Mould Vs. Mildew: What’s The Difference?

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Mould Vs. Mildew: What’s The Difference?

By : Jessica Williams

Cleaning every nook and crannies of a house can help create a blissful and healthy sanctuary.  But hidden threats like mould and mildew can destabilise this harmony. Mould and mildew are fungi that take root in your home when there are damp or poorly ventilated areas. The two may appear similar at first glance, but they are different. Understanding this difference and accurately identifying which is which is important for effectively managing and eliminating the issues they pose. If you spot either of the two in your home, you must address it promptly.

This article will take you through the key differences between mould and mildew, including their appearance, growth patterns and the health hazards they present. By the end, you’ll clearly understand how to identify, manage and prevent these fungi – especially if you’re dealing with tasks like expert end of lease cleaning Adelaide  during your end of a tenancy. This brings peace of mind while helping you stay organised throughout the process.

1. What are Mould and Mildew?

Mould and mildew are both types of fungi. The two differ in terms of growth patterns, appearance and their health impacts. Mould grows in dark, damp areas by forming thick fuzzy patches that are black, green or blue in colour. It seeps in deeply on porous surfaces like wood, drywall, fabrics, etc., making it difficult to remove.

Mildew, on the other hand, is more of a surface-level fungus that typically looks like a powdery or fluffy film that is either white, grey or yellow in colour. It is more commonly found on damp surfaces like bathroom tiles, windowsills or fabrics. Unlike mould, mildew is relatively easy to clean as it doesn’t borrow deeply into the surfaces it grows on.

2. Difference in Growth and Spread

mould inside of a house

These two fungi differ greatly in terms of growth patterns and the conditions they need to survive. Mould tends to thrive in warm, humid environments (70-80% humidity levels), where it can spread quickly if left untreated. Some of the common hotspots include bathrooms, poorly ventilated kitchens, basements, etc. In contrast, mildew prefers slightly less humid climates (65-80% humidity level) and is often found on materials like fabrics, paper, leather, etc.

For a thorough clearout during an end of lease cleaning in Adelaide, identifying their growth patterns is crucial. Landlords and property managers often require tenants to deal with mould and mildew issues in the property before vacating it, otherwise penalties may be assigned to their bond amounts. The reason for this stringency: both of the fungi have the potential to cause extensive structural damage that can question the integrity of the property, not to mention they are unsightly.

3. Health Hazards Posed

Both mould and mildew can cause severe health risks. This is even truer for people prone to allergies or weak immune systems. Mould is notorious as it can produce allergens, irritants and other potentially toxic substances known as mycotoxins. When these get released into the air and inhaled by a person it can lead them to develop respiratory issues, skin irritations and even severe allergic reactions. A disease – Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (a.k.a lung inflammation) is often linked to mould exposure.

Mildew, although less harmful, can still cause respiratory issues and allergic reactions, especially when you have a history of allergies. The powdery mildew spores can become airborne quite easily and cause sneezing, coughing or throat irritation. Hence, it’s necessary to eliminate these troublesome issues in routine cleaning or when you’re deep cleaning for the end of the lease. It will create a healthier environment for everyone involved.

4. Prevention and Removal Hacks

A clean and dry environment is essential for eliminating mould and mildew. Regular ventilation, dehumidifiers and prompt repair of leaks in the home can help in reducing fungal growth. Regularly clean bathrooms, kitchens and other moisture-prone areas with anti-fungal solutions to keep the fungi at bay. When it comes to removals – mildew can be dealt with using a simple cleaning solution of vinegar or bleach mixed with water. Mould requires more intensive efforts; hence, it is advisable that you call up professional end of lease cleaners Adelaide, to deal with mould infestations rather than dealing with it yourself.

5. Why Knowing the Difference is Important?

Being able to identify which is mould and which is mildew is not simply for semantic purposes. Knowing the difference will enable you to use the correct treatment methods for each and achieve successful removals. It will also help you develop a strategy for long-term prevention. When you mislabel mold as mildew, it may not get cleaned properly and can spread out and cause more damage. Similarly, mistaking mildew as mould will result in unnecessary panic and a waste of resources.

6. Why You Should Hire Professionals?

Although DIY methods can deal with small-scale fungal growth, severe infestations of mould and mildew require professional interventions. The professionals possess all the necessary expertise, equipment and products to eliminate these health threats properly and return the property to ideal health standards. They conduct thorough inspections, find hidden leaks or structural dampness and provide appropriate solutions for long-term prevention.

During end of lease cleaning Adelaide, landlords often expect properties to be left behind in pristine conditions. Employing professional cleaners will help you meet those standards and provide you with documentation of the cleaning results, which can help you out in case of disputes. So, investing in the experts will help you save time, money and effort.

Understanding the Difference Between Mould Vs. Mildew

mould and mildew cleaning tips

Wrapping up

With all this information, you can assign proper intervention methods for each of these pests. Identify, treat, prevent – this should be your motto regarding mould and mildew in your home. These fungi are harmful and detrimental to both human health and the structural integrity of the house; hence, you must deal with it as soon as you can, if you happen to notice any signs of infestations.