Is There a Difference Between Mold and Mildew?

Many people use the terms mold and mildew synonymously, substituting one for the other, which causes confusion, because we wonder if they are the same or if there is a difference. They are the same, but they are different...does that clear things up? Like so many things in life, they have various similarities and various differences.

Mold vs Mildew Difference

Image of Questions about mold and mildew - Mold Solutions NWMany people use the terms mold and mildew synonymously, substituting one for the other, which causes confusion, because we wonder if they are the same or if there is a difference.

They are the same, but they are different…does that clear things up?

Like so many things in life, they have various similarities and various differences.

Let’s talk about the similarities between Mold and Mildew

  • Both are types of fungus and spread by spore movement
  • Both can be found growing in damp warm areas
  • Both produce allergens and can be toxic and cause health problems
  • Both can be found growing on a variety of surfaces
  • Both move and spread easily and freely
  • Both are always with us…they’re everywhere
  • Both give off a musty smell

What are the differences?

  • They are different in color
    • Mold is found in a variety of colors, from black to green to orange and even blue
    • Mildew is normally gray or white and can change color as it matures
  • They are different in appearance or texture
    • Mold is often thicker, it can be slimy or fuzzy
    • Mildew is either powdery or downy
  • Mildew can be spread by animals or even be transported on your clothing or shoes
  • Some molds serve a purpose, they can be used in the production of penicillin or cheese
    • There aren’t any good uses for mildew
  • Mildew is more predominantly found on fabrics, paper and showers
    • Mold is more typically found in walls, on ceilings and on food, in attics and crawl spaces
    • Moldy food should never be eaten

Whatever their similarities or differences, it is unhealthy for you to have them growing in Image of Trash moldy food - Mold Solutions NWyour home or any place where you spend several hours a day.

If you have mold on your food, throw it away.

Most people don’t have the knowledge or resources to remediate mold safely and permanently, so if you have mold growing on your walls or ceilings call a professional to assess the damage and eliminate the problem.

Mold Solutions is a full service mold solutions provider for the Seattle Puget Sound area, Bellevue, Everett, or Tacoma

We can remove the threats to your health and safety caused by mold.

Have a Question About a Mold Problem?

Send Us a Message

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

More Articles

Diagnosing Your Mold Problem – How Mold Removal Works, Part 1

There is a lot of discussion about black mold and its dangers, but there isn’t a lot said about brown mold, and although it’s a fairly common type of mold many people may not have even heard the term.
Brown hairy mold, or Stemonitis, is called that because because it has a brown furry appearance.

Residentional Mold Removal

Protection & Mold Prevention – How Mold Removal Works, Part 3

There is a lot of discussion about black mold and its dangers, but there isn’t a lot said about brown mold, and although it’s a fairly common type of mold many people may not have even heard the term.
Brown hairy mold, or Stemonitis, is called that because because it has a brown furry appearance.

seattle mold removal

How Much Mold Exposure is Harmful in Seattle?

Some people are more sensitive to mold than others, but no matter what your sensitivities are, everyone should limit their exposure to mold.

Mold is actually a fungus and can be found indoors as well as outdoors. Although there is not an exact count of how many different types of mold there are, it is estimated that there may be from tens of thousands to as many as three hundred thousand.

5/5

“Peter came quickly to give us his expertise in our basement bathroom area.”

~Lulu A.

5/5

Their team does excellent work and is very thorough.

~Nick Loveless

5/5

Very professional, prompt, kind workers who treated us with respect.

~Kathryn Strobel

5/5

“My experience with Peter from Mold Solutions has been great.”

~Susan Ferrell

5/5

Availed of Mold Solutions NW services and I am very – very- pleased with the results!

~Mauro Rizzi

5/5

Mold Solutions NW is my go-to vendor for anything remotely related to mold.

~Dhilip Gopalakrishnan

Mold Solutions NW

(425)888-3332

Call Now to Schedule an Appointment!

We are mold remediation, mold abatement, and mold inspection experts serving Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, and surrounding areas including Western and Eastern Washington.

Copyright 2024 © All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Site Map

Website Design and SEO by Restoration Inbound​

mold remediation

Have a Mold Problem? We Are Here to Help!

Fill out the form below and we will contact you within 24 hours.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.