Mildew vs Mold: Everything You Need to Know!

What’s the difference between mildew and mold? Upfront, the biggest difference can be found in what they look like. While mildew is typically gray or white, mold can be found in a variety of colors but is often brown or green. Here, we’ll explore other differences and similarities between mildew and mold.

Environmental Conditions

Both mildew and mold depend on moisture and warmth to grow. Typically, mildew grows best when exposed to 62 to 93 percent humidity levels and temperatures of 77°F to 88°F. Comparatively, mold grows best in environments that have 60 percent humidity or higher and in all temperatures. Mold can grow in the coldest and hottest of environments—even antarctica!

Where Do They Grow?

You’re most likely to find mildew on plants and damp organic material, such as clothes, paper-based products, ceilings, walls, and floors. Mold grows on both live and dead organic material, including food, paper and wood products, insulation, carpet, paint, and furniture.

What Illnesses Do Mildew and Mold Cause?

Mildew can cause respiratory issues and the variety of symptoms that can come with that. These symptoms may include wheezing, congestion, headaches, and irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. On the other hand, exposure to mold can cause these same symptoms and much more. In fact, mold has been known to cause inflamed lungs, liver infections, and brain function impairment. However, such effects differ depending on the type of mold.

You can explore more of the illnesses caused by the various mold types by checking out our blog post, Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Take Care of Your Mold.

How Do You Get Rid of Mildew and Mold?

Mildew and small amounts of mold can be easily cleaned with bleach and warm water. Use one cup of bleach and one gallon of warm water. Spray it on the surface and scrub away with a medium-bristled brush. If there are more than a few spots of mold, the cleanup project may require professional hands.

Have Mildew or Mold Growing?

If you have any issues with mildew or mold, call Rapid Restoration. Our restoration team members are trained mold removal experts. Call us today at 612-239-7411, and we’ll help you get your home or business back to its pre-mildew or pre-mold condition.