how to decipher which fungus it is.
Mold tends to be dark green, red, blue and sometimes will have black specks. It also often has a fuzzy texture and can spread to any organic matter including clothes, leather and paper. Mold growth permeates deeply into any material it grows on, making it tougher to remove. Mold has a strong odor that can mimic rotting meat. In addition to looks and smells, mold can cause severe health issues consisting of skin irritation, headaches, and respiratory symptoms that can sometimes lead to lung infections in the most severe cases.
To remove mold, always put on proper PPE before removing and disposing of any damp or damaged materials. Next, mist the mold with clean water to stop any spores from being released into the air and follow with a bleach solution or disinfectant to effectively clean the area. Use a sponge or brush to clean the mold, making sure to frequently clean the water to avoid depositing mold spores back into the area. Mold loves moisture, so ensuring that you fully dry the area for at least 48 hours using fans or dehumidifiers is important and reduces the risk of continued spreading.
Mildew usually begins as flat gray or white powdery dots, which can turn brown over time. Mildew stays on the surface of any object it grows on, making it easier to clean and remove compared to mold, which permeates below the surface of its host material. Mildew is often seen on shower walls and windowsills, but can also grow on plants, paper, cloth, and even floor coverings. Mildew has a smell best described as musty and sour, similar to a wet towel that has been left in a pile of dirty clothes for too long. Mildew also has health risks, causing minor headaches and respiratory issues. Overall, Mildew is generally less harmful to humans than mold.
To remove mildew, always put on proper PPE and clean the area thoroughly with bleach or a household cleaner. Scrub the mildew with a disposable item like a sponge or a rag until it is gone, then properly dispose of both the PPE and cleaning materials.
Understanding the difference between mold and mildew can help with making the correct decisions when needing to remove either of these unwanted fungus from any surface. Both mildew and mold thrive in moist environments, so it is important to keep all flooring materials in a dry and well-ventilated area prior to installation to avoid unwanted growth prior to installation. A few simple tips for avoiding the growth of mold and mildew are to keep humidity levels between 30%-50%, fix any leaky roofs or pipes, be sure to install proper ventilation in areas with more moisture like bathrooms and laundry rooms, and be sure to dry any water damaged areas within 24-48 hours. Another best practice is to regularly inspect all interior spaces for any water damage or signs of leaks. If you suspect you already have a mold or mildew problem, it is essential to address the problem immediately to prevent property damage and health risks within your space.